With classmates, brainstorm a list of daily rituals in which you engage and then discuss their origins. Are they rooted in family history? In necessity? Are they common among other people in your racial or ethnic group? Discuss what, if any, wider significance they may have.

Write a short essay recounting your earliest memories of your parents. Are you a participant or an observer? Discuss the significance of the memories of your relationship with your parents.

Conventional wisdom has it that children grow up to become just like their parents. In what ways are you most like your parents? Do you consider these similarities positive or regrettable? Discuss your responses with your class and with your parents.

Lee's speaker claims to know something about his father that his father does not know. In your journal, describe something that you know about a...