Students will the about the family life cycle, family structure, functions and contributions of family, and how to help build a strong family.
teen, family, support, life cycle, family structure, support system, nuclear, adoptive, extended
I have been a K-12 teacher for approximately 6 years (after earning a master's in elementary education) but I have worked in the education sector for more than 15 years. Last year, I received a family and consumer science certification, which allows me to teach a variety of human services classes for grades 6th through 12th. For the 2020-2021 school year, I was hired as a family and consumer science teacher within the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Jefferson County Schools near Birmingham, AL. Currently, I teach grades 6th-8th. My current classes are Hobbies (6th grade), Teen Discoveries (7th grade), and Teen Connections (8th grade).
This learning module was created as an adaption to a lesson for Teen Connections. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were required to convert physical text and materials into online learning sessions to ensure that students met the standards set forth by the state. This learning module utilized New Learning in that it was developed as a result of a change in society. Many students and parents chose online learning instead of the traditonal method of brick and mortar option. As a result, I am teaching virtual students and in-person students simutaneously.
The texts for the class, the 2010 version of Apply Life Skills and the 2007 version of Discovering Life Skills, was created by McGraw-Hill. I transformed the physical material into videos highlighting the text that's relevant to the standards. I also converted the suggested classwork and homework activities into online quizzes and tests to access the students' learning. Supplemental materials, such as enrichment activities, labs, and journal entries, were also digitized for online learning.
The unit, Family: The Cycle, The Structure, The Importance, is broken into two parts, 1) The Anatomy of the Family and 2) Family Dynamics. Below are the summaries provided by the text.
Anatomy of the Family
Families provide for members' physical and emotional needs. The family unit is also where children first learn social skills and moral values. There are many different family structures and cultures but all families share the same basic functions. Most families go through the same predictable stages of change. This is called the family life cycle.
Family Dynamics
From young to old, every member of a family fulfills several roles and has many responsibilities. Strong families have common characteristics that foster family bonds. Showing understanding, respect, responsibility, and appreciation can help you improve relationships with your family members. Spending quality time with family members can help you build relationships that last a lifetime.
Note: All graphics were created by the author using information from the referenced textbooks and stock images supplied by Canva. All videos featured (and were created by) the author using information found in the referenced textbooks. Images used within the PowerPoint presentations and videos were stock images provided by Canva and/or Google Slide search.
After completing this module, you will be able to:
This module will require you to watch videos, participate in discussions, complete a journal entry, as well as an enrichment project. A rubric will be provided for each graded activity.
VIRTUAL NOTEBOOK: Below is the link to this module's virtual notebook. It is to be used for notes, journal entries, and other activities as assigned. To use the notebook, you must make a copy. To make a copy,
The textbook for this module is Applying Life Skills. You will be required to complete readings for this module.
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ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY: This module includes an enrichment assignment. View "Create Your Family Cookbook" before you start of this module so that you have enough time to complete it during Week 2. You will need to collect information prior to Week 2. The purpose of this assignment is to help you discover family traditions related to cooking.
Graded Assigments in this Module
Target Learners
The target audience for this module is 8th grade students in a variety of human services classes, more specifically family and consumer science.
Learning Objectives
This module identifies the functions of families, the various types of families, and the typical life cycle of a family. Students will learn about roles and responsibilities within the family and how to improve their relationships with parents, grandparents, and siblings.
Below are the Alabama State Standards that will be covered in this module.
Teen Connections: [8.TC.5]
Writing: [W.8.7]
Language: [L.8.4]
Rationale
This module will help students understand how families provide for its member's physical and emotional needs. This includes how families are where children first learn social skills and moral values and how all families share the same basic functions, no matter structure, cultures, or personalities. This module also includes ways in which social trends and changes affect today's families.
Length
This module can be completed in 13-16 school days with approximately 40 minutes per class period. Students will view recorded lectures, participate in discussions with classmates, create their own updates and complete an enrichment activity.
DAY 1: The Importance of Family
DAY 2: The Family Life Cycle
DAY 3: The Family Structure
DAY 4: Family Roles & Responsibilities
DAY 5: Getting Along with Your Family
DAY 6-15: Virtual Family Cookbook/Peer Revews/Revisions
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF MODULE
Enrichment Activities: This module includes an enrichment assignment. Students should view "Create Your Family Cookbook" at the start of this module so that there is enough time to complete it during Week 2. The purpose of this assignment is to help studentss discover family traditions related to cooking.
Materials
Students will need a laptop, ipad, or other internet-ready device and access to the internet. Students may also need headphones but this are optional.
Textbook: The textbook for this module is Applying Life Skills.
First, read pages 202-205 of the text. Then, complete the remaining update.
Families are considered the building blocks of society as they make up our communities, cities, and countries. No matter the family structure, families provide physical, emotional, social, and moral support to its members. This is needed to grow and develop into independent, well-adjusted adults.
The graphic below provides the key vocabulary in this update. Use the virtual notebook to take notes. If you have not opened and copies the notebook yet, use the link above to do so. Remember where you save your notebook so that you can add and review it as you complete the module.
These videos helps to explain the physical, emotional, social, and moral importance of family (Reedy, 2020).
(Reedy, 2020)
(Mortim D, 2015)
Comment: How do parents pass on social skills to their children?
Use the rubric provided to help create your comment.
Objective: Identify the Key Functions of Family
Main Idea: Although there are many different types of families, each family has a similar life cycle and fulfills the same important functions. Families provide for member's physical and emotional needs. The family unit is also where children first learn social skills. There are many different family structures, cultures, and personalities, but all families share the same basic functions.
Key Vocabulary
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
Virtual Notebook (Students entries will vary)
This update covers pages 202-205 of the text.
Comment Required: How do parents pass on social skills to their children?
First, read pages 209-210 of the text. Then, complete the remaining update.
Although social trends have affected today's families, most families still go through certain predictable stages from their beginning as a couple until their final years. This is called the family life cycle. There are FIVE steps.
The videos below provides descriptions of each cycle of the family, from the beginning to retirement. As you watch the video, use your virtual notebook to take notes. The graphic below may also be helpful.
Where does the nuclear family come from?
(Orgins, 2017)
Remember, though most families go through the family life cycle in order, many do not. For example:
Comment: Pick one stage and describe how physical and emotional needs change during that stage.
Use the rubric provided to help create your comment.
Objective: Outline the family life cycle
Main Idea: Although social trends and changes have affected today's families, most families still go through certain predictable stages fro their beginning as a couple until their final years. The process families go through as they grown and change is called the family life cycle.
Key Vocabulary
This update covers pages 209-210 of the text.
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
Virtual Notebook (Student comments will vary)
Comment Required: Pick one stage and describe how physical and emotional needs change during that stage.
Comment Rubric
First, read pages 206-208 of the text. Then, complete the remaining update.
Family life has changed drastically over the years. In the early 1900s, many people still lived and worked on farms, and few of today's conveniences had been invented. Today, life is changing faster than ever, and so are families. Some changes are the result of divorce, remarriage, and economic shift.
The video below provides details on the different family structures that make up our society.
(Reedy, 2020)
Family come in all sizes, shapes, and personalities. They differ in who the family are and how this individuals are related. These characteristics make each family unique. Use the graphic below to help with note-taking during this update.
Comment: Actions of family member can affect each other both positively and negatively. How can you prevent your own actions from affecting family members?
Use the rubric provided to help create your comment.
Objective: Describe the various types of families.
Main Idea: Families come in all sizes, shapes, and personalities. They differ in who the family members are and how these individuals are related. These are what make families unique. No family remains exactly the same over the years. Some changes are the result of social trends, such as divorce, remarriage, and an economic shift.
Key Vocabulary
This update covers pages 206-208 of the text.
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
Virtual Notebook (Student comments will vary)
Comment Required: Actions of family member can affect each other both positively and negatively. How can you prevent your own actions from affecting family members?
First, read pages 212-213 of the text. Then, complete the remaining update.
A person's role in a family is linked to a person's place in society. Some roles like son, daughter, younger brother, or older sister, come with a person's position within a family. These roles help people know how to act in certain situations.
The video below will provide more information on family roles and responsibilities.
Access your virtual notebook to take notes during the video.
Before you discuss this update with your classmates, read the scenario and think about how Josh should handle the situation.
Should Josh baby-sit or go to the beach with Robert? What is a possible compromise that would allow Josh to honor both his commitment to his friend and his family?
Comment: In order for families to function well, the members have to be able to count on one another to fulfill their responsibilities. What are the type of actions that make a person dependable and how that actions would benefit the whole family.
Update: What is one way that technology interferes with family togetherness. Explain why and provide a solution.
Response: Respond to 2 updates of your classmates adding to their ideas.
Use the rubric provided to help create your comment, updates, and responses.
Objective: Describe the various types of families.
Main Idea: Learning family roles will help you create and maintain strong family relationships. A person's role is acquired according to his/her family position, such as son or daughter and younger brother or older sister. In order for families to function well, the members have to be able to count on one another to fulfill their responsibilities.
Key Vocabulary
This module covers pages 212-213 of the text.
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
Scenario: The character building scenario is to help students come up with an alternative plan so that they are able to keep their commitments to both people.
Virtual Notebook (Student comments will vary)
Comment Required: In order for families to function well, the members have to be able to count on one another to fulfill their responsibilities. What are the type of actions that make a person dependable and how that actions would benefit the whole family.
Update Required: What is one way that technology interferes with family togetherness. Explain why and provide a solution.
Responses Required: Respond to 2 updates of your classmates adding to their ideas.
First, read pages 214-219 of the text. Then, complete the remaining update.
Getting along presents challenges in every family. Think about all the ways family member are different.
These differences can cause miscommunication and conflict. It is important for family members to understand each other as much as they can. The videos below will help increase your understanding of how to get along with your parents and your siblings.
(BrainPop, n.d.)
This graphic, along with the videos, will help you complete your notes in your virtual notebook.
Comment: Think about a family that you know. Pick out one you think is an example of a strong family. Describe that family and how they show their strength.
Use the rubric provided to help create your comment.
Objective: Identify four strategies for getting along with family members
Main Idea: Getting along presents a challenge for every family. It is important for families to under each other as much as they can. Think about all the ways that families are different: age, gender, personalities, life experiences, interests, abilities, and responsibilities. It is important to increase understanding, show respect, act responsibly, and show appreciation.
Key Vocabulary
This update covers pages 214-219 of the text.
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
Virtual Notebook (Student comments will vary)
Comment Required: This about a family that you know. Pick out one you think is an example of a strong family. Describe that family and how they show their strength.
The enrichment activity for this module is a virtual family cookbook. For instructions and rubric, please click the link below.
Review both portions, The Anatomy of the Family and Family Dynamics, of the FAMILY module and review the requirements for the enrichment assignment, The Virtual Family Cookbook.
Rational for Enrichment Assignment: The Virtual Family Cookbook is meant to enrichment the student's interaction with their family, nuclear and extended. Creating the cookbook will also allow the student to learn more about their culture and traditions.
The PowerPoint lesson is attached as a PPTX and a .PDF in case the fonts do not transfer.
On Day 10, Review a peer’s virtual family cookbook by selecting an update. You should choose one that has not been reviewed yet. Respond to the update and include the review (below) with your notes. This review needs to be turned in by Day 12 to allow time for your peer to revise their cookbook and make their final submission. A peer will also complete a review for you.
Instructions for completing peer review:
On Day 10, the student will review a peer’s virtual family cookbook by selecting an update. The student is asked to choose a cookbook that has not been reviewed yet. The student will respond to the update and include the review (below) with their notes. This review needs to be completed by Day 12 to allow time for students to revise their cookbooks and make their final submission.
Revise your virtual family cookbook and submit the final by 11:59 pm on Day 15. To submit, download your cookbook and email a copy to your teacher. Use the rubric and your peer review to help with any revisions.
Instructions for submission of final draft:
Allow students to use their peer review to revise their virtual family cookbook. Remind students of the submission due date (by 11:59 pm on Day 15) and the instructions to submit.
To submit the final draft, students will download their cookbook (from Google Slides) and email a copy to the teacher. The rubric is below.
To complete the unit, Family: The Cycle, The Structure, The Importance, take the assessment using the link below.
Famliy: The Cycle, The Structure, The Importance Assessment
If you are unable to access the assessment or if you have any other question or concerns, please email the teacher.
Release the assessment to students on Day 16. Be sure to provide the due date, including the time. This assessment will complete the unit, Family: The Cycle, The Structure, The Importance.
BrainPop. (n.d.). Conflict resolution [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EABFilCZJy8
Glencoe. (2006). Your family. In Discovering life skills (pp. 43-60). McGraw-Hill Education.
McGraw-Hill, Kelly-Plate, J., & Eubanks, E. (2010). Applying life skills student activity workbook. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company.
McGraw-Hill, Kelly-Plate, J., & Eubanks, E. (2010). Building strong families. In Applying life skills, TWE (pp. 200-224). Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company.
Origin of Everything. (2017, November 21). Where does the nuclear family come from? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/-T6v3DhGhTc
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). Getting along with your family [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/fDh_5VsysUY
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). Family roles and responsibilities [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/X2-f8XaCXr4
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). The family life cycle [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/XFvvMQni1uQ
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). The family structure [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/QyqTY-3xLKI
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). The importance of family [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8BcYWUKLcOA
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). Getting along with your family vocabulary [Image].
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 13). Family roles and responsibilities vocabulary [Image].
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 9). The family life cycle [Image].
Reedy, P.E. (2020. October 9). The family life cycle vocabulary [Image].
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 10). The family structure vocabulary [Image].
Reedy, P. E. (2020, October 10). The importance of family vocabulary [Image].