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My Story and Your Story

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Lesson Plan

Our Stories, Our Selves

Students will be able to share three personal identity characteristics (e.g., hobbies, family, favorite things) using simple sentences and visual aids, while practicing respectful group interactions.

This lesson helps students understand themselves better, recognize their unique qualities, and appreciate the diversity within their classroom community, all within a supportive and respectful environment.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

24 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities, visual organizers, peer sharing, and mindful practices to explore personal identity.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Getting to Know You Slides, and My Identity Map Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Group Norms & Mindful Minute

3 minutes

  • Use Getting to Know You Slides (Slides 1-2) to establish group norms for respectful sharing.
    - Lead students through a brief relaxation technique (e.g., three deep breaths) to center themselves.

Step 2

Welcome & Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students as they enter.
    - Briefly introduce the day's topic: exploring personal stories and identities.
    - Use Getting to Know You Slides (Slide 3) for a quick visual intro.

Step 3

Introduce 'About Me' Concepts

4 minutes

  • Use Getting to Know You Slides (Slides 4-5) to discuss 'Personal Identity,' 'Culture,' 'Similarities & Differences,' and 'Self-Expression.'
    - Ask students what comes to mind when they hear these words.

Step 4

Create a Personal Identity Map

10 minutes

  • Distribute the My Identity Map Worksheet.
    - Explain the activity: Students will draw or write three personal identity characteristics (e.g., hobbies, family, favorite things) in the designated areas.
    - Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Step 5

Share & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one characteristic from their My Identity Map Worksheet with a partner or small group.
    - Facilitate a brief whole-class discussion, asking students: 'What did you learn about your classmates?' or 'What makes each person's story unique?'
    - Conclude by emphasizing the value of understanding and respecting diverse identities.
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Slide Deck

Our Shared Space

Let's create a safe and respectful space:

  • Listen with an open mind.
  • Share from your heart.
  • Respect all voices.

Explain the importance of listening and respecting everyone's unique story. Ask students to suggest one norm they think is important.

Mindful Minute

Let's take a mindful minute to focus.
- Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you wish.
- Take three slow, deep breaths.
- Feel your body relax.

Lead students through a simple breathing exercise to help them center themselves before starting the activity.

Our Stories, Our Selves

Let's explore what makes us unique and connect with each other!

Greet students and briefly introduce the idea of sharing personal stories. This slide sets a welcoming tone.

What is Your Story?

  • Personal Identity: Who are you? What makes you, YOU?
  • Culture: What traditions or beliefs are important to you?
  • Self-Expression: How do you show who you are to the world?

Introduce the concept of personal identity and ask students what comes to mind. Encourage initial thoughts and ideas.

Connecting Our Stories

  • Similarities & Differences: What do we have in common? What makes us unique?

Today, we'll create a map of our stories!

Continue the discussion by highlighting the value of similarities and differences. This leads into the activity.

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Worksheet

My Identity Constellation

Name: ____________________________

Imagine your identity is a constellation! Draw or write words and pictures to represent the shining stars that make you, YOU. Connect them with lines to show how they relate!

Center Star: Your Name/Nickname & a Word that Describes You:












Surrounding Stars (Pick 3-5!):

  • A hobby or talent you love:
  • Something important about your family or culture:
  • A favorite memory or experience:
  • A dream or goal for your future:
  • Something unique you want to share:





















My Constellation Reflection:

What makes your identity constellation shine brightly?


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