Lystra M. Richardson
“What Makes a Family”
Objective
Students will be able to clarify and define the concept of family.
Materials
Short story, “Mallie and Her Children,” by Milton Shapiro. This is the story about a poor mother’s struggle to bring up her children, one of whom grew up to become famous.
Procedure
Initially, teacher will explore the concept of family by asking randomly selected students, “What is a family?” Answers will be listed on the chalkboard. Students then read aloud the short story which will be followed by class discussion. Discussion will center on the elements that make Mallie and her children a family. Students will be asked to pick out the elements on the board that fit Mallie’s family. Discussion then moves to all the other elements on the board.
Closure
Each student will write out his/her own definition of a family, and how that definition differs from previously held definition of a family.
