Family Diversity
 from Arthur
Materials:
• Art supplies
• Paper (large sheet and squares)
• Tape
Directions:
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Use this activity with a group of children (like an organized playgroup) to celebrate differences.
1. Graph: On a large sheet of paper, make a bar graph with your playgroup to explore variations among their families. (Be aware of children who may live in shelters or other difficult situations.) Categories running down the left side of the graph might include:
I live with an older sister, brother, or cousin.
I live with a younger sister, brother, or cousin.
I'm the only child in my home.
2. Sketch: Have each child draw a self-portrait on a paper square. Help them tape their portraits next to the appropriate category on the graph.
Talk About It
Discuss the results with the children. Ask: Do more kids have older or younger siblings? How many kids are only children at home? What's the best thing about being an only child? What's the best thing about living with an older or younger child? Encourage children to draw pictures of their families. Some children may want to dictate captions.
Based on an activity in Play and Learn with Arthur, Volume 1
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There are many different kinds of families. Just look around your neighborhood or at your friend's families. This is the time of year when we celebrate mothers and fathers. Mother's Day is in May and Father's Day is in June. Whoever makes up your family, be sure to tell them you love and appreciate them (even brothers and sisters) and not just on their special days.
