LESSON 3 - Horseman: Defensiveness

In this lesson, the learners review the Four Horsemen and their remedies, and begin a focused, deeper learning of the Horseman named Defensiveness. They will learn how to use the Thought Journal.

Instructional Objectives

Learners will learn what Gottman’s Four Horsemen and their accompanying remedies are, and why this is important. They will begin a focused, deeper learning of the Horseman named Defensiveness.

Instructional Procedures

a. Lesson Set: To begin and "hook" our children (learners), mommy and daddy will roleplay to show the difference between good and bad relationships interactions in a funny way.
 
b. Techniques and activities:

1. Parents will roleplay to introduce the Horseman: Defensiveness.
2. Parents will describe what will be learned in this lesson.
3. Parents will ask each child how the week went, applying remedies. The Happy Talk Checklist will be emphasized as a tool for evaluating this. The Adventure Map will also be discussed. The following graphic will be shown while reviewing remedies and discussing them in context of the Happy Talk Checklist:

4. Parents will briefly review The Four Horsemen, and teach the Horseman: Defensiveness. Children will be shown the following graphic so that they can see the words as they hear them, to help reinforce the message.
5. The family will watch the following video, which demonstrates Defensiveness, and positive and negative responses to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7FixvoKBw

5. Parents will teach remedies for the Horseman: Criticism.
6. Children will role-play The Four Horsemen and Remedies.
7. Parents will introduce ("Unlock") and explain the tool, "Thought Journal."

c. Lesson Closure:

1. The lesson will be summarized.
2. Homework will be given to begin practicing applying remedies for behavioral change.
3. The family will celebrate victories from application of the material during the last week, using treats and tokens.

Supplemental Activities: Extension and remediation Parents/teacher: email and/or text older children each day after the lesson, to provide encouragement and check in on progress.

Assessment/Evaluation 

Informal evaluation will continue to be applied by using the Adventure Map.

Evaluation will continue to be applied by using the Happy Talk Checklist, which will track specific instances of behavior.

Evaluation will also begin by using the "Thought Journal."

Learner Products
No physical "artifacts" will result from this lesson.