Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.
Answer "Dear Abby" questions about teen problems.
Objective: To connect students to the idea of life leading us to "maturation."
Activity: Hand out "Dear Abby" questions and have students write a response on 3x5 cards. Questions: 1) What would you do if your girlfriend/boyfriend returned all your gifts with no explanation? 2) What would you do if your two best friends betrayed you by supporting your parents (in some way) rather than you? 3) How would you respond to your mother if she married your uncle less than a month after your father's death? 4) How would you react to a friend telling you s/he had seen a ghost of your dead father?
