Instructional Plan

Topic: Chapter 2 Learning about Families

Date: Monday March 14 @9:30
Audience: Mrs. Haeberle’s class
Presenter: Katelyn Hartley
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(Lifestyles & Learning; Diversity and Gender; Developmental
Characteristics;
Learning Styles)
Learner
Outcomes: After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
(Time frame) 1. Identify and interpret stages of the family life cycle.

Instructional Resources (including Room Arrangement):

 Projector, white board

 Powerpoint presentation
 Leave room arrangement as is

Review: (Reiterate previous concepts learned and the place of this plan’s
intended learner outcomes in the instructional schema)

(1 min) Ask question: Why is it important to talk about families in a child development course?

Overview: (Introduce the topic and the expected learner outcomes)

(Time frame)
Introduction: (2 min)
- There are many differences between families, but also many similarities. All families go
through a series of stages this is called the family life cycle (have stages written on white
board previously).
- State objective
“Everyone born into this world is born into a family, while each family is unique in
circumstance, size, and dynamic, each family faces similar stages throughout life. These stages
are referred to as the family life cycle. The cycle has six stages (show on white board). As we
discuss these stages today you will be able to identify these stages in your own family and other
families around you.”

Presentation/ (Content outline, lecture/discussion notes, action-oriented learning

strategies)
Exercises: Check: Questions
(Time frame)

Begin by introducing the first phase:

- Beginning (dating/courtship/newlywed) (2 min)
- a couple works to establish a home and a marriage relationship
o Newlyweds
o Adjust living together
 Money
 Chores
 Time
“The beginning stage of the family life cycle involves the couple working together to build a
healthy relationship. The couple will spend a lot of time communicating as they discuss their
new life together…”
o Questions to ask
 Why is it important for a couple to discuss their goals and plans as they
prepare for marriage?
Transition

- Expanding (3 min)
o Couples prepare for and adjust to parenthood
Questions to ask: What kind of things should parents discuss as they plan
and prepare for parenthood.
 Kids? How many? Work?
o Write down on board how much it costs to raise a child in America
 From the USDA, “The average cost of raising a child born in 2013 up
until age 18 for a middle-income family in the U.S. is approximately
$245,340” “That equates to roughly $12,800 - $14,970 per child per year
for a two-parent family with a median annual income between $61,530
and $106,540. The annual cost can vary based on factors like the child's
age, the number of children in the family and the family's income and
location (urban and rural).

Transition

- Developing (4 min)
o Raising children
o Parenting style
o Activities and interests (soccer mom)
- Show Full House video clip – Stephanie Goes to the Dentist (50 seconds)
o Questions to ask: How can parents know if they are a good parent?
o What are some pros and cons of raising children?
 Possibly make a list on board

Transition

- Launching (4 min)
 o Children gradually leave home to support themselves, parents help their children
adapt to life on their own
- Show video clip: Ducklings Leaping From Nest Very High Up! (1.33)
o Questions to ask:
 How does this video relate to children leaving home?
 What affect does this have on the parents?
Transition

- Middle age/empty nesters (4 min)

o The couple renews their relationship and prepares for retirement
 All children have left home
 Grandchildren
 mid-life crisis
 look after aging parents
o show pictures of my parents with grandparents and share there story
o Questions to ask:
 What are some emotions parents and children experience at this age?
Transition

- Retirement (3 min)
o The couple retires and adjusts to their new lives
o Move into assisted living home/family member
o Body slows down
- Show pictures of young/old version photographs
o Questions to ask: What are some hardships individuals in this stage face?

Activity: (5 min)
Have each student take out a piece of paper and write down two different families they
know. For each family have them identify what stage of the life cycle they are in and provide
two examples for their reasoning.

Closure: (Pull loose ends together, reiterate major concepts, evaluate student
learning)
(Time frame) (2 min) Ask a few students to share answers from their worksheet.

In your opinion, at what stage is the family closest? Is there more than one? Explain your
reasoning.

What is one challenge a parent faces during this stage?