Family life is changing faster than ever and today’s students are growing up in households that look nothing like the ones we grew up in. Trends Affecting Families Today explores these trends, helping students uncover the forces shaping the everchanging lives of their families.

Set

• Introduce the lesson by placing students into small groups. Give them the “What Are the Trends?” chart and ask them to brainstorm what they believe to be the trends associated with each category and be prepared to share. Note: I heard some really great insights and conversations going on around alot of these topics from my students. However, there may be some students who have no idea and you may have to give them some directional prompts to get them going.

• After students have shared their trend responses, share the list of additional trends with them. Students will use them to complete the Exploring Family Trends Project. The goal of this project is to understand and analyze one of the current trends affecting families today, and create an informative presentation that effectively communicates your findings to the class.
• Place students into small groups and randomly assign them one of the trends to further explore. Once the trends are assigned, go over the guidesheet so they know exactly what is expected of them.

Materials

• iPads or Laptops
• Projector & Screen

Activities

• After students have researched their trend and created a presentation, incorporating all of the criteria, they will share their trend with the class. Students will take notes on each trend for future use. At this point students will also answer the reflection prompts which can be discussed as a class or used as an exit slip.
• Now that students have background information on the trends affecting families today, each student will be randomly assigned a “trend” to complete the concluding RAFT assignment.
• In the RAFT assignment, students must use their notes from the presentations to create an advice column that provides thoughtful guidance on a randomly assigned trend affecting families. The goal is to offer practical advice to help people from another culture adjust to this trend, considering its benefits and challenges. If you are not families with the RAFT acronym, here’s what it represents:
  • Role: You are a trusted advice-giver (like “Dear Abby”) offering thoughtful guidance.
  • Audience: A group of teens from another culture that is unfamiliar with your assigned trend. Imagine they are completely new to the concept, and they need your advice on how to navigate it successfully.
  • Format: Write an advice column. Start with a letter asking for advice, followed by your response.
  • Topic: You will be randomly assigned one of the trends presented by your classmates. Your advice should highlight both the benefits and potential difficulties of this trend. Help the audience understand how to make the most of the trend while avoiding common challenges.
• For students who need additional assistance in setting up their letter, there is a template provided.

Attachments

• What Are the Trends of Family Life Chart
• List of Trends
• Exploring Family Trends Project, Notes Form & Reflection
• Advice Column Letter to Friends From Another Planet