Session 2 Objectives

1. To assist MKs with the opportunity to learn through the ADAPT model the steps of transition and some familiar emotions that may occur when making transitions.

2. To assist MKs with the chance to look and think about their upcoming move and make them aware that these changes/adjustments will take time.

3. To assist MKs with the opportunity to become familiar with the concepts of cultural adaptation and cultural shock.

4. To provide MKs the opportunity to talk about their grief and losses and to assist them with ways to process those emotions.

5. To assist MKs with the knowledge of those they are leaving behind using the REAL tool.

As we move through the transitions in our lives there are various steps in the process. David Pollock, who is recognized as a leading authority on third culture kids and transitions, has listed these five stages in the process: involvement stage, leaving stage, transitions stage, entering stage, and reinvolvement stage. As you and your family move through these various stages you will be able to recognize them and know how to better assist your child/children. We believe that this session will help you and your child/children with the sometimes challenging transition stage.

Lessons on Transition

Lesson 1

“Alexander, Who’s Not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Going to Move” by Judith Viorst

Jump to Lesson 1

Lesson 2

“Dandelions”
by Eve Bunting

Jump to Lesson 2

Lesson 3

“We are Best Friends”
by Aliki

Jump to Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Keep it REAL: “Explain”
by Anchor Education

Jump to Lesson 4

Activity Materials

Daily Materials

A notebook for each child to write in
A folder to hold worksheets and crafts
A computer with the ability to play audio
Writing and drawing utensils (pencils, crayons, markers, etc.)

Lesson 1: Your Moving Backpack Activity

Base Materials:

- Printer access
- Drawing materials
- Blank printer paper

Lesson 2: Dandelions Craft

Base Materials:

- Scissors
- Glue
- Green construction paper OR green drawing utensil

Materials for Option 1:

- Yellow tempera paint/watercolors
- Plastic forks
- Cardstock (recommended) or blank printer paper

Materials for Option 2:

- Construction paper
- Small paper plate or 6-inch cardstock circle

Lesson 3: Frog Activities

Base Materials:

- Drawing materials

Materials for Option 1:

- Photograph of a friend
- Construction paper

Materials for Option 2:

- Printer access
- Blank printer paper
- Scissors

Materials for Option 3:

- Printer access
- Blank printer paper

Lesson 4: REAL Worksheet and Light Bulb Line Art

Base Materials:

- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
- Scissors
- Drawing materials
- Printer access
- Cardstock (recommended) or blank printer paper

Credits and Special Thanks

Some of the basic objectives and concepts in the following lessons have been drawn from ideas presented in New Kid in School: Using Literature to Help Children in Transition by Debra Rader and Linda Harris Sittig.

REAL Activities and video have been used with the permission of Anchor Education.