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Family Ties in Action

Lesson Plan

Family Ties Plan

Families and 5th graders collaborate to build a visual family tree and share stories, strengthening connections, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

Engaging families in the classroom enhances community, values diverse backgrounds, and builds relationships. This Tier 1 activity ensures all students’ home cultures are recognized and communication skills are strengthened.

Audience

5th Grade Students and Their Families

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Collaborative tree creation and storytelling.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials and Review Templates

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Family Tree Template Sheet for each student or family group.
  • Prepare physical supplies: large poster paper, markers, colored pencils, and sticky notes.
  • Print copies of Family Reflection Exit Slip for each participant.
  • Review all templates and note Tier 1 justification: this universal activity engages every family in community building.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and families; explain the goal: to create a family tree and share stories.
  • Show a completed example family tree to model layout and creativity.
  • Distribute poster paper, templates, and supplies; review steps briefly.

Step 2

Family Tree Creation

15 minutes

  • Families work together to fill out the Family Tree Template Sheet or poster paper.
  • Encourage drawing, coloring, and adding names/relationships.
  • Differentiate: offer sentence stems, translation support, or one-on-one guidance for families needing extra assistance.

Step 3

Story Sharing

5 minutes

  • Invite each family to share a short story about one person on their tree (e.g., a grandparent’s childhood memory).
  • Encourage attentive listening; model respectful feedback (e.g., “I liked hearing…”).

Step 4

Reflection and Assessment

5 minutes

  • Distribute Family Reflection Exit Slip.
  • Ask students to write one new thing they learned about a family member and stick it on a central board.
  • Collect exit slips to assess engagement, understanding, and connections made.
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Slide Deck

Family Ties in Action

A 30-minute, one-session Tier 1 activity for 5th graders and their families.

Welcome everyone! Introduce yourself and the activity. Explain that today’s goal is to create a collaborative family tree and share stories to strengthen our classroom community.

Objectives

• Collaborate to build a visual family tree
• Share family stories to strengthen connections
• Celebrate diverse cultures and improve communication skills

Read through each objective aloud. Emphasize collaboration, storytelling, and valuing diverse backgrounds.

Example Family Tree

Here’s a sample family tree layout:
– Names and relationships clearly labeled
– Photographs or drawings of family members
– Decorative elements to reflect culture and personality

Show a printed example on a projector or handout. Point out names, relationships, photos/drawings, and creative elements.

Activity Steps

  1. Introduction (5 min)
    • Explain goals and show example tree

  2. Family Tree Creation (15 min)
    • Use Family Tree Template Sheet or poster paper
    • Draw, color, add names/relationships
    • Offer sentence stems or translation as needed

Walk families through these two steps. Model the placement of names and branches on a blank template.

Story Sharing (5 min)

• Each family shares a story about one family member (e.g., a grandparent’s memory)
• Practice attentive listening: “I enjoyed hearing…”
• Keep each story to 1–2 minutes

Encourage each family to choose one person on their tree and share a brief story. Model attentive listening and respectful feedback.

Reflection & Closure (5 min)

• Complete a Family Reflection Exit Slip
– Write one new thing learned about a family member
• Post slips on the central board
• Thank families and display completed trees

Distribute the exit slips and guide students to post them. Collect slips to gauge what they learned.

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Worksheet

Family Tree Template Sheet

Instructions

  • Work together with your family to fill in each section.
  • Write each person’s Name and Relationship (e.g., “Grandma Maria”).
  • Use the drawing area at the bottom to create the branches and show connections.

Section 1: You

Name: _______________________________
Relationship to You: Self



Section 2: Your Parents

  1. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


  2. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


Section 3: Your Grandparents

  1. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


  2. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


  3. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


  4. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


Section 4: Optional Family Members (e.g., Siblings, Aunts/Uncles)

  1. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


  2. Name: __________________________ Relationship: ___________________


Section 5: Family Tree Drawing Area

Use this space to draw and connect each person in your tree. Be creative—add colors, symbols, or small photos/drawings to show your family’s unique story.





















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Worksheet

Family Reflection Exit Slip

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________

  1. Write one new thing you learned about a family member today:






  2. How do you feel about creating your family tree with your family? Describe your feelings or draw a quick sketch below:






Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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Family Ties in Action • Lenny Learning