Prepared by:

Lesson submitted: March 2010

Time needed to teach lesson: 60 to 90 minutes

Lesson Focus and Description:

Forming family rituals is an important part of the development of family life. Family rituals bring stability and happiness to our lives and the lives of our children. Family rituals can be big or small and can involve almost anything that bring people together. Who can resist shared family time especially if favorite foods are involved. Planning a Festival of Desserts can also become a fund raising opportunity for local charities that builds community cohesion.

Objectives:

The following five lessons are developed in such a way that each could be delivered in a separate 10-20 minute segment (time varies depending on how much discussion is allowed). If time is limited, Lessons I & IV could be delivered as a coherent 20 to 30 minute lesson. If more time is available, Lessons II, &III could be added based on individual county needs or interests. Lesson V is an outline for a community-based activity that could be a stand alone lesson, or a final lesson in the series.

You will help group members answer the following questions:

  1. What is a family ritual?
  2. How do rituals help my family?
  3. Why are family rituals important for divorce and remarried families? (Optional)
  4. How do I create a family ritual?
  5. How can a family ritual become a community ritual? (Optional)

Materials Needed and Enclosed:

  • Lesson Outline (for Teacher use)
  • LessonGuide
  • Handouts:
  • Creating Family Rituals and Traditions.
  • Creating Rituals in Stepfamilies.
  • Do you Know This Family?
  • Family Game Night.
  • Family Night Equals Family Unity.
  • Family Ritual Ideas.
  • Summertime Crafts for Kids.
  • Ten Reasons to Tell Your Kids Stories.
  • Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings.
  • Evaluation Form (for Teacher use)

Suggested Activities:

  • In the Lesson Guide, group activities are suggested for each of the four topical areas.
  • After the lesson(Optional)
  1. Arrange a follow-up meeting to talk about results of implemented rituals.
  2. Arrange follow-up meetings with non-profit leaders such as churches, schools, charities, etc.
  3. Arrange a field trip to a local non-profit group.

Preparation:

Please read the lesson outline, lesson guide, and the handouts carefully before you teach this lesson. Go through the PowerPoint presentation (if you have computer access) and the flip chart. Practice teaching this lesson. This is not a lesson to rush through.

Evaluation:

Administer the evaluation form at the end of the lesson. Please forward a summary of results to your OCES District Program Specialist or directly to Dr. Cox at the above address.

Checklist of things to consider for self-evaluation:

  1. Was the audience generally interested in this topic?
  2. Did the material appear to be “over their heads” or did they seem to understand it?
  3. Did the participants seem eager to continue the conversation?
  4. Did the participants express an interest in promoting a Festival of Desserts in their community?
  5. Did the participants have many personal experiences to share regarding family rituals within their families and communities?

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

1