Introduction to Families

Lesson Overview

Students will explore and understand the concept of family. They will discuss what a family is, identify different family structures, and reflect on their own families. The lesson encourages sharing and respect for diversity within families, aligning with Year 1 Humanities and Social Sciences learning objectives in the Western Australian Curriculum.

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Curriculum Links

Western Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Year 1

• Content Descriptions:
  • Describe family structures and recognise that families can be different (AC9HS1S02)
  • Explore continuity and change in aspects of daily life, including families (AC9HS1K02)
• Key Skills: Observing, recording, communicating ideas, reflecting on personal and others' experiences
• General Capabilities:
  • Intercultural understanding (appreciating diversity in family backgrounds)
  • Personal and social capability (respect, empathy, sharing)

Reference standards: AC9HS1S02, AC9HS1K02

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain what a family is and identify different types of family structures.
2. Reflect on and share information about their own family.
3. Demonstrate respect for different family types and cultural backgrounds.

Success Criteria

• I can say what a family is.
• I can name different kinds of families.
• I can talk about my own family and listen to others.
• I show kindness and respect when talking about families.

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Lesson Duration

40 minutes

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Resources

• Large picture book or digital slideshow showing diverse families (e.g., single parent, extended family, adoptive families, blended families).
• Family photo template worksheet (dyslexia-friendly, with clear fonts and spacing).
• Chart paper and markers.
• Visual aids with symbols and pictures representing family members.
• Storybook about families from diverse backgrounds.
• Name tags or stickers.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

• Warm up discussion: "What is a family?"
  • Invite students to share their ideas in pairs, then share with the class. Record key words on chart paper with picture symbols.
  • Teacher introduces that families can look different and all are special.
• Show diversity: Read or show a picture book/slideshow featuring families of different structures and cultures.
• Visual reinforcement: Display family types visually (e.g., nuclear, single parent, grandparents, blended).

Differentiation: Use clear images and sentences; support EAL (English as an Additional Language) students with simple vocabulary and gestures.

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2. Main Activity – My Family Reflection (15 minutes)

• Students complete a simple family poster using the worksheet template:
  • Draw and/or paste photos of family members; label their names and relation (e.g., mum, uncle, cousin).
  • Teacher supports students needing help with writing or drawing.
• Sharing: In small groups of 4, students share their family posters, practicing speaking and listening skills.

Extension: Advanced learners can write a sentence about what they enjoy doing with their family.
Support: Provide word banks, picture prompts, and one-on-one support as needed. Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and layouts for worksheets.

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3. Group Discussion and Respectful Sharing (10 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to share one interesting fact about their family with the whole class.
• Emphasise respectful listening and celebrate diversity of families.
• Discuss how families help us, teach us, and love us in many ways.

Differentiation: Use sentence starters for hesitant speakers, e.g., "In my family, we like to..."
Dyslexia support: Use visual symbols and repeat key vocabulary.

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4. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap the definition of family and different types discussed.
• Ask students to draw a heart around their favourite thing about families on their posters.
• Congratulate students on sharing and being respectful listeners.
• Preview the next lesson: Exploring family stories from the past.

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Assessment

• Informal observation of student participation during discussions and sharing.
• Review family posters for understanding and engagement with the concept.
• Use a simple checklist against the success criteria to note each student’s progress.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use clear, simple language and visual supports for all explanations.
• Provide extra adult or peer support for students with additional needs.
• Offer alternative ways to express ideas, such as drawing, speaking, or using photos on the poster.
• Sentence starters and word banks for developing vocabulary and confidence.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Draw a family tree showing extended family members.
• Write short stories or sentences about family traditions or favourite family activities.
• Interview a family member at home about their childhood family.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Strategies

• Present information in clear, large fonts (e.g., Arial or Comic Sans) with generous spacing.
• Use pictures, symbols, and colour coding to support comprehension.
• Break tasks into small, manageable steps with visual cues.
• Provide verbal instructions supplemented by written key words.
• Allow extra time for writing/drawing activities if needed.

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This lesson plan embraces diversity and encourages respect, aligning with the Western Australian Curriculum’s focus on exploring family and community contexts for young learners in Year 1 within Humanities and Social Sciences. It balances structured and open-ended activities, ensuring engagement for diverse learners while meeting curriculum requirements .