Lesson Plan
Identity Explorer Plan
Guide 8th graders through reflective and creative exercises to deepen self-awareness, articulate personal strengths, and build self-esteem using discussion, art, journaling, and peer affirmation.
Adolescents benefit from exploring their identity to foster confidence, positive self-talk, and empathy. This session promotes mental well-being by helping students recognize their strengths and value one another.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Reflection, creativity, and peer support activities.
Materials
Mirror of Me Slides, Blank Paper, Magazines, Scissors, Glue Sticks, Colored Markers, I Am Statements Prompt, and Positive Affirmation Circle Guide
Prep
Prepare Session Materials
10 minutes
- Review Mirror of Me Slides to familiarize yourself with prompts and flow.
- Print copies of I Am Statements Prompt and Positive Affirmation Circle Guide.
- Gather art supplies: blank paper, magazines, scissors, glue sticks, colored markers.
- Arrange seating in a circle for the affirmation activity.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the session goals: identity exploration and self-esteem building.
- Briefly discuss why understanding who we are matters.
- Outline the session steps and expected outcomes.
Step 2
Mirror Reflection Discussion
7 minutes
- Project the first three slides from Mirror of Me Slides.
- Allow 30 seconds for silent reflection on each prompt (e.g., “What do I see?”).
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share observations and feelings.
Step 3
Self-Portrait Collage
10 minutes
- Distribute blank paper, magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and colored markers.
- Instruct students to create a collage representing aspects of their identity (interests, values, strengths).
- Circulate to encourage deeper reflection and answer questions.
Step 4
I Am Statements Journaling
5 minutes
- Hand out the I Am Statements Prompt sheet.
- Ask students to write at least three “I am…” statements highlighting personal qualities.
- Invite a few students to share one statement with the group.
Step 5
Positive Affirmation Circle
3 minutes
- Arrange students in a circle and share the Positive Affirmation Circle Guide.
- Each student gives a positive affirmation to the person on their right.
- Encourage active listening and gratitude.
Slide Deck
Mirror of Me
Over the next few minutes, you’ll look at your reflection and respond to prompts. Be open and honest—these reflections are for you.
Welcome students and introduce the “Mirror of Me” activity. Explain that this slide deck will guide them through silent, personal reflection prompts. Encourage honesty and remind them this is a safe space.
What Do You See?
Take 30 seconds to observe your reflection. What do you notice physically, emotionally, and mentally?
Display the mirror graphic and give students 30 seconds of silence. Circulate quietly to monitor engagement without interrupting reflection.
What Do You Feel?
Consider your emotions and sensations. How does seeing yourself in the mirror make you feel?
After the silent period, encourage students to jot down quick notes in their mind. Provide another 30 seconds if needed.
What Are Your Strengths?
Identify at least one quality or strength you see in yourself. It could be inner (kindness, resilience) or outer (smile, posture).
Prompt students to focus on their strengths. Circulate and offer gentle prompts if someone seems stuck.
Share Your Reflections
Who would like to share what they noticed? Remember to respect each person’s privacy and listen actively.
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their reflections. Model active listening by paraphrasing and affirming their contributions.
Activity
Self-Portrait Collage
Time: 10 minutes
Materials:
- Blank paper
- Old magazines with diverse images and words
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Colored markers or crayons
Activity Description:
Students will build a visual “collage self-portrait” that represents their interests, values, strengths, and things that make them unique. This hands-on project encourages creativity, reflection, and personal expression.
Instructions:
- Brainstorm (1 minute):
- Ask students to close their eyes and think of 3–5 words or images that best describe who they are (e.g., graphic of a soccer ball for “team player,” a lightning bolt for “energetic”).
- Ask students to close their eyes and think of 3–5 words or images that best describe who they are (e.g., graphic of a soccer ball for “team player,” a lightning bolt for “energetic”).
- Image Hunt (3 minutes):
- Flip through magazines to find pictures, words, or colors that match their brainstormed ideas.
- Encourage them to collect more options than they’ll need; they can narrow down later.
- Layout & Composition (2 minutes):
- On blank paper, arrange cut-outs without gluing first. Experiment with placement—center the most important image, cluster related themes together, leave “white space” for visual balance.
- On blank paper, arrange cut-outs without gluing first. Experiment with placement—center the most important image, cluster related themes together, leave “white space” for visual balance.
- Assemble (3 minutes):
- Once satisfied with arrangement, glue images down.
- Use markers or crayons to add hand-drawn elements: doodles, borders, labels, or a title that ties the collage together.
- Share & Reflect (1 minute):
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to show one part of their collage and explain why they chose it.
- Prompt with questions: “What does this image reveal about you?” or “How does this strength help you in daily life?”
Scaffolding & Extensions:
- Provide a sample collage as a visual model.
- For students who struggle with cutting, allow them to draw images instead.
- Circulate to ask probing questions (“Why did you pick this word?”) and offer encouragement.
- Extension for early finishers: Add an inspiring quote or a short “I am…” statement around the collage edge.
Teacher Notes:
- Encourage risk-taking and emphasize that there’s no “right” way to collage.
- Keep the tone positive—highlight effort, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
- Use the share phase to reinforce active listening and peer appreciation.
Journal
I Am Statements Prompt
Use the prompts below to affirm your strengths and reflect on what makes you unique. Write full sentences or short paragraphs—be honest and kind to yourself! Feel free to add more “I am…” statements if you like.
Part 1: Write Your “I Am…” Statements
- I am…
- I am…
- I am…
(Optional) 4. I am… (Bonus!)
Part 2: Reflect on Your Statements
-
Which of your “I am…” statements makes you feel the most proud? Why?
-
Think of a specific moment when you showed one of these qualities. Describe what happened and how it made you feel.
-
On a challenging day, how can you remind yourself of these strengths? List at least two ways.
-
Choose one statement and create a personal affirmation or motto around it (e.g., “I am brave, so I face new challenges with confidence!”).
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to revisit their statements when they need a confidence boost. Consider having them decorate the page or turn their favorite statement into a small poster for their locker or bedroom wall.
Cool Down
Positive Affirmation Circle Guide
Time: 3 minutes
Materials:
- None (Optional: small object or “talking piece” to pass)
Purpose:
To end the session on a high note by recognizing each other’s strengths and building a supportive classroom community.
Instructions:
- Arrange students in a circle so everyone can see one another.
- Explain the goal: “We’re going to share one positive affirmation or appreciation with the person on our right. A positive affirmation is a genuine, kind statement about someone’s qualities or actions.”
- Demonstrate with a volunteer: The teacher says, “I appreciate Alex because they always listen and make others feel included.”
- (Optional) Pass a small object or “talking piece” around the circle. Only the person holding it speaks; others listen silently.
- Starting with the teacher (or a volunteer), each participant gives the affirmation to the person on their right. Encourage eye contact and sincerity.
- Continue until everyone has both given and received an affirmation.
Teacher Tips:
- Model active listening: nod, smile, and thank each speaker.
- Prompt quieter students if needed: “Can you share one thing you admire about Jamie?”
- Emphasize that affirmations should be specific (“I like how you…”) rather than vague.
- Close by inviting everyone to take a deep breath together and carry these positive words with them for the rest of the day.