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Mi Historia, Mi Fuerza

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Lesson Plan

Mi Historia, Mi Fuerza

Students will be able to articulate key elements of their personal and cultural identity and identify at least two personal strengths derived from their heritage.

Understanding and appreciating one's personal and cultural identity fosters self-awareness, builds confidence, and promotes a sense of belonging. This lesson helps students recognize the unique strengths their heritage offers.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through guided reflection, sharing, and discussion, students will connect their identity to personal strengths.

Materials

Mi Historia Slide Deck, Personal History Journal Prompt, and Opening Circle Script

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Opening Circle & Check-in

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief, inclusive opening circle using the Opening Circle Script to set a positive and reflective tone. Focus on a quick check-in question to engage students and create a sense of community.

Step 2

Theme Introduction: My Story, My Strength

10 minutes

  • Introduce the lesson's theme, "Mi Historia, Mi Fuerza" (My Story, My Strength), using the Mi Historia Slide Deck to guide the discussion.
    * Explain the concepts of personal and cultural identity, and how they contribute to individual strengths.
    * Facilitate a short whole-class discussion, encouraging students to share initial thoughts on how their background might contribute to who they are.

Step 3

Personal Reflection & Journaling

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Personal History Journal Prompt.
    * Provide clear instructions for students to reflect on their personal and cultural identity, and to identify at least two strengths derived from their heritage.
    * Allow for quiet, independent work time for students to complete their journal entries. Emphasize that this is a safe space for personal reflection.

Step 4

Paired Sharing & Group Reflection

10 minutes

  • Ask students to pair up and share one or two insights from their journal entries with their partner. Remind them to listen actively and respectfully.
    * Bring the class back together for a brief whole-group reflection, inviting volunteers to share a strength they identified or something new they learned about their partner (without revealing personal details their partner might not want to share).

Step 5

Closing Circle: Setting Intentions

5 minutes

  • Conclude with a closing circle. Ask students to share one word or a short phrase that represents a strength they rediscovered or a new intention related to their identity.
    * Thank students for their participation and emphasize the value of their unique stories and strengths.
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Slide Deck

Welcome: Mi Historia, Mi Fuerza

My Story, My Strength

  • What's one thing that makes you, YOU?
  • A quick check-in to start our journey today!

Welcome students and set a positive tone for reflection and sharing. Use the opening circle script as a guide.

What is Personal Identity?

Who Are You, Really?

  • Your unique characteristics
  • Your beliefs and values
  • Your experiences
  • Your passions

Introduce the concept of personal identity as the unique characteristics, beliefs, and experiences that make an individual. Ask students to think about what makes them unique.

Understanding Cultural Heritage

Where Do You Come From?

  • Family traditions
  • Customs and celebrations
  • Languages spoken
  • Stories passed down

Explain cultural heritage as the traditions, values, customs, and artifacts passed down through generations within a cultural group. Encourage students to consider their family traditions or cultural practices.

Identity + Heritage = Strength

The Power of Your Roots

  • How your background shapes your perspective
  • Recognizing unique qualities gained from your heritage
  • Finding strength in your story

Connect personal identity and cultural heritage by explaining how these two intertwine to shape who we are. Emphasize that our heritage often contributes to our individual strengths.

Journal Reflection: My Strengths

What Makes You Strong?

  • Reflect on your personal and cultural identity.
  • Identify at least two personal strengths that come from your heritage.
  • Think about traditions, family values, or unique experiences.

Introduce the journal activity and explain its purpose: to reflect deeply on their identity and identify personal strengths. Distribute the journal prompts and provide quiet time.

Share Your Story (Optional)

Finding Common Ground

  • Share one or two insights with a partner.
  • Listen actively and respectfully.
  • What did you learn from your partner?

Explain the paired sharing activity. Encourage active listening and respectful sharing. Remind students they can choose what they want to share.

Closing Circle: Our Collective Strength

Your Story Matters

  • One word/phrase to describe a strength you found today.
  • Setting intentions to celebrate your unique identity.
  • Thank you for sharing your stories!

Lead the closing circle, asking for one-word or short phrase intentions. Reinforce the value of their unique identities and strengths.

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Journal

Personal History Journal: My Story, My Strength

Take some time to reflect on your personal and cultural identity. Your identity is a rich tapestry woven from your experiences, your family's history, and the cultures that have shaped you. Today, we're going to explore how this tapestry gives you unique strengths.

Prompt 1: Exploring Your Roots

What aspects of your family history, cultural background, or personal experiences have significantly influenced who you are today? Think about traditions, values, stories, or even challenges that have been passed down or that you've personally encountered.











Prompt 2: Identifying Your Strengths

Based on your reflections in Prompt 1, identify at least two specific personal strengths that you believe are a direct result of your personal and/or cultural identity. How did these experiences or aspects of your heritage help cultivate these strengths? For example, if your family immigrated, perhaps you gained resilience or adaptability. If you grew up speaking two languages, maybe you developed strong problem-solving skills or empathy.











Prompt 3: Looking Forward

How can you intentionally use one of these strengths in your life right now? This could be in your relationships, your schoolwork, or your personal goals.











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Script

Opening Circle & Check-in Script

Welcome and Setting the Stage (2 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to our session, 'Mi Historia, Mi Fuerza' – My Story, My Strength. Today, we're going to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the rich tapestry of our personal and cultural identities and how they contribute to our unique strengths."

"Before we dive in, let's take a moment to settle into our circle. Find a comfortable position, take a deep breath, and let's connect."

Quick Check-in Question (3 minutes)

"To kick us off, I have a quick check-in question for you all. When you hear the phrase 'My Story, My Strength,' what's the first word or image that comes to mind? You don't need to explain, just share the word or image that pops into your head. Let's go around the circle. I'll start."

(Teacher shares a word or image related to their own story/strength to model the activity.)

*(Allow each student to share their word/image. Affirm each student with a nod or a brief

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