My Family and Me

Exploring family structure fosters belonging, self-awareness, and respect for diverse family configurations.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Begin by creating a safe, inclusive space: 'Families come in all shapes and sizes! Some families have one grown-up, some have two. Some have grandparents living with them. Some have lots of siblings, some have none. ALL families are wonderful!'

Show photos or illustrations representing diverse family structures: single parents, grandparent-headed households, same-sex parents, blended families, extended family households. Discuss each without hierarchy: 'This family has a mum and two kids. This family has grandma, grandpa, mum, dad, and a baby!'

Invite children to draw their own families. Circulate and ask open-ended questions: 'Who is in your family? Who lives in your house? What do you love to do together?' Write children's dictations on their drawings.

Create a sharing opportunity where children present their family drawings. Model respectful listening and genuine interest. Create a classroom display titled 'Our Champion Families' showing all the drawings.

Sing a family song together that celebrates togetherness without specifying family composition.

Educator tip

Be sensitive to children in foster care, living with extended family, or in other non-traditional arrangements. Use inclusive language like 'the grown-ups who take care of you' rather than assuming specific family structures.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Assess verbal language development, representational drawing skills, and confidence in sharing personal information about family.

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