Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan
Students will explore ways to express their thoughts and ideas clearly, confidently, and authentically through reflective and creative activities.
This lesson helps students recognize the importance of expressing their true selves, building confidence, and improving communication skills essential for personal growth and positive social interactions.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive, reflective, and creative activities guide authentic expression.
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Slide Show on Expression Techniques to familiarize yourself with key concepts.
- Set up the classroom to facilitate group work and creative expression.
- Test the 1-3 Minute Video on Authenticity to ensure smooth playback.
- Print or distribute the Journal Reflection Worksheet and Exit Ticket Template for student use.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on what it means to be authentic and true to oneself.
- Pose the question, 'What does authenticity mean to you?' and allow a few volunteers to share their thoughts.
- Introduce the key activities for the session using the Warm-Up Activity Instructions.
Step 2
Journal Reflection
5 minutes
- Distribute the Journal Reflection Worksheet.
- Ask students to write a short reflection on a personal experience where they felt they expressed their authentic self.
- Encourage honesty and insightful expression.
Step 3
Group Activity and Creative Expression
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and provide the Group Activity Guide.
- In groups, have students discuss their journal reflections and share personal stories in a supportive setting.
- Encourage them to use creative means (e.g., art, writing, music) to express key ideas from their discussion.
Step 4
Video and Slide Show
5 minutes
- Play the 1-3 Minute Video on Authenticity that highlights the diversity of authentic self-expression.
- Follow up with a brief walkthrough of the Slide Show on Expression Techniques to reinforce the video message.
Step 5
Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Distribute the Exit Ticket Template and ask students to answer: 'What is one way you can express your authentic self moving forward?'
- Collect responses to gauge student understanding and reflection on the lesson.
Slide Deck
Authentic Self-Expression: Finding Your Voice
Welcome! Today we explore what it means to be authentic and how to express our true selves through art, writing, and music.
Introduce the topic, explaining that this session is focused on authentic self-expression. Emphasize that the activities will help students identify ways to express their true selves through creative methods.
What is Authenticity?
Authenticity is being true to yourself. It means expressing your ideas, feelings, and experiences honestly.
Discuss the concept of authenticity. Ask: 'What does authenticity mean to you?' and encourage students to share their ideas.
Expression Techniques
Explore various ways to express yourself:
- Art (drawing, painting)
- Writing (stories, poems)
- Music (songs, rhythm)
Highlight various creative mediums students can use to express themselves. Encourage a discussion on the different methods like art, writing, and music.
Reflect & Share
Think about a time you expressed your true self. Which creative method helped you best communicate your feelings?
Get ready to share your story in small groups.
Invite students to reflect on their personal experiences and consider which creative method suits them best. Tie this slide with the upcoming group sharing activity.
Exit Ticket Reminder
Before we end, please answer:
"What is one way you can express your authentic self moving forward?"
Your thoughts are valuable.
Conclude the session with a reminder of the exit ticket activity. Encourage students to think about one way they will use authentic self-expression moving forward.
Warm Up
Warm-Up Activity Instructions: Authentic Self-Expression
Welcome to today's warm-up! This activity is designed to get us thinking about what authenticity means and to set the tone for our exploration of self-expression.
Steps:
-
Introduction:
- Begin by asking the question: "What does authenticity mean to you?"
- Invite a few volunteers to share their thoughts with the class.
- Begin by asking the question: "What does authenticity mean to you?"
-
Discussion Prompt:
- Engage in a brief discussion on the idea of being true to oneself.
- Encourage students to consider personal moments when they felt confident in expressing their true selves.
- Engage in a brief discussion on the idea of being true to oneself.
-
Connecting to the Lesson:
- Explain that today's lesson will include activities such as a journal reflection, a group discussion, creative expression with art, writing, or music, and more.
- Let them know that they will have the opportunity to share personal stories in a supportive setting.
- Explain that today's lesson will include activities such as a journal reflection, a group discussion, creative expression with art, writing, or music, and more.
Take a moment to reflect on your thoughts: What does being authentic mean in your everyday life?
Let's begin our journey into authentic self-expression!
Activity
Group Activity Guide: Authentic Self-Expression
This activity is designed to help you share your personal experiences and creative expressions in a supportive group setting. Follow these steps with your small group:
Instructions:
-
Sharing Journal Reflections:
- Each group member takes a turn to read aloud a brief summary of their journal reflection about a time when they felt truly authentic.
- Listen carefully and respectfully as each person shares their experience.
- Each group member takes a turn to read aloud a brief summary of their journal reflection about a time when they felt truly authentic.
-
Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the following questions as a group:
- What does authenticity look like in everyday life?
- How can creative activities help you express your true self?
- Did you notice any common themes in your reflections?
- What does authenticity look like in everyday life?
- Encourage everyone to contribute their thoughts and ask follow-up questions.
- Discuss the following questions as a group:
-
Creative Expression Activity:
-
Decide on a creative way to represent one idea from your discussion. This may include:
- A short poem or story that captures a moment of authenticity
- A simple drawing or collage
- A brief musical riff or rhythm using classroom instruments (if available)
-
Discuss together how this creative method can be a tool for expressing your unique experiences and ideas.
-
-
Group Reflection:
- At the end of the activity, as a group, reflect on the following:
- What did you learn from hearing each other's stories?
- How can creative expression help you communicate ideas better?
- Can you think of a new way to express yourself using art, writing, or music?
- At the end of the activity, as a group, reflect on the following:
-
Wrap-Up:
- Each group will share one key insight or idea that emerged from your discussion with the rest of the class.
- Listen to other groups and consider how different perspectives enrich our understanding of authenticity.
Take your time to explore and express your thoughts in a way that feels right to you. Remember, there are no wrong answers – your unique voice matters!
Enjoy the activity and let your creativity shine!
Journal
Journal Reflection Worksheet: Authentic Self-Expression
In this worksheet, you will reflect on what it means to be authentic. Consider a moment when you felt truly yourself, where your thoughts and actions were in sync with your true feelings and beliefs.
Reflection Prompt:
- Think of a time when you felt proud of who you are. Describe the situation in detail. What was happening, and why did you feel authentic in that moment?
- Reflect on the factors that helped you express your true self. Was it a supportive friend, a creative activity, or maybe a quiet moment of self-reflection?
- How can you use what you learned from that experience to help you continue to express your authenticity in everyday life?
Take your time to think deeply about your answers. Your genuine voice is valued and can inspire others in our group discussion later.
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: Authentic Self-Expression
Before we end our session today, please take a moment to reflect and answer the following question:
What is one way you can express your authentic self moving forward?
Write your answer in complete sentences. Your thoughts are important and will help us understand how you plan to continue expressing your true self.
Thank you for sharing your unique voice!