Our Family

During the month of December our 4th grade students will have the opportunity to participate in a guidance classroom lesson. We have been delivering this lesson for the past 20 years, to have all students understand diversity amongst our community. We will show the video, “Our Family” to allow students to experience diversity through a topic they can relate to – Family. The students will view the video and explore themes of love, caring and connection in many kinds of families.

In the video, children and parents talk about their families and the kinds of things they do together to have fun. There are sections on mixed families (in terms of ethnicity, religion, language, and race), adoption, divorce, lesbian and gay parents, single parents, grandparents, guardians and transgender family members.

Purpose

These lessons address the stated goals of the Lower Merion School District's strategic plan to strive to meet the holistic needs of students. The lessons were developed by the District's Elementary School Counselors and are in accordance with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model.

In 4th grade classrooms, after viewing the video “Our Family” students participate in related activities through a structured discussion. The lesson addresses the stated goals of the Lower Merion School District’s strategic plan to strive to meet the holistic needs of students. The lesson was developed by the District’s Elementary School Counselors and is in accordance with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) model.

Our Family Lesson Outline

Goals:

• Students will view the video and explore themes of love, caring, and connection in many kinds of families.
• Students will be able to describe and define a wide variety of family structures.
• Students will develop important vocabulary around describing and accepting that there are many different kinds of families and family structures.
• Children will learn that all families are welcomed in Lower Merion School District.
• Children will gain an awareness of the importance of everyone feeling safe and happy at school and to show empathy for each other.

Before the video, students are given the prompts:

• As you watch the video choose two families that have something in common with you and your family-that in some way mirrors your family.
• As you watch the video, please notice two families that are different from you and your family-that in some way provides a window into a different experience.

The school counselor will lead the discussion as a class and allow children to share their observations

You can help by: We encourage families to continue the conversation on family diversity at home to increase your child(ren)'s understanding and appreciation of others and to reduce teasing and bullying behaviors.

If you have questions: Please feel free to contact your school counselor.