Session 2 - Family Diversity and Adolescent Development

The primary focus of this session is to:

  • Explain the history and strengths of diverse African American families.
  • Discuss the various transitions that take place during adolescence.

The particular emphasis will be on:

  • Recognizing the various family arrangements among African Americans.
  • Discussing issues related to adolescent development and risk behaviors.

Knowledge –Attitudes –Skills Expected

At the end of this session participants will be able to:
  • 1. Identify issues related to the diverse nature of African American families.
  • 2. Recognize some strengths and challenges in rearing African American adolescent males in a diverse American society.
  • 3. Identify issues related to adolescent development and well-being.

Activities

  • Affirmation & Meditation
  • Warm-up: “Father Abraham Song”
  • Introduction to Journaling
  • Introduction to the Memory Book & Tips for Taking Pictures
  • Open Discussion and PowerPoint Presentations:
    • African American Family Diversity
    • Adolescent Development and Risky Behaviors
Homework Due
  • “Let’s Get Acquainted” Exercise
Homework Assigned
  • Father and Son Letters
Materials Needed
  • Father-Son Memory books: Binders or scrapbooks that can contain pictures, poems, and other materials created by participants.
  • Project Camera: Staff member to take pictures of fathers’ and sons’ interactions with each other and project staff.
  • Cameras for sons: Disposable cameras for each father-son pair to use throughout the program.
  • Sons' Journals: To write reflections on experiences throughout the program. Notebooks may be more economical for this ongoing activity.
  • Facilitator script for PowerPoint slides (“Adolescent Development” and “African American Families”).
  • Flip chart/Markers or Chalkboard: For “brainstorming.”
Session Outline
  • Quick Overview of Today’s Session (5 minutes)
  • Check-In (10 minutes)
  • Activities (85 minutes)
    • Affirmations & Meditation (10 minutes)
    • Father Abraham Song (10 Minutes)
    • Introduction to Journaling (10 minutes)
    • Introduction of Memory Book Activity & Tips for Taking Pictures (25 minutes
    • Open Discussion and PowerPoint Presentations (30 minutes)
      • African American Family Diversity
      • Introduction to Adolescent Development and Risky Behaviors
  • Homework Assignment (5 minutes)
  • Closing Summary (5 minutes)
  • Check-Out (5 minutes)

Materials

Lesson Plan

Powerpoint Materials

Family Diversity Family Diversity Script Adolescent Development Adolescent Development Script

Activities and Handouts

Father Abraham Lyrics My Journal Cover Tips for Taking Pictures Journal Sample

Homework

Fathers and Sons Letters
Lesson 2 - Fathers and Sons - © 2022