Exploring Identity

Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Grade 1 students to the concept of identity through storytelling and sharing personal stories. Using the Medicine Wheel as a cultural framework, students will begin to explore what makes them unique, fostering respect and understanding for self and others in alignment with Alberta’s Indigenous Studies curriculum goals.

Curriculum Alignment

Alberta Program of Studies – Indigenous Studies 1

• DL1.1 (Demonstrate awareness of identity in self and others)
• DL1.2 (Recognize belonging and uniqueness in relationships)
• CT1 (Communicating and Thinking: Participate in discussions, listen actively, share ideas)
• PS1 (Personal and Social Competence: Express feelings, identify personal characteristics)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the concept of identity as a combination of personal characteristics, culture, and community.
• Share their own name and something unique about themselves.
• Listen respectfully to peers sharing their identities.
• Begin to understand the Medicine Wheel as a symbol representing balance and identity (basic introduction).

Materials

• A large colourful image of a traditional Medicine Wheel (circle divided into four sections with minimal words, symbols for North, East, South, West)
• “All Are Welcome Here” storybook or a culturally respectful, age-appropriate story about identity and community (teacher’s choice)
• Chart paper or whiteboard with markers
• Personal “Identity Circle” worksheet with simple circles divided into four parts for drawing or writing
• Crayons/markers
• Name tags for each student

Lesson Outline

1. Welcome and Circle (5 minutes)

• Arrange students in a circle to promote community feeling.
• Provide each student a name tag to personalise.
• Use a simple greeting in an Indigenous language of the local treaty area (e.g., Cree, Blackfoot, Nakoda) to honour Indigenous culture and create belonging.

2. Introduction to Identity & Medicine Wheel (10 minutes)

• Show the Medicine Wheel image and explain that the Medicine Wheel is an important symbol for many Indigenous peoples that helps people think about who they are and what makes them special.
• Explain simply that the Medicine Wheel represents balance in life and parts of a person—like their feelings, family, culture, and what they like.
• Ask students: "What are some things that make you, you?"
• Write their responses on chart paper, organizing them into simple categories (e.g., Family, Culture, Likes, Feelings) that loosely connect to the four directions on the Medicine Wheel.

3. Storytelling: “All Are Welcome Here” (or similar) (10 minutes)

• Read aloud a story that highlights diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Pause to ask questions related to identity: "How did the characters share who they were?" "What makes everyone special?"

4. Sharing Personal Identity (15 minutes)

• Explain that students will now share something about themselves following the Medicine Wheel’s example—who they are, their family, things they like, or what makes them unique.
• Model sharing about yourself (name, something you like, your family, something special).
• Give each student an “Identity Circle” worksheet, where they can draw or write a picture/symbol in each quarter about themselves.
• Circulate, encouraging sharing and helping with ideas or words.

5. Closing Circle & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite volunteers to share one thing from their Identity Circle.
• Reinforce respect and listening skills.
• Summarize the lesson: "We all have special stories, and they are important to who we are."
• Briefly connect to upcoming lessons that will explore the Medicine Wheel more deeply and identity through Indigenous culture.

Assessment

• Formative: Observe participation in discussions and sharing.
• Review students’ Identity Circles to assess understanding of the concept of identity through personal expression.
• Use listening skills checklist to ensure students are respecting peers’ shares.

Differentiation & Inclusion

• Provide drawing options for students uncomfortable with writing.
• Use assistive communication strategies for students who need support.
• Value all cultural identities and encourage sharing of diverse backgrounds respectfully.

---

Teacher Reflection

• Did students feel comfortable sharing?
• Was the Medicine Wheel introduction clear and meaningful?
• What adjustments may be needed to connect Indigenous identity more personally next lesson?

---

This lesson supports holistic development by combining social-emotional learning with deep respect for Indigenous perspectives, encouraging young learners to begin their own identity journey through the powerful symbol of the Medicine Wheel.