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Changing Families:. A Small Group Approach to Help Children Cope with Parental Divorce. Doug Williamson International School Bangkok. Background. Pre-K to Gr. 12: 1825 students Students from 60 countries American 34% Thai 20% Japanese 8%
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Changing Families: A Small Group Approach to Help Children Cope with Parental Divorce Doug Williamson International School Bangkok
Background • Pre-K to Gr. 12: 1825 students • Students from 60 countries • American 34% • Thai 20% • Japanese 8% • Korean 8% • Each year 22% of students are new, approx. 425 students • Parents work for embassies, oil companies, banking firms, etc. • 60% are second-language speakers. • 20% are in EAL.
Structural Overview • Groups require written parental consent. • Groups are held during lunch. • Size is typically 8 students. • Groups meet weekly for eight sessions. • Sessions are typically 40-45 minutes.
What’s in a Name? • Changing Families? • Children of Divorce? • Friendship group? • Other suggestions?
Points to Consider These include: • Finding eligible students and advertising group • Consent from both parents • Questionnaire for parents • Location for group • Reporting back/taking notes
Session One • Introduce rules of group: • One person speaks at a time. • It is o.k. to say “pass.” • It needs to be a safe place. • If we make a mess, we clean it up. • What we say in here, stays in here. • Getting to Know You Activity. • Statistical Treasure Hunt • Why are we here and who’s in our house. • Divorce pretest • Close: one word how you feel.
Session Two • Welcome new members. • Poll students on rules of group. • Icebreaker: This week at home was . . . ? • Art activity: Family Album • Share art activity. • Closing: What color do you feel and why?
Session Three • Icebreaker: Thunderstorm in round • Explain concept of change and everyone affected. • Changes boxes: • Check the applicable boxes • Color, cut and paste • Circle the one that hurt the most • Draw a heart around a good change • Share any box(es) • Close: One thing I liked today was . . . ?
Session Four • Icebreaker: If I could do magic, I would . . . ? • Play “My 2 Homes.” • Close: One thing I learned today was . . . ?
Session Five A • Icebreaker: Play emotional Simon Says. • Complete “Stages of Experience” solo and then pair-and-share. • Students color stage(s) they are in. • Complete personal plan for anger. • Share one strategy. • Close: I hope . . .
Session Five B • Icebreaker: Play emotional Simon Says. • Play film “Taking the Duh out of Divorce.” • Discuss film and reaction. • Close: I hope . . .
Session Six (A) • Icebreaker: Good news I have to share is . . . • Explain “unfinished business.” • Students write letters to Mom and Dad with what they really wish they could say. • Process: • How was it for you? • Easy to write? Hard? • Which letter was more difficult to write? Why? • Let volunteers share aloud. Discuss sending/giving. • Close: One thing I learned today was . . . ?
Session Six (B) • Icebreaker: My favorite book is . . . • Discuss fairy tales with stepparents. Are they real? Fair? How do you feel about your stepparent? • Read fairy tale (Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, etc.) • Discuss feelings sheet from character POV. • Complete sheet for self and process. • Close: I’m happy when . . .
Session Seven • Icebreaker: Write the ugliest thing you can think of. What is the most beautiful? Share. • How do you know it is ugly or beautiful? • Explain “Good Side” sheet and have students share. Emphasize the good in divorce. • If time allows, draw their future. • Close: Introduce closure and plan party.
Session Eight • Closure and keeping door open. • Party. • Divorce post-test • Group feedback form. • Reunion?
Resources • DVD: www.trevorromain.com • “My 2 Homes” at www.childworks.com • “Guiding Kids Through Divorce” by Jill Riethmayer