Curriculum Design Plan

Title: Whos Who in My Family Author: Loreen Leedy Theme: Members that make up a family Brief Summary: The book outlines several different types of families and explains who the members of those families are. Each student in the book presents to the class their family tree. The students learn that everyones family is different but still special in their own ways. Critical Analysis (Messages): The book begins with one student sharing her family tree, which appears to be a stereotypical nuclear family (Mom, Dad, and children) who are very close with their entire extended family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins). Since this students sharing takes up most of the book, it promotes the idea that this family is the desired or most accepted type of family. It is only after this description that the teacher asks other students to share about their families, which are not as conventional. The other students discussed adoption, step-parents, step-siblings, and half-siblings within their families. Even though differences were discussed, all the families were of the same species (cat, frog, and racoon) and could be relatable to race. The families all included a Mother and Father, and there was no discussion of same sex families. This book tries to promote differences in the family, but at the same time, it is limiting what is seen as socially acceptable. Grade Level: Kindergarten Curriculum Subject Area: Social Studies Curriculum Outcomes: Describe the diversity of groups represented in the classroom

Curriculum Indicators: Identify individuals and groups that are important in childrens lives, and explain why these individuals and groups are important to them as individuals (e.g., family, elders, senior citizens, friends, storytellers, classmates, members of activity groups to which children belong).

Lesson Plan/Learning Activity

Materials Needed & Preparation: (See attached sheet)

Process: 1. Read Whos Who in My Family? 2. Discuss the different kinds of families presented in the book, and answer any questions students have. (Open discussion that can lead to a better understanding of what makes up a family) 3. Show pictures of own family (Teacher) and discuss with the class. (Students enjoy when teachers share parts of their life with them) 4. Introduce craft (show an example) and begin making family puppets. (see attached sheet) 5. Send a note home with students asking for pictures of their own families to be sent to school for the next day.

The Next Day 6. Finish puppets

Closing Activity/Conversations: 7. In a sharing circle each student may have a turn to share with the class their puppets and pictures. They may also answer any questions about their family that their classmates/teacher asks. Sharing enables them to teach their classmates about their unique family. The students will gain an understanding of all the different types of families there are within their classroom, and know that they are all special.