Embedded Files
Activity Overview
Family unit structure is diverse and varied. It is important to create awareness and build tolerance around the many different ways people create close-knit groups that love and care for each other. In this activity, students will explore some examples of family unit structures through guided dramatic play. Students will leave this lesson exposed to the idea that there are many ways to create a family, and that not all families look like their own.
What You Need
As many stuffed animals as desired
Dramatic play props
The Family Book by Todd Parr read aloud
Steps
Share the Stuffed Animal Family Unit Slideshow and prompt a conversation about diverse family structures using the guiding questions.
Offer an opportunity to play family with your student using their stuffed animals. Let the student create the setting and family structure. Present a problem that the family must solve. For example, everyone overslept and they will be late to school, or it’s raining and they forgot their raincoats. The main message is that a family’s job is to care for and love each other, and keep each other safe.
Review The Family Book by Todd Parr with the student to emphasize concepts learned.
Guiding Questions
Who is in your family?
How does this stuffed animal family remind you of ours? How is it unique from ours?
How will our characters solve this problem? How will they care for each other and keep each other safe?
Mimic the emotions of peers and teachers
Mimic the emotions of peers and teachers
Take on support roles when needed and appropriate
Take on support roles when needed and appropriate
Recognize differences between people and groups
Recognize differences between people and groups
Identify one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
Identify one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors
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