More Than a Label Lesson PlanMore Than a Label Lesson Plan • Grade 5 30 Minutes Why This Matters Understanding identity helps students appreciate their own individuality and recognize the rich diversity within their classroom and community. It builds self-awareness, empathy, and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone. Objective Students will be able to identify and share multiple aspects of their own identity to understand how we are all unique and connected. Approach Interactive discussion, individual reflection, and partner sharing. Prep (10 min) Review the slide deck, worksheet, and interview prompts. Make copies of the My Identity Map Worksheet for each student. Prepare the Who I Am Slide Deck on the Smartboard. Materials Smartboard or projector Who I Am Slide Deck My Identity Map Worksheet Partner Interview Prompts Pencils or pens Step-by-Step Instructions 1 Connect & Reflect: What Makes You, YOU? 5 minutes Begin by asking students to think about what makes them unique. Facilitate a brief whole-class discussion using questions like: "If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?" or "What's something surprising about you?" Use Who I Am Slide Deck - Slide 2 and 3 Introduce the concept that we are all 'more than a label' and have many different parts to our identity. 2 Introduce Identity Concepts 5 minutes Present the definition of 'identity' from the Who I Am Slide Deck (Slide 4). Discuss how identity is made up of many different aspects (e.g., hobbies, family, culture, skills, feelings). Briefly discuss how understanding our own identity helps us understand others and build a stronger community. Use Who I Am Slide Deck - Slide 4-6 3 Create Identity Maps 10 minutes Distribute the My Identity Map Worksheet. Explain that students will create a visual representation of their identity. Encourage them to use words, small drawings, or symbols in each category. Reiterate that they don't have to share anything they're uncomfortable with, but should focus on the diverse parts that make them who they are. 4 Share & Discuss: Partner Interviews 10 minutes Pair students up and distribute the Partner Interview Prompts. Instruct partners to take turns interviewing each other about their maps. Emphasize active listening and respectful questioning. Bring the class back together for a brief wrap-up discussion: "What was something new you learned about your partner?" or "How does knowing more about each other make our classroom community stronger?" Use Who I Am Slide Deck - Slide 7
Who I Am Slide DeckMore Than a Label Who Are You? Let's explore what makes each of us unique and special! Welcome students. What does "More Than a Label" mean? We're exploring who we are beyond simple descriptions. What Makes You, YOU? Think about it: If you had to describe yourself in ONE word, what would it be? What's something surprising about you that others might not know? Share with a partner or the class! Connect & Reflect phase. Silently think, then share. Encourage volunteers to share their one word or surprising fact. So Many Parts! We often use simple words to describe ourselves, but we are all much more complex than a single word or idea. We are made up of many different parts! Emphasize that these are just a few aspects, and we have many more! Transition into defining "identity". What is Identity? Identity: All the things that make you who you are. It includes your: Personality Interests & Hobbies Family & Culture Skills & Talents Experiences Feelings & Beliefs ...and so much more! Explain it's all parts, not just one. Share personal (appropriate) examples: "Teacher, gardener, dog owner, fan of mysteries..." Why is Identity Important? Understanding YOURSELF: Know yourself better Understand your strengths and what you love Feel proud of who you are Understanding OTHERS: Appreciate differences Be more empathetic and kind Build a strong, inclusive community Focus on self-awareness and appreciating others. Use relatable examples. Our Diverse Community When we celebrate all the different parts that make each of us unique, we build a diverse and stronger community! Just like a puzzle, every piece is different, but they all fit together to make a beautiful picture. Reinforce the connection between individual identities and a strong community. Reflect & Connect After sharing your maps:
My Identity Map WorksheetMy Identity Map What makes you, YOU? Name: Date: Think about all the different things that make you, YOU! Fill out the map below with words, drawings, or ideas that represent different parts of your identity. Me! Hobbies & Interests What do you love to do? What are your favorite things? Family & Culture Traditions, your family's story, and where your roots are. Strengths What are you good at? What are you proud of? Personality Are you curious? Brave? Kind? Funny? Calm? Favorite Things Favorite foods, colors, books, or movies. What makes you happy? Reflection Question How does having so many different parts to your identity make you unique and special? Self-Awareness Empathy
Partner Interview PromptsPartner Interview Prompts Discovering Our Identities Instructions With your partner, take turns interviewing each other about your My Identity Map Worksheet. Use these questions to guide your conversation. Remember to listen carefully and be respectful! Interviewer Guide 1 Tell me about the center of your identity map. What did you put there and why? 2 Looking at your Hobbies & Interests section, what is one thing you love to do, and why is it special to you? 3 Share something from your Family & Culture section. How does it make you feel to be a part of that? 4 What is one Strength or Skill you are proud of? How did you discover it? 5 If you could add one more thing to your map that we didn't talk about, what would it be? Based on your identity map, how do you think being "more than a label" helps you be a better friend or classmate? Good listeners make eye contact, nod, and ask follow-up questions!
