Lesson Two: Adolescent Pregnancy
-
Audio Visual: Film
Teenage Father
-
____
30 minutes, color
-
____
Available through: New Haven Schools Audio visual
-
____
____
Dept. and Planned Parenthood of
-
____
____
Conn., 129 Whitney Avenue, New
-
____
____
Haven, Ct. 06510 865-0595
Levels: Junior High, Senior High, College, Adult
Subject areas: Adolescent male sexuality, peer relationships, adolescent heterosexual relationships, social problems and sex education
Introduction
This is a documentary film depicting the drama following the teenage father through the prenatal period until the delivery and the part he does (or doesn’t) play in the final decision. A 17 year old boy finds himself in an unwanted pregnancy. Both he and the young woman discuss the pregnancy with their families and they receive counseling. Before the delivery, the young man is very involved; however, at the birth he discovers exactly what role he is to play. This film won the 1979 Academy Award for a docu-drama.
Day one PRELESSON
Title: The Teenage Father (Role Play and Fish Bowl)
Time required: One class period.
Purpose: to demonstrate whether or not a teenage male is ready emotionally, socially and psychologically to take on this responsibility.
Process: Select three male volunteers to act as teenage fathers on a T.V. Interview Show (ie. The Donahue Show)
Teenage Father #1
His baby is three months old and he is still dating the mother.
Teenage Father #2
His girlfriend is 5 months pregnant and he doesn’t want her to keep the baby.
Teenage Father #3
His baby is 2 years old. He is not dating the mother anymore and he’s really not interested in being a father. His present girlfriend is jealous and doesn’t want him to see the baby too much.
-
Step 1—Have the teenage fathers introduce and tell the audience about their situations.
-
Step 2—the “Interviewer” (the teacher) should ask questions to get to their feelings about being teenage fathers. (ie. How do your parents feel about what’s happened? What rights do you have as a teenage father? How have your friends responded?)
-
Step 3—Open it up for questions from the audience.
-
Finale: Secret ballot—Answer yes or no to the following question and explain why you gave your answer:
Question: Do teenage boys make good fathers?
____
____
Yes _____ No _____
Explain.
Day two—Show the film (this will take almost a full class period —o plan the time carefully.
Discussion: Ask the group to respond to how they feel about:
1. His parents and their attitudes.
2. Her mother and her feelings.
3. His friends.
4. The role of the social worker.
5. What happened to him at the hospital.
6. What rights and responsibilities teenage fathers have.
7. The teenage mother and her not wanting to see him in the hospital.
Questions: Have each student write down one (or more) questions they may have had during the film or the discussion. (Anonymous)
Day three—Post-lesson
Study the questions from the students and use them to prepare a follow up lesson (May mean presentation of Facts; may mean more time for processing feelings.)
