1. Changing Families: A Small Group Approach to Help Children Cope with Parental Divorce Doug Williamson International School Bangkok

2. Background Pre-K to Gr. 12: 1825 students Students from 60 countries –American 34% –Thai 20% –Japanese 8% –Korean 8% Each year 22% of students are new, approx. 425 students Parents work for embassies, oil companies, banking firms, etc. 60% are second-language speakers. 20% are in EAL.

3. Structural Overview Groups require written parental consent. Groups are held during lunch. Size is typically 8 students. Groups meet weekly for eight sessions. Sessions are typically 40-45 minutes.

4. What’s in a Name? Changing Families? Children of Divorce? Friendship group? Other suggestions?

5. These include: Finding eligible students and advertising group Consent from both parents Questionnaire for parents Location for group Reporting back/taking notes Points to Consider

6. Session One Introduce rules of group: –One person speaks at a time. –It is o.k. to say “pass.” –It needs to be a safe place. –If we make a mess, we clean it up. –What we say in here, stays in here. Getting to Know You Activity. –Statistical Treasure Hunt Why are we here and who’s in our house. Divorce pretest Close: one word how you feel.

7. Session Two Welcome new members. Poll students on rules of group. Icebreaker: This week at home was... ? Art activity: Family Album Share art activity. Closing: What color do you feel and why?

9. Session Three Icebreaker: Thunderstorm in round Explain concept of change and everyone affected. Changes boxes: –Check the applicable boxes –Color, cut and paste –Circle the one that hurt the most –Draw a heart around a good change –Share any box(es) Close: One thing I liked today was... ?

11. Session Four Icebreaker: If I could do magic, I would... ? Play “My 2 Homes.” Close: One thing I learned today was... ?

12. Session Five A Icebreaker: Play emotional Simon Says. Complete “Stages of Experience” solo and then pair-and-share. Students color stage(s) they are in. Complete personal plan for anger. Share one strategy. Close: I hope...

13. Session Five B Icebreaker: Play emotional Simon Says. Play film “Taking the Duh out of Divorce.” Discuss film and reaction. Close: I hope...

14. Session Six (A) Icebreaker: Good news I have to share is... Explain “unfinished business.” Students write letters to Mom and Dad with what they really wish they could say. Process: –How was it for you? –Easy to write? Hard? –Which letter was more difficult to write? Why? Let volunteers share aloud. Discuss sending/giving. Close: One thing I learned today was... ?

15. Session Six (B) Icebreaker: My favorite book is... Discuss fairy tales with stepparents. Are they real? Fair? How do you feel about your stepparent? Read fairy tale (Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, etc.) Discuss feelings sheet from character POV. Complete sheet for self and process. Close: I’m happy when...

16. Session Seven Icebreaker: Write the ugliest thing you can think of. What is the most beautiful? Share. How do you know it is ugly or beautiful? Explain “Good Side” sheet and have students share. Emphasize the good in divorce. If time allows, draw their future. Close: Introduce closure and plan party.

17. Session Eight Closure and keeping door open. Party. Divorce post-test Group feedback form. Reunion?

18. Resources DVD: www.trevorromain.com “My 2 Homes” at www.childworks.comwww.childworks.com “Guiding Kids Through Divorce” by Jill Riethmayer