Lesson Plan
Family Ties Lesson Plan
Students will understand foundational family therapy concepts for children ages 3–10 by analyzing real-life scenarios, practicing empathic communication, mapping healthy family dynamics, and engaging in focused mom–child prompts to deepen connection skills.
This lesson builds social–emotional skills—empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and parent–child engagement—so students can support younger children in family contexts and foster healthy, connected dynamics.
Audience
7th Grade Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, collaborative activities, role-play, and connection exercises
Materials
- Family Therapy Scenario Cards, - Empathy Role-Play Scripts, - Parent-Child Conversation Prompt Cards, - Family Dynamics Worksheet, - Reflection Journal Sheets, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print and cut out all sets of Family Therapy Scenario Cards.
- Make copies of the Empathy Role-Play Scripts, Family Dynamics Worksheet, and Reflection Journal Sheets.
- Create and print Parent-Child Conversation Prompt Cards with open-ended questions (e.g., “What was your favorite part of today?”; “How do you feel when we spend time together?”).
- Arrange the classroom into small-group stations with table space for writing and drawing.
- Prepare whiteboard, markers, and timer.
- Review all materials and familiarize yourself with each family scenario, worksheet prompts, role-play script, and conversation prompts.
Step 1
Introduction to Family Therapy
10 minutes
- Briefly explain what family therapy is and its benefits for children ages 3–10.
- Define key terms: communication, roles, boundaries, and emotional support.
- Draw a simple family system diagram on the whiteboard, highlighting healthy interactions using prompts from the Family Dynamics Worksheet.
Step 2
Case Scenario Discussion
10 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4 and distribute one set of Family Therapy Scenario Cards per group.
- Have each group read their scenario, identify family challenges, and list observations on the board.
- Ask groups to propose at least two supportive strategies for the family in their scenario.
- Facilitate a brief whole-class share of each group’s key findings.
Step 3
Role-Play Empathy Exercise
10 minutes
- Pair students and assign roles using the Empathy Role-Play Scripts.
- Each pair practices active listening and reflective responses for 3–4 minutes.
- After the first round, have students switch roles so both practice speaking and listening.
- Circulate to observe and provide feedback on empathy techniques.
Step 4
Parent-Child Connection Activity
10 minutes
- Pair students in roles: one plays the caregiver (mom) and the other plays the child.
- Distribute sets of Parent-Child Conversation Prompt Cards.
- For 3–4 minutes, each pair draws a prompt card, asks the question, and responds using “I feel…” statements.
- Encourage active listening behaviors: eye contact, nodding, and repeating back feelings.
- After first round, switch roles so both practice caregiving and child perspectives.
- Invite a few volunteers to share one insight about building mom–child engagement.
Step 5
Family Dynamics Worksheet Activity
10 minutes
- Hand out the Family Dynamics Worksheet to each student.
- Students independently map healthy interactions from one scenario: label roles, feelings, communication flows, boundaries, and supportive actions.
- Encourage clear diagrams and refer back to key concepts discussed earlier.
Step 6
Reflection and Debrief
10 minutes
- Distribute the Reflection Journal Sheets.
- Students write about one key insight and list two ways they will practice empathy or connection with family this week.
- Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
- Summarize key takeaways: active listening, empathy, connection-building, and collaborative problem-solving in family therapy.
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Slide Deck
Family Ties: Healing Together
Exploring family therapy basics for children ages 3–10
Introduce the lesson and set a positive tone. Use the primary color #A8DADC for the background and accent the title with #81B8C4.
Session Objectives
- Understand foundational concepts of family therapy
- Practice empathy through role-play
- Map healthy family dynamics collaboratively
Review the objectives so students know what to expect. Remind them these guide today’s activities.
Why Family Therapy?
- Strengthens communication and problem-solving
- Promotes emotional support within families
- Helps families face challenges together
Connect to students’ experiences. Explain why family therapy matters.
Key Concepts
- Communication: Sharing thoughts and feelings
- Roles: Family members’ responsibilities
- Boundaries: Respecting personal space and limits
- Emotional Support: Showing understanding and care
Define each term clearly. Ask students for examples as you go.
Healthy Family System
Refer to the diagram on the whiteboard and your Family Dynamics Worksheet to map roles and interactions.
Draw a sample family system on the board. Distribute Family Dynamics Worksheet for students to follow along.
Case Scenario Discussion
- Divide into groups of 3–4
- Read one scenario card
- Identify challenges and list observations on the board
- Propose supportive strategies
Hand out one set of Family Therapy Scenario Cards per group. Circulate to prompt deeper analysis.
Role-Play Empathy Exercise
- Pair up and use Empathy Role-Play Scripts
- Practice active listening and empathic responses (3–4 min)
- Switch roles and repeat
Model one role-play first if needed. Encourage active listening and note empathetic responses.
Mapping Healthy Dynamics
- Independently map healthy interactions
- Label roles, feelings, and supportive actions
- Draw from your scenario discussion
Distribute another copy of the Family Dynamics Worksheet and remind students to label feelings.
Reflection & Debrief
- Write one key insight you gained
- How can empathy help families heal?
- Volunteer to share reflections
- Summarize: active listening, empathy, collaboration
Hand out Reflection Journal Sheets. Encourage honest, thoughtful entries and volunteer sharing.
Thank You & Next Steps
Keep practicing empathy daily. Observe healthy dynamics in your own family and support one another.
Reinforce that empathy and healthy communication go beyond this lesson. Suggest students notice these skills at home.
Worksheet
Family Dynamics Worksheet
Use the prompts below to explore and map out healthy interactions in your assigned scenario. Refer to one of the Family Therapy Scenario Cards for details.
1. Scenario Title
Which scenario are you working on? _______________________________________
2. Family Roles & Responsibilities
List each family member in your scenario, their role, and one sentence describing their responsibilities.
- Member: ____________________ Role: ______________ Description:
__________________________________________________ - Member: ____________________ Role: ______________ Description:
__________________________________________________ - Member: ____________________ Role: ______________ Description:
__________________________________________________
3. Interaction Map
Draw a diagram of the family system below. Show each member, their relationships (arrows), communication flows, and boundaries. Label feelings by each person and supportive actions they could take.
[ Draw your family interaction map here ]
4. Feelings & Emotions
For each person in your diagram, write the primary emotion they may be experiencing and why.
- ____________________ — Emotion: ____________ — Why: ________________________________________
- ____________________ — Emotion: ____________ — Why: ________________________________________
- ____________________ — Emotion: ____________ — Why: ________________________________________
5. Supportive Actions
Based on your diagram and observations, list three specific ways family members can show empathy and support to one another.
- ____________________________________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________________________________
When complete, be prepared to share your diagram and key insights with your group.
Activity
Family Therapy Scenario Cards
Use these scenario cards to spark discussion about children living with a mother who has a mental health disorder. In your groups, identify the child’s feelings, the mother’s needs, and brainstorm three supportive strategies.
Card 1: Major Depressive Disorder Challenges
Scenario: Sara (6) notices her mother, who has chronic depression, spends long periods in bed and rarely plays or reads stories. Sara feels lonely and worries she’s done something wrong. How can family members help Sara feel reassured, support mom’s energy levels, and create a simple daily check-in routine that everyone can follow?
Card 2: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Routines
Scenario: Rafael (8) lives with his mother who washes her hands repeatedly and insists on arranging household items in a strict order. When Rafael accidentally misplaces a book, she becomes distressed. Rafael feels anxious and guilty. What steps can a caregiver take to set clear, calm expectations, teach Rafael coping strategies, and gently support mom’s treatment plan?
Card 3: Schizophrenia and Unpredictable Behaviors
Scenario: Maya (9) notices her mother sometimes talks to voices no one else hears and locks herself in the bathroom. Maya is frightened and confused, thinking she did something to upset mom. How can siblings or other adults explain mom’s experience in child-friendly language, ensure Maya’s safety during episodes, and reinforce moments of calm connection?
Card 4: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Emotional Swings
Scenario: Luis (7) lives with his mother who experiences rapid mood shifts—one moment she’s affectionate, the next she’s irritable and may shout or cry. Luis never knows which version will show up and feels fearful and guilty. What routines, communication cues, or support plans can help Luis feel emotionally safe, and how can family members help mom find stability?
Use each card to explore:
- The child’s emotional experience and question: “How might I feel if this happened to me?”
- The mother’s support needs: “What would help her feel less overwhelmed?”
- Three concrete strategies: simple routines, clear communication, empathy exercises, or professional resources.
Activity
Empathy Role-Play Scripts
Follow these scripts to practice active listening and empathetic responses. In each pair, one student plays the speaker (Person A) voicing feelings, and the other plays the listener (Person B) using reflective language. After 3–4 minutes, switch roles.
Script 1: Feeling Overlooked (Card 1)
Person A (Sofia): “I feel like no one cares about me anymore since baby Leo arrived. I miss the attention I used to get.”
Person B (Parent): “It sounds like you’re feeling left out because we’ve been busy with Leo. Can you tell me more about what you miss?”
(As the listener, reflect back feelings and ask an open question.)
Script 2: Missing Old Friends (Card 2)
Person A (Jamal): “I hate this new town and I don’t know anyone here. I feel lonely whenever Mom is busy.”
Person B (Parent): “You’re missing your friends and feeling alone when I can’t be with you. What would help you feel more connected?”
(Listener should validate and invite ideas for support.)
Script 3: Feeling Left Out at Home (Card 3)
Person A (Lucas): “I feel like Dad and Grandma are so worried about Grandma’s health that no one has time for me.”
Person B (Dad or Grandma): “I hear how upset you are that we haven’t spent enough time together. Would you like to plan a special activity just for us each week?”
(Encourage proposing a concrete supportive action.)
Script 4: Confusion Over Rules (Card 4)
Person A (Emma): “I’m confused about whose rules to follow at bedtime. I don’t know if I’ll get in trouble or not.”
Person B (Step-parent): “It sounds like unclear rules are making you anxious. Let’s go over bedtime guidelines together so you know exactly what to expect.”
(Use clarity, validation, and collaborative planning.)
Tips for Listeners (Person B)
- Begin with “I hear you…” or “It sounds like…” to validate feelings.
- Ask open-ended questions: “Can you tell me more about…?”
- Reflect what you heard before offering suggestions.
- Avoid judging or dismissing emotions.
Tips for Speakers (Person A)
- Use “I feel…” statements to express emotions.
- Be specific about what upsets you.
- Pause and allow the listener to respond.
After each role-play, switch roles so both partners practice speaking and listening.
Journal
Reflection Journal Sheets
Use these prompts to think deeply about today’s activities and how empathy and communication support healthy family relationships.
1. Key Insight
What is one important thing you learned about empathy or family therapy today? How might this insight help you at home or with friends?
2. Empathy in Action
Describe a time (real or from our role-plays) when someone showed empathy. What did they do or say, and how did it make the other person feel?
3. Perspective Letter
Choose one scenario from the Family Therapy Scenario Cards. Pretend you are the child in that scenario and write a letter to your parent or caregiver explaining how you feel and what you need from them.
4. Applying Empathy
List two specific ways you will practice empathy and active listening with your family or friends this week. Explain why you chose each action.
When you finish, be ready to share one response with the group if you’d like.
Lesson Plan
Family Bridges
Students will understand foundational family therapy concepts for children ages 3–10 by analyzing real-life scenarios, practicing empathic communication, and mapping healthy family dynamics to support positive relationships.
This lesson builds social–emotional skills—empathy, active listening, and problem-solving—so students can effectively support younger children in family contexts and foster healthy dynamics.
Audience
7th Grade Middle School Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, collaborative analysis, and structured role‐play.
Materials
- Family Therapy Scenario Cards, - Empathy Role-Play Scripts, - Family Dynamics Worksheet, - Reflection Journal Sheets, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Print and cut out all sets of Family Therapy Scenario Cards.
- Make copies of the Empathy Role-Play Scripts, Family Dynamics Worksheet, and Reflection Journal Sheets.
- Arrange the classroom into small‐group stations with table space for writing and drawing.
- Prepare whiteboard, markers, and timer for timed activities.
- Review all materials and familiarize yourself with each family scenario, worksheet prompts, and role‐play script.
Step 1
Introduction to Family Therapy
10 minutes
- Briefly explain what family therapy is and its benefits for children ages 3–10.
- Define key terms: communication, roles, boundaries, and emotional support.
- Draw a simple family system diagram on the whiteboard and highlight healthy interactions using prompts from the Family Dynamics Worksheet.
Step 2
Case Scenario Discussion
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4 and distribute one set of Family Therapy Scenario Cards per group.
- Have each group read their scenario, identify family challenges, and list observations on the whiteboard.
- Ask groups to propose at least two supportive strategies for the family in their scenario.
- Facilitate a brief whole‐class share of each group’s key findings.
Step 3
Role-Play Empathy Exercise
15 minutes
- Pair students and assign roles using the Empathy Role-Play Scripts.
- Each pair practices active listening and reflective responses for 3–4 minutes.
- After the first round, have students switch roles so both practice speaking and listening.
- Circulate to observe and provide feedback on empathy techniques.
Step 4
Family Dynamics Worksheet Activity
10 minutes
- Hand out the Family Dynamics Worksheet to each student.
- Students independently map healthy interactions, label roles/feelings, and note supportive actions based on one scenario.
- Encourage clear diagrams and use of key concepts: communication flows, boundaries, and emotional support.
Step 5
Reflection and Debrief
10 minutes
- Distribute the Reflection Journal Sheets.
- Students answer prompts: one key insight and two ways to apply empathy this week.
- Invite volunteers to share reflections with the class.
- Summarize takeaways: importance of active listening, empathy, and collaborative problem‐solving in family therapy.
Slide Deck
Family Bridges: Building Healthy Family Connections
Exploring family therapy concepts for children ages 3–10
Welcome students to Family Bridges. Introduce the purpose: exploring family therapy concepts for children ages 3–10. Set a warm, collaborative tone. Use the primary color #6AB47B for background and accent text with #85C299.
Session Objectives
• Understand foundational family therapy concepts
• Practice empathy through role-play
• Map healthy family dynamics collaboratively
Review what students will accomplish today. Emphasize that objectives guide each activity. Use #85C299 accents.
Why Family Therapy?
• Strengthens communication and problem-solving
• Promotes emotional support within families
• Helps families face challenges together
Connect to students’ own experiences. Explain how family therapy supports children and families. Use #A0D1B6 accents.
Key Concepts
• Communication: Sharing thoughts and feelings
• Roles: Responsibilities of each family member
• Boundaries: Respecting personal space and limits
• Emotional Support: Showing understanding and care
Define and discuss each term. Invite students to share examples from their own lives.
Healthy Family System
Refer to the whiteboard diagram and your Family Dynamics Worksheet to map roles, interactions, and support flows.
Draw or project a sample family system on the whiteboard. Distribute Family Dynamics Worksheet so students can follow along.
Case Scenario Discussion
• Form groups of 3–4
• Read one scenario card
• Identify family challenges and record on the board
• Propose at least two supportive strategies
Hand out one set of Family Therapy Scenario Cards per group. Circulate to prompt deeper analysis and ensure students list both challenges and strategies.
Role-Play Empathy Exercise
• Pair up and choose a script from Empathy Role-Play Scripts
• Practice active listening and reflective responses (3–4 min)
• Switch roles and repeat
Model one example role-play if needed. Encourage active listening and reflective questions. Reference Empathy Role-Play Scripts.
Mapping Healthy Dynamics
• Use your scenario to draw a family interaction map
• Label members, feelings, boundaries, and support actions
• Apply key concepts: communication, roles, boundaries, emotional support
Distribute the Family Dynamics Worksheet. Remind students to label feelings, communication flows, and supportive actions clearly.
Reflection & Debrief
• Write one key insight you gained
• Describe two ways you will practice empathy this week
• Volunteer to share responses
• Recap: active listening, empathy, collaboration
Hand out Reflection Journal Sheets. Encourage honest entries and optional sharing. Summarize key takeaways.
Thank You & Next Steps
Keep practicing empathy daily. Notice healthy interactions in your family and support one another.
Encourage students to observe and apply these skills at home. Suggest they look for healthy dynamics in their own families.