Opening Statement: Keeping in mind the theme of the discussion plan, explain in your own words why 'we are holding this meeting'. Encourage everyone to take notes.
Start out by saying: "First let me explain why I think it is important to hold these family council meetings." Discuss this with them for about 10 minutes. Find suggestions in the section 'Family Council Meetings' (Table of Contents).
Then say: "Tonight (today) we are discussing our family and why it is a wonderful thing to be a family. I want to cover how important it is that we strengthen our family relationship. Furthermore, I want for us together to set up some ground rules about issues facing our family. Then we are going to have a treat and plan future family councils."
Write
on the board then ask: "What's a family?" Write answers on
the board. Be sure to explain that today there are several types of families
such as traditional two parent families, single parent families, blended
families, foster and adoptive families. Discuss the answers with them. (5
minutes at most)
Ask: "Do you know someone whose family is an example of ____?" Give an example of one of the above or other categories.
Ask: "Why are families important?" Some answers could be: Friends, helpers, support, encouragement and protection. Write answers on the board. Discuss the answers with them, ask, ‘why’?
Ask: "What do I mean when I say extended family?" Explain that the extended family is grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
