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Authentic Anchor: Embracing Identity

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Lesson Plan

Authentic Anchor: Embracing Identity

Students will explore and affirm their unique identity, fostering self-acceptance and confidence.

Understanding and embracing one's identity is crucial for navigating social pressures, making authentic choices, and building self-esteem, leading to greater well-being and resilience.

Audience

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, journaling, and creative expression.

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Authentic Anchor Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
    * Print copies of the Identity Journal Prompts for each student.
    * Prepare materials for the 'My Authentic Self' Project, such as art supplies (markers, colored pencils, paper, magazines for collage) or digital tools if preferred.
    * Arrange the classroom for group discussion and individual work.
    * Review all generated materials as needed.

Step 1

Introduction: What's Your Anchor?

10 minutes

  • Begin with a warm-up discussion prompted by the question: 'What does it mean to be 'authentic'?' (5 minutes)
    * Introduce the lesson objectives using the Authentic Anchor Slide Deck. (5 minutes)

Step 2

Exploring Your Inner Map: Values & Beliefs

15 minutes

  • Facilitate a discussion on personal values and beliefs, using prompts from the Authentic Anchor Slide Deck. (5 minutes)
    * Distribute Identity Journal Prompts and allocate time for students to reflect and write about their core values and beliefs. (10 minutes)

Step 3

Navigating the Tides: Social Pressures

15 minutes

  • Lead a discussion on social pressures and how they can impact one's identity. Use scenarios or open-ended questions from the Authentic Anchor Slide Deck to encourage sharing. (7 minutes)
    * Discuss strategies for staying true to oneself amidst external influences. (8 minutes)

Step 4

Crafting Your Compass: 'My Authentic Self' Project Introduction

15 minutes

  • Introduce the 'My Authentic Self' Project using the My Authentic Self Project Guide and the Authentic Anchor Slide Deck. Explain the purpose and deliverables. (5 minutes)
    * Students will begin brainstorming ideas for their project. Circulate to provide guidance and answer questions. (10 minutes)

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Anchored in Self

5 minutes

  • Conclude with a brief reflection activity, asking students to share one key takeaway about embracing their identity. (3 minutes)
    * Assign the 'My Authentic Self' project as homework or a longer-term assignment. (2 minutes)
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Slide Deck

Authentic Anchor: Embracing Identity

What does it mean to be your authentic self?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Ask students to think about what 'authentic' means to them. Facilitate a brief discussion based on their initial thoughts.

Today's Journey: Anchoring Our True Selves

Objective:

  • Explore your unique identity.
  • Affirm your values and beliefs.
  • Develop self-acceptance and confidence.

Today, we'll discover what makes us, us!

Explain the objectives of the lesson. Emphasize that this journey is about personal discovery and self-acceptance.

Exploring Your Inner Map: Values & Beliefs

What are your core values?
What beliefs guide your actions?

Think about what truly matters to you deep down.

Guide students in a discussion about what truly matters to them. Encourage them to think about their core principles.

Your Personal Compass: Journaling

Take time to reflect and write in your Identity Journal Prompts.

What makes you, YOU?

Introduce the Identity Journal Prompts. Give students time to write, reminding them it's a personal reflection.

Navigating the Tides: Social Pressures

How do social pressures influence us?

  • Friends, social media, family, school...
  • When do you feel pressure to be someone you're not?

Lead a discussion on external pressures students might face. Ask for examples (without naming specific individuals) and how these pressures feel.

Stay True: Strategies for Authenticity

How can we stay true to ourselves when facing pressure?

  • Know your values.
  • Set boundaries.
  • Seek supportive relationships.
  • Practice self-compassion.

Discuss strategies for staying true to oneself. Encourage students to share ideas.

Crafting Your Compass: "My Authentic Self" Project

Time to get creative!

Design a project that expresses your authentic self.

  • What aspects of your identity will you highlight?
  • How will you show the world who you truly are?

Introduce the 'My Authentic Self' Project. Explain that this is a chance for creative expression of their identity. Show the My Authentic Self Project Guide.

Anchored in Self: Reflect and Carry Forward

What is one thing you will take away from today about embracing your identity?

Your authentic self is your strongest anchor.

Conclude the lesson by asking students for one takeaway. Reiterate the importance of embracing their authentic selves.

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Journal

Identity Journal Prompts

Take some time to reflect on these questions. There are no right or wrong answers, only your authentic thoughts and feelings.

Prompt 1: My Core Values

What are your top 3-5 core values? (e.g., honesty, creativity, kindness, justice, independence, family, achievement, compassion).

Choose one value and explain why it is deeply important to you and how it guides your decisions.











Prompt 2: My Authentic Moment

Describe a time when you felt truly authentic, like you were completely yourself. What were you doing? Who were you with? How did that moment feel, and what did it teach you about yourself?











Prompt 3: Navigating Pressure

Describe a situation where you felt pressure to conform or be someone you are not. How did that feel? What did you do, or what could you have done, to stay true to your authentic self in that moment?











Prompt 4: My Future Self

Imagine your future self living a life that is truly aligned with your authentic identity. What does that look like? What steps can you start taking now to move closer to that vision?











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Project Guide

My Authentic Self Project: Showcasing Your True Colors!

Objective: To creatively express and celebrate your unique identity, values, and passions.

This project is your opportunity to showcase who you truly are, free from external pressures. Let your authentic self shine!

Project Options (Choose ONE):

1. Identity Collage/Vision Board:

  • Create a physical or digital collage using images, words, and objects that represent your values, passions, dreams, and what makes you unique. Arrange them in a way that tells your story.
  • Include a short written reflection (200-300 words) explaining your choices and how the collage represents your authentic self.

2. Personal Anthem/Poem/Short Story:

  • Anthem: Write and/or perform a song (lyrics only, or with music if you choose) that expresses your core beliefs, challenges you've overcome, and what you stand for.
  • Poem/Short Story: Write a poem (minimum 20 lines) or a short story (minimum 500 words) from the perspective of your authentic self, exploring an experience, a belief, or a dream that is central to who you are.
  • Include a short written reflection (150-250 words) on how your chosen creative piece reflects your identity.

3. "About Me" Digital Presentation/Website:

  • Design a short digital presentation (5-7 slides) or a simple one-page website that introduces your authentic self to the world.
  • Include sections for your values, passions, talents, goals, and anything else you feel defines you.
  • Use images, text, and thoughtful design to make it engaging and personal.
  • Be prepared to briefly present your creation (3-5 minutes).

4. Your Choice! (with approval):

  • Have another idea for how to creatively express your authentic self? Propose it to your teacher for approval! It could be a piece of art, a short film, a dance, a comic strip, etc. The only requirement is that it authentically represents you.
  • All custom projects must include a written explanation (minimum 200 words) of how the project reflects your identity.

Project Requirements:

  • Authenticity: The project must genuinely reflect your unique identity, values, and passions.
  • Creativity: Show effort and originality in your chosen medium.
  • Reflection: Include a written component explaining your choices and how the project showcases your authentic self.
  • Effort: Demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the prompt.

Guiding Questions for Your Project:

  • What are the core values that define you?
  • What passions or interests truly light you up?
  • What experiences have shaped who you are today?
  • What beliefs do you hold strongly?
  • How do you want the world to see your true self?
  • What makes you unique and special?

Due Date: [Teacher to insert date]
Presentation Date (if applicable): [Teacher to insert date]

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