Dating - What is Love?

Summary

Students will be able to explore their feeling on love. They will first write down their feelings. Then as a class talk about love and infatuation, and what the differences are. Students will learn about the Ladder of Love and write a love poem of their own.

Materials

Chalk Board or Overhead, Songs on Love, Ladder of Love information and Ladder of Love word strips for each pair of students, "Appointment with Love" story, Poems on love.

Background for Teachers

Teachers need to make word strips for love and infatuation and decide how they will present them. Teachers should know what the Ladder of Love is and some basic knowledge on love to answer any questions the students may have.

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should know their own definition of what love means to them.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will be able to tell the difference between love and infatuation. They will have a knowledge of the Ladder of Love and the steps that lead to a mature level of loving others.

Instructional Procedures

Have the students take out a piece of paper and write down their own definition of love. The teacher may want to play some love music to set the mood. This will give them the time they need to write down what love is. When the time is up ask some students to share what love means to them. Ask the class what is there about love that makes it difficult to define? (Some answers may be: There are many types of love. Love is a feeling, or maybe an action) Pass out word strips to the students with statements of either love or infatuation. Write the two headings on the board. Have each student read their statement and decided if it is "love" or "infatuation." Have the student tape the statement to the board under the appropriate heading. Help the class understand why it belongs in that particular place. ABC'S OF LOVE - On the same piece of paper they wrote their definition have the class write the ABC's down one side of the paper. Next to each letter they should write a word or phrase that begins with that latter that reminds them of love. (For example A=attraction, B=beauty, C=candy) Give the class some time to work on this. Listen to them to see when almost everyone is finished. Ask a student if he/she would like to share their list. LADDER OF LOVE - On the board draw a ladder. Go over the steps of the ladder of love with the students. Have the students take notes on the ten steps. When you are finished have them turn their papers over and participate in a sort activity. Put the students in pairs and have them sort of word strips to the Ladder of Love. (This is also a good review to use for a quiz) APPOINTMENT WITH LOVE - Read the story to the students. Ask them about how the story demonstrated Love vs. Infatuation. You may also want them to write a paper on love vs. infatuation. POEM ABOUT LOVE - Read a few poems on Love. Have the students write their own poems on love. It should be at least 8 lines long.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

You may want to change the poem to challenge some students and make it easier on others.

Extensions

You may want to play some video clips with love scenes. Ask the class if the love is love, or infatuation.

Assessment Plan

You may want to give a quiz on the "Ladder of Love." Have the students write the 10 steps down on order. Another way to test them is to match the step with the definition.

Bibliography

USOE Curriculum Guide, Jane Trane (Mountain View High School)