Family

Objective: Children gain knowledge of the concept of families and where they fit in as well as an understanding of rules and chores that are necessary in families.

Preparation:

• Find pictures of families from the internet, pictures books, magazines or old calendars.
• Have crayons for the children to draw with.
• Be prepared to draw family or find a family tree work sheet on the internet to copy. 
• Decide on a book to read.

Suggested books:

• Me And My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney
• I Love My Family by Wade Hudson
• I Am Responsible! by David Parker
• The Family Book by Todd Parr

Lesson:
Read the book(s) then discuss:

Discuss the structure of families. These are some aspects you may want to included depending on the children you are teaching:

• Some have step children or parents.
• Some have single parents.
• Some have a lot of children some only have one.
• Many people think of other loved ones as family even if they are not related.
• Lots of families have pets, but many don’t.
• Uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents are part of families.

Explain that every member of the family is important and has a role to play to make the family work like:

• Every family member has chores and responsibilities to keep the house and yard clean, fix meals and pay bills, etc.  Ask each child what their job or chore is that contributes to their family.
• Family member can be kind to each other to help make a happier family.  Ask what they can do to help make a happier family.
• Rules are important in families too. Discuss rules in the families of each child has and why they are important.

Activity: Make a family tree or draw family.

• Have each child draw pictures of themselves and other family members in each corresponding circle.
• Have them color and decorate the tree.