Identity and Belonging

Overview

This 30-minute Year 1 Health lesson focuses on personal identity and belonging in alignment with the Australian Curriculum, specifically the Personal, Social and Community Health strand. Students will explore their sense of self, their relationships with family and peers, and connections to their community. They’ll engage with a story, reflect on the characters, and participate in interactive activities to develop an understanding of who they are, where they come from, and the significance of belonging.

Curriculum Links (Australian Curriculum - HPE, Year 1):

• ACPPS003: Identify people and demonstrate protective behaviours and other actions that help keep themselves safe and healthy.
• ACPPS015: Recognise situations and opportunities to promote own health, safety, and wellbeing.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify and articulate personal connections to stories that explore identity and belonging.
2. Discuss their own personal identity, including family, cultural heritage, and relationships.
3. Describe the personal qualities of characters and compare them to their own qualities.

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Materials Needed

1. Storybook: My Place by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins (or any age-appropriate story about diversity and belonging).
2. A large sheet of butcher’s paper or whiteboard for group brainstorming.
3. Coloured paper leaves or oval cut-outs (one per student).
4. Textas, crayons, or pencils.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Start by sitting students in a circle on the floor. Begin with a warm and inclusive welcome:

• “Today we’re going to talk about something very special—about who we are and what makes all of us unique. Did you know that everyone has their own story just like characters in a book?”
• Show them the storybook My Place or similar and briefly discuss how the book looks at the lives of people in a community.
• Introduce today’s topic: “We’ll read a story, talk about who we are, and even make something special about ourselves.”

Engagement Tip: Share something personal about yourself and where you come from. For example, “My favourite thing about myself is that I’m a great storyteller! I also come from [town/country], and it makes me proud because it’s my special place.”

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2. Storytime and Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Read My Place or your chosen story with energy and enthusiasm. Pause occasionally to pose questions that prompt connections:

   • “What do you think makes this character feel special?”
   • “Why do you think family or friends are important to this character?”
   • “Does anyone here have a best friend, family member, or special pet who makes you feel happy?”

2. Guided Discussion:

   • After finishing the story, facilitate a quick group discussion:
     a) “What do you think makes you special?”
     b) “Can anyone share something about where they’re from or a tradition their family has?”
     c) “How are we all different? How are we similar?”

Note for Teachers: Be inclusive and encourage sharing but avoid forcing shy or reluctant children to speak.

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3. Activity: Personal Identity Leaves (10 minutes)

Creating a Class "Belonging Tree":

• Hand out coloured paper leaves to each student. Explain:
  • “On this leaf, draw or write one thing about yourself that is special. It could be something you love doing, your favourite food, your family, or even the place where you live!”
• Offer examples: “On my leaf, I might draw myself holding a book because I love reading.”

Steps:

1. Give students 5-7 minutes to create their leaves.
2. As they work, walk around, ask questions, and provide positive affirmations (e.g., “Wow, tell me more about your drawing!”).
3. Once finished, invite students to share their leaf with the class if they feel comfortable. Stick all the leaves onto a large sheet of butcher’s paper or the wall to create a collaborative "Belonging Tree."

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4. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Gather students around the completed "Belonging Tree."
• “Look at how amazing and unique our tree is! Each leaf represents something special about you. Together, we belong to this class and make it a wonderful place.”
• Ask a few reflective questions:
  1. “How did it feel to share something about yourself?”
  2. “What did you learn about someone else in our class today?”

End with a short affirmation: “Remember, there’s no one else in the world just like you. That’s what makes you so special, and we’re lucky to have each other in our community!”

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Extension Idea

For early finishers or as a follow-up lesson, students could write a sentence about a family tradition or their favourite place and illustrate it. This could be collated into a class book about identity and belonging.

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Assessment & Success Criteria

• Students can identify and discuss personal qualities that make them unique.
• Students demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast their own qualities with the characters in the story.
• Active participation in the group discussion and creation of their “identity leaf” for the Belonging Tree.

Observational Notes:

• Were students able to articulate their personal identity?
• Did they connect with and reflect on the story’s theme?
• Did they show respect and interest in their peers’ contributions?

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Teacher Reflection

Did the lesson engage all learners? Were the activities age-appropriate and effective in meeting the objectives? Consider keeping notes to refine the lesson for future use.