Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-17-2021 05:01 PM
    I was curious to see how some of you approached the classroom family tree for children who are in foster care or may be staying with someone who is not a biological parent for a number of reasons (death, incarceration, etc.). The family tree or family picture was always a staple in classrooms when I taught, and I wanted to see if anyone had any alternatives for children who may have a hard time discussing family. Thanks!

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    Marie
    TN
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  • 2.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 07:47 AM
    I've seen classrooms with a People Who Love Us display, with posted photos of any family and/or significant people in each child's life.

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    Dawn Cole-Easterday
    Indiana AEYC
    New Haven IN
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  • 3.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 08:54 AM
    My approach to all things regarding "parents" in classrooms is to change the wording to important adults in the child's life and to ask the child who they would like to have a picture of.  If the child is in foster care, working with the child's social worker to get photos is helpful.  I also emphasize that all families are different.  "Some of us think of our classroom group as family."  Include the classroom group photo. The biggest struggle is helping the educators understand that they need to change their lens and be open to what the child wants. If a  child can't get a photo of a parent and they want them represented, they can draw a family picture as well.

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    Brenda Powers
    South Easton MA
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  • 4.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 02:56 PM
    I love the idea of emphasizing the class a family unit. Thank you for sharing!

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    Marie Preptit
    Nashville TN
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  • 5.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 08:56 AM
    As a  previous foster mom and educator ,I approach the family tree differently by using similarities and differences  emphasizing each family is important and special and displaying houses with the different types of families. (Example: Step-families, single family whether it living only with mom or dad, two-parent family, grandparents, same sex family, foster family, adoptive family), all of these families or made up differently but all families have the same functions. No one is left out and everyone feel loved and part of a family

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    Mattie Dixon
    director/trainer
    professional development
    austin TX
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  • 6.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 10:25 AM
    Hello Marie,

    The children in my classroom create a poster of who/what/where/when is important to them. They can include anything, pictures (be it photos, cutouts, or drawings) of any people, activities/events, pets, things, and/or places that are important in their lives. It is a very open ended activity that they create to share with the class and post in the room. So far the posters have been very diverse in content and a great conversation focal point for the children in my classrooms over the years. Not everyone includes photographs, some do draw pictures and/or use magazine cutouts, stickers, etc... those posters are just as well received by everyone in the class as the ones with photographs.  

    Hope this was helpful in giving you some ideas.


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    Karen Coleman
    Mesa AZ
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  • 7.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 10:32 AM

    Thank you for the information. I like your idea, I was trying to add to an original post that was submitted by Marie. Maybe I put it in the wrong place

     

    Sent from Mail for Windows

     






  • 8.  RE: Classroom Family Tree/ Picture Wall

    Posted 08-18-2021 02:59 PM
    Hello, 
    That is so clever to have them create their own collage. It is a great way to see how they view the world from their point of view. Thank you for sharing!

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    Marie Preptit
    Nashville TN
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