Apr 23: Our Family Roots

1. Watch the video on genealogy at http://www.esl-lab.com/roots/rootsrd1.htm#list

2. Answer the quiz questions.

3. Write in your journal about your family roots.

Apr 21: Michael's case

Read the case study below and answer at least three of the questions.


Michael (age 8) has lived with his non-kin foster mother, Ms. Daniels, since he was removed from his
mother’s care two years ago. While Michael was placed in Ms. Daniels’ care, his older sister was placed
with a relative. Michael has seen his mother nearly every weekend during the last two years. At the time
of our interview, Michael had six more weeks before he would reunify with his mother and sister.

Michael said that he is happy about returning to live with his mother again, but that he will miss Ms.
Daniels a lot. He said that he will go back to the elementary school that he attended prior to his removal,
but that his mother and Ms. Daniels also made arrangements for him to continue playing in the baseball
league that meets near the school he attended while living with Ms. Daniels. Similarly, Ms. Daniels told
Michael that he can visit her and stay the night if he wants.

Michael and Ms. Daniels have created a scrapbook over the course of the last two years which includes
awards, certificates, and a collection of photos documenting Michael’s classes, baseball teams, birthday
parties, visits with his mother, various outings, and vacations. Reflecting on the time when he was
removed from his mother’s care, Michael said that he was initially sad, but that now he feels good because
he has two families. The scrapbook captures Michael’s two families; it includes photos of Ms. Daniels’
extended family, as well as photos that Michael’s mother contributed.

Questions:
1. What are the positive aspects of Michael’s experience in out-of-home care?
2. What are your concerns?
3. How would you address your concerns?
4. What services or community resources would improve the quality of Michael’s experience?
5. What ethnic/cultural considerations seem particularly relevant?

Probes:
1. What are some thoughts and feelings that Michael might experience when he transitions home? How
would you assist Michael during this time?
2. Is it in Michael’s best interest to maintain a relationship with his foster mother? Role play a
conversation that you might have with Michael about the nature of his future relationship with Ms.
Daniels.
3. What function does the scrapbook serve in Michael’s life?

(taken from http://cssr.berkeley.edu/pdfs/vignettes.pdf)

Apr 19: A good night's sleep

1. Listen to the article while reading online: http://www.manythings.org/listen/sleep.html

2. Make a list of reasons why you think it is important to get a good night's sleep.

3. Write in your journal. What can you do to improve your sleep at night?

Apr 17: What are some common personal or health problems we encounter in our lives?

1. Listen to the audio at http://www.esl-lab.com/problem/probrd1.htm#list
2. Complete the quiz.
3. Write in your journal. What are some common personal or health problems we encounter in our lives? What words of advice would you give a person with these problems?

Apr 15: Family size and children

A few decades ago, many families had half a dozen or more children. Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to have only one or two children. Are smaller families better than larger ones? Why or why not? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

Apr 13: Eye for an Eye

Is “an eye for an eye” a good basis for determining an appropriate punishment? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.

Apr 11: City versus Countryside

Some people prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. Which do you think is the better choice? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.