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Who Am I Beyond Labels

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Lesson Plan

Identity Map Lesson Plan

Students will create an identity map with four dimensions—strengths, values, interests, cultures—and explain one way a label has impacted them through reflection.

By exploring multiple facets of their identity and examining labels, students build self-awareness, empathy, and confidence, and learn to challenge bias in themselves and others.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive mapping, reflection, and sharing

Materials

Beyond Labels Visuals, Four Corners Identity Walk, Identity Map Template, Label Impact Reflection Journal, and Exit Ticket: One Thing to Celebrate

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-up: Four Corners Identity Statements

5 minutes

  • Explain each corner represents an identity prompt (e.g., “I am creative,” “I speak more than one language,” etc.).
  • Display prompts on Beyond Labels Visuals.
  • Students move to the corner that resonates and discuss briefly (30 seconds each).

Step 2

Mini-Lesson: Labels vs. Lived Identity

5 minutes

  • Define “label” and “lived identity” using Beyond Labels Visuals.
  • Share examples of positive and negative labels.
  • Facilitate a quick discussion: How do labels shape perceptions of ourselves and others?

Step 3

Identity Mapping Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Pair Share: Insight and Celebration

5 minutes

  • Students pair up and share one insight from their map and one thing they celebrate about their identity.
  • Encourage active listening and ask partners to respond with a supportive comment.

Step 5

Exit Reflection: One Thing to Celebrate

5 minutes

  • Distribute Exit Ticket: One Thing to Celebrate.
  • Students write one action they’ll take to embrace or reclaim a label they’ve experienced.
  • Collect exit tickets as students leave.
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Slide Deck

Who Am I? Beyond Labels

Exploring our identities beyond the boxes we’re put in

Welcome students. Introduce the lesson: We’ll explore who we are beyond the labels others place on us. Read the title and objectives aloud. Emphasize self-awareness and empathy.

Warm-Up: Four Corners Identity Statements

• I am creative
• I speak more than one language
• I enjoy helping others
• I value tradition
• I love sports
• I am a good listener

Explain that each corner of the room corresponds to one of these statements. Display this slide and give students 30 seconds to choose a corner and discuss why they chose it.

What Is a Label?

A label is a word or phrase used to categorize a person or group.

• Can feel simple or limiting
• Often based on one trait or reputation

Define the terms clearly. Ask for a student example of a label they’ve heard. Link to the idea that labels can be limiting.

What Is Lived Identity?

Lived identity is the full, complex experience of who we are.

• Includes strengths, values, interests, cultures
• Changes over time and context

Clarify lived identity. Invite a quick example: What else makes you who you are beyond labels?

Examples of Labels

Positive Labels:
• Creative  • Leader  • Bilingual

Negative Labels:
• Lazy  • Shy  • Trouble-maker

Share examples from students if time permits. Highlight both positive and negative labels to show range.

How Do Labels Shape Perceptions?

• How do labels influence how we see ourselves?
• How do they shape how others treat us?
• Can labels ever be helpful? Why or why not?

Pose the questions to the class and facilitate a 2-minute discussion. Record key points on the board.

Identity Mapping Activity

Use your worksheet to explore four parts of your identity:

  1. Strengths
  2. Values
  3. Interests
  4. Cultures

Then write one way a label has impacted you in your journal.

Instruct students to grab their Identity Map Template and Reflection Journal. Remind them to fill in all four sections and record one way a label has impacted them.

Pair Share: Insight & Celebration

With a partner, share:

  1. One insight from your identity map
  2. One thing you celebrate about your identity

Direct students to pair up. Encourage listening and supportive feedback. Walk the room to support pairs.

Exit Reflection: One Thing to Celebrate

Complete your exit ticket:

Write one action you will take to embrace or reclaim a label you’ve experienced.

Hand out the exit ticket. Explain that students should write one action to embrace or reclaim a label. Collect as they leave.

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Activity

Four Corners Identity Walk

Description: Students will actively engage with identity statements by moving to the corner of the room that best represents them. This quick kinesthetic activity sparks reflection on the diversity of experiences and identities in the class.
Time: 5 minutes
Materials:

  • Beyond Labels Visuals (to display statements)
  • Pre-printed corner signs or posters with identity statements

Instructions

  1. Before class, post four signs in each corner of the room. Each sign has a different identity prompt taken from the first slide of Beyond Labels Visuals (e.g., “I am creative,” “I speak more than one language,” “I enjoy helping others,” “I value tradition”).
  2. Explain to students that each corner represents one of these statements. Display the prompts on the projector so everyone can see them.
  3. Ask students to move quietly to the corner that resonates most with their lived experience.
  4. Once in groups, give students 30 seconds each to share with a partner why they chose that corner.



  1. After pairs share, invite a volunteer from each corner to briefly share one insight or story with the whole class.



Teacher Tip: Encourage respectful listening and remind students that there is no right or wrong choice—every identity is valid. Collect the signs after the activity to use again or adapt for future discussions.

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Worksheet

Identity Map Template

Use this template to explore different parts of your identity. Fill in each section with at least three examples or thoughts that represent who you are beyond any single label.

1. Strengths

(What are your talents, skills, or qualities? )







2. Values

(What beliefs or principles guide your actions? )







3. Interests

(What activities or topics excite you? )







4. Cultures

(What cultural backgrounds, traditions, or communities do you connect with? )







Optional: Making Connections

How do these dimensions of your identity overlap or influence each other? Write any insights or patterns you notice below.












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Journal

Label Impact Reflection Journal

Reflect on how labels have shaped your experiences and consider ways to reclaim your narrative.

1. Describe the Label

Think about a specific label you’ve experienced (positive or negative). When and how did you first encounter this label? How did others use it to describe you?







2. Impact on You

How has this label influenced your thoughts, feelings, or actions? Share a concrete example of a time you felt its effect on your identity or behavior.











3. Reclaiming or Challenging the Label

What steps can you take to embrace, challenge, or redefine this label for yourself? Identify one action you will try to reshape how this label appears in your life.













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Cool Down

Exit Ticket: One Thing to Celebrate

As you finish today’s lesson on identity and labels, take a moment to commit to one action that honors your true self.

Write one thing you will do to embrace or reclaim a label you’ve experienced:







Why is this action important to you?







(Optional) Share one word that captures how you feel about moving forward:




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