Identity Shield Lesson Plan My Identity Shield
Exploring the many pieces of who we are
30 Minutes
Learning Objective
Students will design an identity shield illustrating at least four facets of who they are—interests, culture, values, and goals—through drawings, symbols, and words.
The Approach
Brainstorm identities, review a model, create personal shields, and share via a collaborative gallery walk.
Audience
5th Grade
Why this matters
This lesson builds self-awareness and fosters empathy as students learn about themselves and celebrate classmates’ diverse backgrounds and aspirations.
Setup & Materials
To Prepare
• Print one copy of Shield Template and Instructions Handout for each student.
• Project or load Many Pieces of Me Slides .
• Print and cut Gallery Walk Prompts into cards.
• Review the Identity Shields Script .
Art Supplies
Pencils
Markers
Colored Pencils
Scissors
Instructional Steps
01
Activate Prior Knowledge
5 MIN
Display the first slides from Many Pieces of Me Slide Deck showing examples of identity facets.
Lead a brief class discussion using prompts from the Identity Shields Script to surface students’ hobbies, cultures, values, and goals.
Ask students to jot down at least one idea for each category in their notebook.
02
Model Shield Creation
5 MIN
Project a completed sample shield from the slide deck and describe each quadrant (interests, culture, values, goals).
Think aloud as you choose symbols or words for each section.Highlight how different people’s shields can look very different but are all valid representations of identity.
03
Independent Artistic Work
15 MIN
Distribute Shield Template , Instructions Handout , and art supplies.
Instruct students to divide the shield into four sections and illustrate or write their personal facets.
Remind them to include at least one element for interests, culture, values, and goals.
Circulate and offer support, using prompts from the instructions handout as needed.
04
Gallery Walk & Reflection
5 MIN
Have students place finished shields around the room.
Pair students and give each pair a question card from the Gallery Walk Prompts .
Students silently walk, view shields, and discuss the prompts in pairs.
Debrief: Invite volunteers to share something new they learned about a classmate. Many Pieces of Me Slides Many Pieces of Me
Exploring the puzzle that makes you unique.
Unit: Identity 5th Grade
What Is Identity?
Identity is everything that makes you unique.
It includes what you like, where you come from, what you believe, and what you want to become.
Interests
Culture
Values
Goals
Four Facets of Identity
1
Interests
What you enjoy doing
2
Culture
Your traditions & heritage
3
Values
What is important to you
4
Goals
What you want to achieve
1
Interests
The things you enjoy doing.
Hobbies & Sports
Art & Music
Favorite Subjects
Soccer
Drawing
Reading
Video Games
Cooking
Math
2
Culture
Your traditions and community.
Family Heritage
Languages you speak
Special foods & holidays
🏮
Traditions
🌮
Food
🗣️
Language
🏠
Community
3
Values
Beliefs about what is important.
Kindness Honesty Fairness Courage
4
Goals
Aspirations for the future.
Scientist Learn Guitar Travel Help Others
Sample Identity Shield
Art
🥟
Family
Kindness
Space
Notice:
Each section has a drawing OR word.
Symbols represent the person.
Every shield will look different!
Get Ready to Create!
1
Divide your shield into four sections.
2
Add symbols, drawings, or words for each facet.
3
Use colors that represent YOU!
"Your identity is your story. Make it bright!"
Shield Template Worksheet My Identity Shield
STUDENT ACTIVITY TEMPLATE
Name:
Date:
Interests
Culture
Values
Goals
Interests
Hobbies, sports, art, music, subjects you love.
Culture
Traditions, language, heritage, food, community.
Values
Kindness, honesty, fairness, beliefs you hold dear.
Goals
Dreams for the future, things you want to achieve.
Identity Shield Instructions Handout Identity Shield Instructions
Follow these steps to share your unique story.
1
Divide Your Shield
Ensure your shield template is clearly split into four quadrants. Label them lightly in pencil: Interests, Culture, Values, and Goals.
2
Brainstorm Symbols
Think of one object, symbol, or word that represents you for each section. What image comes to mind first?
3
Create Your Art
Draw your symbols clearly. Use bold markers or colored pencils. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece—it just has to be meaningful!
4
Reflect and Refine
Look at your shield. Does it feel like you? Add small details or words to make each section even clearer for your classmates.
Quadrant Brainstorming Guide
Interests
"What do I love doing in my free time?"
Sports, games, or physical activities
Artistic hobbies (music, drawing, writing)
Favorite school subjects or topics
Culture
"What traditions make my family special?"
Holidays and celebrations
Languages spoken at home
Favorite family recipes or heritage symbols
Values
"How do I choose to treat other people?"
Kindness, honesty, or fairness
Helping others or taking care of the earth
Bravery or being a good friend
Goals
"What is a dream I am working toward?"
A future career or job
A skill I want to master (like a sport)
A way I want to grow as a person
Gallery Walk Prompts Handout Collaborative Discussion
Gallery Walk Prompt Cards
Cut these cards along the dashed lines. Each pair of students should have one card to guide their conversation as they view their classmates' shields.
1
Interests
What is one interest you noticed on this shield? Which drawing or word gave you that clue?
2
Culture
How does the culture section reflect someone’s background or traditions? Describe a symbol or color you saw.
3
Values
Which value stood out most to you, and why do you think the student chose it?
4
Goals
What goal did you find most inspiring? How might achieving that goal look for the student?
5
Surprise
Describe something that surprised you about this shield. What new idea did it spark for you?
6
Comparison
In what ways is this shield similar or different from your own identity shield?
Bonus Prompt: "If you could ask the student one more question about their shield, what would it be?"
Identity Shields Script for Discussion Identity Shields Script
TEACHER DISCUSSION & MODELING GUIDE
1
Activate Prior Knowledge
5 Minutes
Opening
“Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to explore what makes each of us unique—our identities. First, let’s think about the word ‘identity.’ What do you think it means?”
Think-Pair-Share
“Turn to a partner and share one word or phrase that comes to mind when you hear ‘identity.’ Ready? Go!”
Allow 30-60 seconds, then call back.
Defining the Facets
“Welcome back! Who would like to share one idea they heard? [Wait for responses] Great thoughts! Identity is everything that makes you YOU. Today we look at four main facets: Interests, Culture, Values, and Goals .”
Interests (Facet 1): “Interests are the things you enjoy. Can someone share an interest? [Pause] Thanks—drawing and soccer are perfect!”
Culture (Facet 2): “Culture is family traditions, language, food, and celebrations. Who celebrates a special tradition? [Pause] Yes, celebrating Diwali and speaking Tagalog at home are wonderful!”
Values & Goals (Facet 3 & 4): “Values are beliefs about what’s important—like kindness. Goals are dreams for the future—like becoming a scientist. Can someone name a value? [Pause] And a goal? [Pause] Fantastic!”
2
Model Shield Creation
5 Minutes
Think Aloud
“Now I’ll show you a completed Identity Shield. Notice the four sections.”
“In Interests , I drew a paintbrush because I love art.”
“In Culture , I wrote ‘family recipes’ to remind me of my grandmother’s cooking.”
“In Values , I drew a heart for kindness.”
“And in Goals , I sketched a rocket because I want to learn about space.”
“I chose simple symbols and colors that feel meaningful to me. You will choose images or words that fit your life.”
3
Gallery Walk & Reflection
5 Minutes
Closing Reflection
“Let’s come back together. Who would like to share something new they learned about a classmate? [Invite 2–3 volunteers] Thank you for sharing! I’m so proud of how you represented yourselves and celebrated each other’s stories. Well done!”
