Identity Explorer Lesson Plan Identity Explorer
Lesson Plan • Middle School (6-8)
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Self-Awareness & Confidence
Why This Lesson?
This lesson strengthens self-awareness and confidence by prompting students to reflect on their values, interests, and unique qualities. In the middle school years, developing a clear sense of self is a critical foundation for positive social interactions and personal growth.
Preparation (10m)
• Review the identity worksheets and reading passages.
• Set up the classroom for both group discussion and individual creative work.
• Ensure digital materials (video, quiz) are accessible.
Materials Needed
Identity Discovery Worksheet
Self-Discovery Passage
Art Supplies (Magazines, Scissors, Glue)
"Who Am I?" Video Link
Assessments & Answer Keys
Lesson Flow
5 mins
Introduction: The Big Question
Hook the class by asking, "Who Am I?". Briefly explain that today isn't about their name or grade, but about the secret treasure inside: their identity. Outline the journey ahead.
15 mins
Activity & Deep Dive
Distribute the Identity Reflection Worksheet.
Guided reading of the Self-Discovery Passage.
Facilitate the Identity Collage or Identity Bingo to make concepts visual and social.
Use Discussion Prompts to connect their work to their peer's experiences.
10 mins
Conclusion & Wrap Up
Show the Exploring Identity Video. Complete the Identity Check Quiz to assess understanding. End by celebrating the uniqueness found in the room.
Identity Discovery Worksheet Who Am I?
Identity Discovery Worksheet
Name:
Date:
This worksheet is your personal map. Take your time to explore your interests, values, and the unique sparks that make you who you are. There are no wrong answers—only discoveries!
1
What are your favorite interests and hobbies?
Think about the activities you enjoy most. What do you love doing in your free time?
2
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Choose three words that best fit your personality. Why did you choose these?
3
What values are most important to you?
Think about things like honesty, kindness, or creativity. Why are these important to you?
4
Describe a personal strength that makes you feel proud.
What skill or trait sets you apart? How has it helped you in a difficult situation?
5
What dreams or goals do you have for the future?
Imagine your future. What do you want to achieve or become? What inspires you?
6
What is one thing you wish others knew about you?
Share something unique that more people should understand or appreciate about you.
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." — Oscar Wilde
Self Discovery Reading Passage Reading Selection
The Treasure Within
A Guide to Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is like finding a secret treasure hidden inside you. It begins with asking a simple question: Who am I? As you explore the different parts of your life—your interests, dreams, and values—you learn more about what makes you unique.
The Journey of Finding Yourself
Imagine you are on an exciting adventure. Every hobby you enjoy, every friend you meet, and every new skill you learn is another clue about who you are. Along the way, you might discover talents you never knew existed or passions that make you excited to learn more. This journey is all about uncovering the special qualities that make you, you.
Why Is It Important?
Understanding your identity can help you make better choices, feel more confident, and connect with others who share similar interests. When you know what you value and what drives you, it becomes easier to set goals for the future and overcome challenges. Plus, self-discovery allows you to celebrate your individuality and appreciate the differences between you and your friends.
Steps to Explore Who You Are
Reflect on Your Interests: What do you love doing? Whether it's reading, sports, art, or music, each interest teaches you something.
Identify Your Values: What qualities matter most? Kindness, creativity, honesty? These guide your choices.
Recognize Your Strengths: Discover the unique skills that make you proud and use them to overcome obstacles.
Dream Big: Your goals are part of your identity. They inspire you to grow and learn every single day.
Embrace Your Unique Self
Self-discovery is not always easy because it takes time and reflection. But every new experience, every challenge, and every success adds a new layer to who you are. By thinking about these aspects of yourself, you begin to see a clearer picture of your own identity. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and that's what makes each of us special.
Pause & Reflect
What makes you unique? What can you discover about yourself today?
Identity Discussion Prompts Guide Discussion Guide
Identity & Self-Awareness
Teacher
Setting the Stage: Classroom Guidelines
1. Respect:
Listen carefully when others speak. Honor diverse opinions and experiences.
2. Openness:
Share your thoughts freely. In identity, there are no "wrong" answers.
3. Reflection:
Pause before responding. Silence is okay—it means we are thinking.
4. Inclusivity:
Invite quiet voices to share. Ensure everyone has a chance to be heard.
Round 1: The Basics
What does the phrase "Who Am I?" mean to you?
Can you share one hobby that feels like a core part of your identity? Why?
Round 2: Strengths & Traits
What are three words that best describe you? Why do they fit?
How has a personal strength helped you overcome a challenge recently?
Round 3: Values & Actions
What values are most important in shaping character? How do they affect your interactions?
Talk about a time a value helped you make a hard decision. What did you learn?
Round 4: Future & Individuality
What dreams do you have, and how do they connect to who you are today?
Why is it important to celebrate individuality in our school community?
Follow-Up & Connection
Analyze Themes
After sharing, discuss commonalities. Did many people mention the same values (like kindness) or interests?
Link Activities
Connect the talk back to the Identity Collage or Reading. How did those prepare them for this conversation?
Identity Collage Activity Guide Identity Collage
A Visual Portrait of You
Supplies Needed
Magazines / Photos
Scissors & Glue
Poster / Paper
Markers / Crayons
The Mission
Create a visual representation of who you are. Use images, words, and drawings to capture your hobbies, values, dreams, and the unique traits that make you special.
Action Steps
01
Brainstorm
Jot down 5 things that represent you right now.
02
Hunt & Collect
Find images, headlines, or patterns in magazines that spark a "That's me!" feeling.
03
Layout Design
Arrange your cut-outs. Should the center be your name? Or your biggest dream? You decide!
04
Final Assembly
Glue it down. Add hand-drawn details or borders with your markers to make it pop.
Part 5: The Reflection
Explain your collage. Why did you choose these specific images? What story do they tell about you?
Identity Bingo Social Game Interactive Game
Identity Bingo
Find a classmate who fits each trait and have them sign the box!
Player:
Loves to read mystery books
Signature
Plays a musical instrument
Signature
Values honesty above all
Signature
Has traveled out of the state
Signature
Is an only child
Signature
Enjoys drawing or painting
Signature
Speaks more than one language
Signature
Loves spicy food
Signature
Wants to be an engineer
Signature
Free Space
Has a pet other than a dog/cat
Signature
Loves to cook or bake
Signature
Prefers the beach over mountains
Signature
Is a morning person
Signature
Enjoys playing video games
Signature
Can whistle a whole song
Signature
1
Mingle & Discover
Walk around and ask polite questions to your peers.
2
Get Signatures
Only one signature per square! One person can only sign your card twice maximum.
3
Shout BINGO!
Get 4 in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to win.
Identity Journey Slideshow Video Lesson
Who Am I?
A journey through philosophy, identity, and the secret layers of your personality.
The Big Inquiry
Who Am I? A Philosophical Inquiry
Press play or visit the link below to watch
hcs-k12-nc.lennylearning.org/view/who-am-i
"Identity is not a solid thing, but a fluid journey."
Post-Watch Reflection
1 New Perspectives
What is one new idea about identity that surprised you in this video?
2 Personal Connection
How does the concept of "fluidity" apply to your own interests and dreams?
Core Discoveries
Values
The invisible rules that guide our hearts and our choices.
Dreams
The future versions of ourselves we haven't met yet.
Authenticity
The courage to be who you are, even when it's different.
Identity Check Quiz Assessment Identity Check
Quick Quiz • Self-Discovery Lesson
Name:
Score:
1
What is one of the main goals of the 'Who Am I? Discovering Your Unique Identity' lesson?
A) To memorize historical facts and dates
B) To explore personal identity, values, and interests
C) To learn advanced math concepts and formulas
D) To prepare for a vocabulary spelling test
2
Which activity is NOT included in the lesson materials provided?
A) Identity Collage Activity
B) Identity Bingo Game
C) Reading: Self-Discovery Passage
D) Solar System Science Experiment
3
Explain in your own words why understanding your personal identity can help you in making decisions and setting goals for the future.
4
The 'Identity Reflection Worksheet' asks you to list three words that describe you. What is the primary purpose of this?
A) To improve your vocabulary and spelling skills
B) To help you reflect on your self-image and personality
C) To test how many adjectives you can memorize
D) To practice your cursive handwriting
5
Reflect on the "Who Am I?" video. What is one new idea or perspective about identity that you learned?
Identity Comprehension Test Formal Comprehension Test
The Treasure Within • Reading Assessment
Name:
Date:
Section 1: Multiple Choice
1. According to the reading passage, what is self-discovery compared to?
A) A difficult math problem
B) A secret treasure hidden inside you
C) A map to a distant island
D) A competition with your friends
2. Why does the passage say understanding your values is important?
A) It helps you choose more expensive hobbies
B) It helps you win debates with others
C) It guides you in making choices that feel right
D) It makes you more popular in school
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the four steps mentioned to explore who you are?
A) Reflect on your interests
B) Recognize your strengths
C) Identify your values
D) Change your interests to match your friends
Section 2: True or False
4. Self-discovery is a journey that happens instantly once you decide to do it.
True False
5. Celebrating individuality helps you appreciate the differences between you and your friends.
True False
6. Dreaming big and setting goals is a core part of exploring your identity.
True False
Section 3: Short Answer
7. Choose one of your own strengths. How can using this strength help you overcome a specific challenge in your life?
Identity Assessment Answer Key Answer Key
Identity Assessments
Teacher
Identity Check Quiz
B — To explore personal identity, values, and interests.
D — Science Experiment (Not part of this lesson).
Open Response Guide:
Answers should mention that knowing who you are (values/strengths) provides a compass for making choices that align with your true self and helps you set meaningful, achievable goals.
B — To help students reflect on their self-image and personality.
Open Response Guide:
Answers should vary but demonstrate engagement with the video concepts (e.g., identity as a journey, philosophical questions of self, the complexity of personality).
Comprehension Test
B (Secret treasure)
C (Guides choices)
D (Changing for friends)
False (Takes time/reflection)
True
True
Open Response Guide:
The student must identify a specific personal strength (e.g., resilience, creativity, kindness) and explain how applying that trait helps navigate a specific difficulty (e.g., solving a conflict, staying focused on a task).
