OUR FAMILIES
Learning about the diversity of families in the classroom.

Learning Areas: Tolerance, Diversity, Similarities and Differences

Episode: "New Neighbors," #27A. Synopsis: The traditional-oriented Papa Bear is upset when new, "high-tech" Bears move-in next door who have very different tastes. He comes to see that everybody is different in their own way…and to appreciate others for who they are.
Objectives: Children will:
· Talk with their household about making a class "cultural background" presentation.
· Ask questions about (and identify similarities and differences in) family presentations.
· Help in making a Class Family Book.
Grades: PreK-1

McRel Standard: Behavioral Studies - Standard 1.1, Understands that people are alike in many ways, and different in many ways.

Core Curriculum Area: Social Studies

Materials Needed: letters to children's families, books describing different cultures (especially those of relevance to the class's particular make-up), camera, film, paper, drawing and writing utensils, glue or tape

Think & Do Activity Preparation:
Write notes to the children's families/households asking them (if they are able) to sign up for a special day to share their cultures (music, stories, traditions, recipes, etc.). Explain that if they are unable to come to class, perhaps one or two items can be brought in and shared by their child(ren) that represent their culture (i.e., a recipe, story or picture).


Think & Do Activity Description:

1. Explain to children (and to families in the take-home note) that this week, each of their households or families will have ½-hour of one day to tell about their background! They may show pictures, play a video, sing a song, teach a dance, share a cultural or family dish, or demonstrate how to do a craft, etc. (Give a personal example to help their understanding.)

2. Create a sign-up sheet so that a pre-determined family presentation order can be set - and send home the family note.

3. Make sure that children understand that it's OK if their family can't come in. They may still participate by asking questions and telling or showing something about their family.

4. As families come to class, take pictures of them during their presentation.

5. Have the other students gather to listen to each family. Encourage them to ask questions or comment on how their own family does something similarly or differently.

6. Later, ask the class what they learned today about someone's family or culture.

7. Make a class book with a section for each family (including ones that didn't make a presentation). Younger children may draw a picture of what they learned about a family (and have their words dictated). First graders may write their own stories about the family and also draw a picture. Any photos taken should also be added to the book.

8. Frequently review the book, making contrasts and comparisons between families. Relate the contents to the class curriculum, when and where possible.

Suggested Reading Home Connections
"Nice New Neighbors" by Franz Brandenberg
"The New Kid on the Block" by Jack Prelutsky
"City Mouse -- Country Mouse (And two more mouse tales from Aesop)" by John Wallner
"The Witch Next Door" by Norman Bridwell

During the week of family presentations, reinforcethe idea of developing tolerance and acceptance for those who are different through reading books about families, cultures and accepting new or different people.