First in a series of four social studies units in a Family Around the World series, this second grade unit focuses on New England culture and, more specifically, on the theme of Boston families during the Colonial era. The unit gives a historical perspective to contemporary students who trace present social and familial patterns and ideas to earlier patterns, analyzing differences and similarities. Objectives are for students to conceptually examine: culture, recognizing that culture is learned, and the norms, values, diversity, and uniqueness of culture; social organization, and social processes. Geographic skills are emphasized. Teaching strategies are described for 97 activities in a format designed to help teachers see the relationships among objectives, content, teaching procedures, and materials of instruction. Audiovisual aids and printed materials to be used are listed with each activity. Related documents are ED 051 207 through ED 051 034; and SO 005 391 through SO 005 396. (SJM)