REFLECTION:

After reviewing over the Fully Alive Family Life Education document, the
first thing that came to mind is how I will need to modify the expectations of my
students, since every student may not have the “typical” family in the home they
reside in. The document states, “Studies show that students perform better in
school if their parents are involved in their education” (Family Life Ed., 2012).
From my past experiences as a student teacher, I worked in both lower social
economic areas as well as higher social economic areas. I discovered that
families in both of these settings found it difficult to arrange time to work with their
child. The reasoning was either because the parents were overly occupied with
their job and/or the parents did not understand the work that was assigned to
their child. With this being said, I would provide strategies for parents on how to
designate at least thirty minutes to one hour a day for their child and their
academic studies. I would also make myself available for assistance for the
parents that need it. I would ensure to explain to the parents the positive effects
this will have on their child’s academic success.

As for implementing the Family Life Education program in my classroom, I

would begin by reviewing over the catholic graduate expectations, along with the
curriculum expectations for Family Life. The documents states, “The family life
education curriculum not only fosters in each student a deeper understanding of
what it means to be a human person, made in the image of God to live in
relationship” (Family Life Ed., 2012). This means my focus would be on guiding
the students on how to be a child of God and model how to create meaningful
relationships not only with friends but ensure it is happening in the home with
family as well.

As an elementary school teacher, some ideas for implementing the Family Life
education program include:
 GRADE 1: “I am special because…” students can create a self-portrait
and present something special about themselves, and what makes them
unique. This will help teach self-love and meet the following expectation:
A3.2 describe some of the ways in which their physical appearance is
unique (Family Life Ed., 2012).

 GRADE 2: Students can create a family tree. This would be a perfect

opportunity for students to sit down with their family and share memories
of generations. The students can then share this with the class. This
meets the following expectation: B3.1 introduce their families to the
class (Family Life Ed., 2012)

 GRADE 3: Families around the world – students can learn about some of
their family customs and traditions that are celebrated. Students can then
research how their family custom is similar or different to families in other
places of the world. This meets the following expectations: B1.1 recognize
the value of their special family customs AND E3.1 describe some of the
differences and similarities of people from all over the world (Family Life
Ed., 2012).