New
New
Year 2

Families around the world

I can explain differences and similarities between families all over the world.

New
New
Year 2

Families around the world

I can explain differences and similarities between families all over the world.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Families can vary in size, structure and living arrangements.
  2. What makes a family special is the love, care and support its members share.
  3. Different families may have their own cultural celebrations, food and traditions.
  4. We should show respect, interest and kindness when learning about others’ lives and families.

Keywords

  • Different - not the same as something else

  • Special - in this context, something that is important, unique or loved in its own way

  • Respect - treating others kindly and valuing their feelings, ideas and boundaries; for example, listening carefully and being polite, even if you disagree

Common misconception

We have nothing in common with families that are different.

"We have more in common than that which divides us" - Jo Cox, 2015. There are so many things that are the same between families that we should always talk about what's similar, even when we're learning about differences.


To help you plan your year 2 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Families around the world, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils will often make assumptions about families that are different from them. Give them opportunity to share their thoughts in a safe space. If you notice that pupils are sharing stereotypes and prejudice, gently challenge this, giving relevant examples that expand their thinking.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
All families are ...

the same.
made up of adults and children.
Correct answer: unique.

Q2.
How might a family member show they care?

Correct answer: make our lunch and help us get ready
tell us to do everything on our own
forget our birthday every year
say mean things to us

Q3.
What makes someone part of your family?

They buy you presents.
They live next door.
Correct answer: They care for you and love you.
You see them at school.

Q4.
What is something special that a family or group does again and again called?

Correct Answer: a tradition, tradition, traditions

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What do all families have in common, even if they look different?

They all live in big houses.
They all eat the same food.
Correct answer: They care for each other and help each other.

Q2.
What is a kind thing to say when someone tells you about their family tradition?

“That’s weird.”
Correct answer: “That’s interesting! Tell me more!”
“My family would never do something like that!”

Q3.
What does it mean to show respect for someone’s family?

Laugh at their food.
Ignore their story.
Correct answer: Listen carefully and be kind.

Q4.
Which word means something that is important, unique or loved in its own way?

Correct Answer: special