Every generation has had their trendy words and sayings over the years. Some have staying power while others make us scratch our heads and think, huh? This Family Communication: Back in the Day Sayings lesson explores those sayings along with whether or not they help or hinder relationships and communication skills between the young and old.

Set

• Display or write an old saying on the screen or board. An example might be “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” Ask students if they’ve ever heard of it and what they think it means. Have students share their answers. If you want a video example, it is referenced in “The Walton’s” episode, a television show from the 70’s that was set in the depression era. It can be foundin the clip of Walton’s episode titled, the Townie (approximately around 18:18). The series is also available on Amazon, free for Prime members and $2.99 for non-members (affiliate link).
• If students don’t know what it means, explain that it was a way to say “be careful, don’t get scammed or cheated”.
• Ask if this saying is still useful today? Why or why not? Ask if students feel these types of old sayings help or hinder communication with their elders.
• Explain to students that these old says were used as a tool to share wisdom and advice without lecturing and in so doing helped strengthen relationships and communication skills. However, over the years, some of these saying sound dated and weird to teens and young adults, hindering the relationship and communication skills. Therefore, it’s important to look at and try to understand both sides.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Projector & Screen (optional)
• Construction Paper
• Colored Markers, Pencils or Crayons

Activities

• Use the above lead in to introduce the poster project. After cutting apart the sayings, place them in an envelope or container for students to randomly select from. They must create a poster around the saying that includes the following:
  • The Original Saying (title)
  • The meaning or interpretation of it in their own words (students will need to use the internet to learn more about their saying)
  • Brief explanation of how it might help and/or hinder communication
  • A modern day rewrite of the saying to update it.
  • A simple image relating to the saying
• When posters are complete, students will share with the class.
• After sharing, take the posters and hang or place them around the room for a gallery walk.
• For the gallery walk, assign students the prompts. Have them circulate the room, completing the prompts and justifying their answers.
• As a class, have students share their responses. Further discuss, if necessary. This may generate some interesting results!
• As a reinforcing assessment, assign students the Name That Saying Scenarios which applies to all the sayings done in the poster project. If you don’t use all the sayings for the poster project, you will need to edit the worksheet. As always, if you need the key, just email me at kim@familyconsumersciences.com and I’ll send it your way.
• Optional Bulletin Board or Wall Display: Hang the Old Saying Posters on a bulletin board and/or wall in or outside of your classroom. Guaranteed, students will wonder what these are all about!

Attachments

• Old Time Sayings & Poster Guide Sheet (please make a copy)
• Gallery Walk Prompts (please make a copy)
• Name That Saying Scenarios (please make a copy)