Lesson Plan
The 'Who Am I Now?' Identity Map
Students will explore and understand their evolving identities by identifying personal strengths, values, and community connections, ultimately fostering self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
Understanding one's identity and connection to community is crucial for personal development, building resilience, and navigating social interactions. This lesson empowers students to recognize their unique contributions and place in the world.
Audience
K-12 Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection, creative mapping, and discussion.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Slide Deck: Who Am I Now?, Markers or pens, Worksheet: My Identity Map Journey, Activity: Identity Map Creation, and Art supplies (colored pencils, crayons, magazines for collaging, glue, construction paper - optional)
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Print copies of the Worksheet: My Identity Map Journey for each student.
- Gather any optional art supplies for the Activity: Identity Map Creation, such as colored pencils, crayons, magazines, glue, and construction paper.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up.
- Review the generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Who Are You in One Word?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "If you had to describe yourself in one word right now, what would it be?"
- Have students share their words with a partner or the class. Briefly discuss why they chose that word. (Use Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? Slide 2)
- Introduce the lesson's main question: "Who are you now?"
Step 2
Introduction: What is Identity?
10 minutes
- Use the Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? (Slides 3-5) to define identity and discuss its various components (values, interests, strengths, relationships, community).
- Engage students with questions like: "What makes you, YOU?" and "How do the people around you influence who you are?"
Step 3
My Identity Map Journey: Guided Reflection
15 minutes
- Distribute the Worksheet: My Identity Map Journey.
- Guide students through the worksheet, prompting them to reflect on their strengths, values, interests, and important people/places in their lives. (Use Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? Slides 6-8 for prompts and examples).
- Encourage students to think deeply and write down their thoughts. Circulate to offer support and answer questions.
Step 4
Identity Map Creation Activity
20 minutes
- Introduce the Activity: Identity Map Creation using Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? Slides 9-10.
- Explain that students will create a visual representation of their identity, incorporating elements from their worksheet.
- Provide art supplies (if using) and instruct students to draw, write, or collage their maps. Emphasize that there is no 'right' way to create the map; it should be personal and reflective.
- Play calm background music during this creative time.
Step 5
Share & Reflect
10 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share their identity maps or one interesting discovery from the activity with the class (or in small groups if preferred).
- Conclude with a discussion using Slide Deck: Who Am I Now? Slide 11: "How did creating your identity map help you understand yourself better?" and "What is one thing you appreciate about your unique identity?"
Slide Deck
Who Are You, Right Now?
If you had to describe yourself in ONE word, what would it be?
Share your word with a partner!
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Explain that today's lesson is about exploring themselves.
What is Identity?
Your identity is who you are! It's made up of many things:
- Your unique qualities
- Your beliefs and values
- Your experiences
- The people and places around you
It's always growing and changing!
Introduce the concept of identity. Explain it's more than just a name or appearance. Ask students for initial thoughts.
Pieces of Your Identity Puzzle
What are your:
- Strengths? (What are you good at? What comes easily to you?)
- Values? (What is most important to you?)
- Interests? (What do you love to do? What makes you curious?)
- Relationships? (Who are the important people in your life?)
- Community? (What groups or places make you feel like you belong?)
Discuss key components that make up identity. Prompt students to think about their own examples for each category.
My Identity Map Journey
Now, let's explore your unique identity on paper!
We'll use a worksheet to help you think about all the amazing parts that make you, YOU.
Transition to the worksheet. Explain that they'll be thinking about these pieces of their identity.
Creating Your Identity Map
It's time to get creative!
Your Identity Map is a visual representation of who you are, right now.
- Center: Put your name or a picture of yourself in the middle.
- Branches/Bubbles: Add your strengths, values, interests, important people, and community connections. Use words, drawings, or colors!
- Be Unique: There's no right or wrong way to make your map. Make it yours!
Provide clear instructions for starting the identity map activity. Emphasize creativity.
Share and Reflect
Look at your amazing Identity Map!
- What is one new thing you noticed about yourself?
- How did creating this map help you understand yourself better?
- What is one thing you appreciate about your unique identity?
Encourage students to share. Facilitate a positive and respectful sharing environment. Ask guiding questions.
Worksheet
My Identity Map Journey
Welcome to your journey of self-discovery! This worksheet will help you explore the amazing parts of your identity. Your answers here will help you create your unique Identity Map.
Part 1: Who Am I?
My Strengths
What are you good at? What comes easily to you? (e.g., being a good listener, solving puzzles, being creative, helping others)
My Values
What is most important to you? What do you believe in? (e.g., kindness, honesty, family, fairness, adventure)
My Interests
What do you love to do? What makes you curious or excited? (e.g., reading, playing sports, drawing, gaming, exploring nature)
Part 2: My World
Important People in My Life
Who are the people who influence you or make you feel loved and supported? (e.g., family members, friends, teachers, mentors)
My Community & Places
What groups, clubs, or places make you feel like you belong? (e.g., school, sports team, neighborhood, religious group, library, a special park)
Part 3: Looking Ahead
One word to describe who I want to be (or continue to be) in the future:
How do these things connect to make you, YOU?
Activity
Identity Map Creation
It's time to bring your identity to life! Using what you reflected on in your Worksheet: My Identity Map Journey, you will now create a visual map of who you are.
Your Identity Map should include:
-
Your Center: In the middle of your paper, place your name, a drawing of yourself, or a symbol that represents you.
-
Branches of You: From your center, draw lines, bubbles, or pathways to represent different aspects of your identity. These can be:
- Strengths: What are you great at?
- Values: What's most important to you?
- Interests: What do you love to do?
-
Connections to Your World: Add elements that show the people and places that influence you:
- Important People: Draw or write the names of family, friends, teachers, or mentors.
- Community/Places: Represent groups you belong to (like a sports team, club, or school) or special places (like your home, a park, or a library).
-
Symbols, Colors, and Drawings: Use colors, pictures, and symbols that are meaningful to you. You can draw, use cut-outs from magazines, or simply write words. Be creative!
-
No Right or Wrong: Remember, this is your identity map. There's no single "correct" way to make it. Let your creativity flow and express yourself!