sticker or symbol could match the occasion, the season, or the group. Depending on the time
of year, affirmations might include the following:
v
v
v
v
Flags for veterans on Veteran's Day
Pumpkins for senior citizens at Thanksgiving
Hearts for parents on Valentine's Day
Candy canes for special education students at Christmas
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT:
v As a homework assignment, ask students to share with their parents/guardians the classgenerated list of put-ups and put-downs. Then parent/guardian and student should
brainstorm together to expand this list. The parents/guardians can add the put-ups and
put-downs of the adult world of work places, television, etc. This shared brainstorming
will make both parties more cognizant of what the other likes and dislikes.
PROTEAM DREAMQUEST CURRICULUM
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MODULE 4:
v Have students look at traditions, stereotypes, and behaviors portraying praise or scorn in
different cultures. Together, the student and parent could conduct an interview, either by
phone or in person, to find out more about their own culture or about the culture of a
person from a different ethnic background. By learning more about the put-ups and putdowns in various cultures, the students will become more sensitive to issues of diversity.
Have the students share what they found with the rest of the class.
I Can Think Positively
v Another assignment could ask the students and parents to watch a TV program together
and record a list of the put-ups and the put-downs heard on the show. Some of the family
sit-coms might be best for this activity.