Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.4A Grade 12 CPI 5

 

Standard: 2.4 - Human Relationships & Sexuality

 

Strand: A - Relationship

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator:  5 -  The student will describe the important characteristics of a spouse or life partner and describe factors to consider when contemplating a lifetime commitment such as marriage.

 

Grade: 12

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT MARRIAGE? - Have students read the following list of “Things to Think About Before you Marry.”

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU MARRY
-        Most marriages of individuals under age 21 end in divorce or separation.
-        If you don’t get along with one of your parents, don’t marry someone who seems to be just like that parent.
-        Marriage is not the time to get to know someone.
-        If you spend all your time together disagreeing and arguing, things will not change once you’re married.
-        Be careful if you always need to be reassured of your partner’s love.
-        It’s great to have loving in-laws but you’re not marrying them (or their money, your mother-in-law’s cooking, or the family’s acceptance).
-        If you often think “Maybe things will get better after we’re married” or if your partner keeps promising “I’ll straighten out after we’re married,” be careful. The troubling area may be careless use of money, sex with other people, or an alcohol/drug problem. Marriage usually makes such problems worse, not better, because once you’re married your expectations are higher.
-       If your partner thinks you are stupid, talks “down” to you, and doesn’t include you in “intelligent” conversation, watch out.
-        Don’t expect your prospective partner to change habits you abhor (such as a violent temper or unclean grooming habits).
-        Just because you are married, you shouldn’t have to give up all your old friends.
-        If your partner cannot tolerate time alone and resents the time that you wish to spend alone reading, pursuing a hobby, or meditating, think twice.
-        The appeal of a centerfold or beefcake (e.g., a sex object or trophy) wears disturbingly thin if there are few things about the person that appeal to you.

      -        If there has been an experience of violent behavior between you and your partner, there’s a possibility it could happen again. Some people (both men and women) may promise “I’ll never hit you after we’re married,” but such vows are not usually kept.

      -        Be cautious if your partner considers his or her own welfare more than your own in most situations.
-        Discuss living arrangements. If you are unable to agree on where you are going to live or under what circumstances you would move, think twice.
-        If you are considering an intermarriage (a marriage to someone of another religious faith or race) and are unable to agree on how the children should be raised (or are unable to agree on whether or not to have children), seek counseling before entering into marriage.
-        Couples often have tremendous conflicts because one spouse is comfortable with a modest, middle-class standard of living and the other insists on lavish furnishings, fancy vacations, and a steady ascent up the ladder of success. If you seem to be miles apart on your goals, dreams, and aspirations, think long and hard about your future together. After reading the list, students answer (in writing) the following questions:
-        Which of the ideas do you think are the most important?
-        Which of the ideas do you disagree with?
-        Have you experienced any of these situations in your life? Explain.
-        Which of the ideas do you think people ignore most frequently?
-        What would you add to the list?

 

·        PARTNERS FOR LIFE - Randomly pair students. For a specific period of time (at least two weeks) each pair plans life together as a “couple.” Pairs confer and decide on careers and calculate income and expenses. Provide students with specific questions to answer regarding children, relationships with family and friends, major purchases, and hobbies. Students keep a diary of their “relationship” and later share it with classmates. Students conclude the activity by writing a brief reaction to the experience.

 

·        DATING GAME - Show the class excerpts from the original Dating Game television show. Following this, students role-play “dating game” scenarios. After selecting a date, students justify their choice, plan a date, role-play the date, and report back to class.

Variation: Students rate themselves as an ideal date. Provide students with a chart, similar to the one below. After students complete the chart, discuss the characteristics and the ratings. A score of 80 or above indicates an “ideal date.”