Celebrating Identity

Lesson Overview

Unit: Waiora: Weaving Well-Being
Lesson Number: 1 of 10
Lesson Title: Session 1 – All About Me
Duration: 60 minutes
Year Level: Year 5
Class Size: 5 students
Curriculum Area: Health & Physical Education (NZ Curriculum)
Curriculum Level: Level 3
Key Strand: Personal Health and Physical Development

Big Idea

Understanding who we are helps us build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop a strong sense of belonging.

Achievement Objective

From The New Zealand Curriculum – Level 3 Health & Physical Education:

• Personal growth and development: Describe how their identity, culture, and values contribute to their overall well-being.
• Relationships with others: Identify and describe ways to express their uniqueness while respecting and valuing differences in others.

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Lesson Plan

1. Connection & Whakawhanaungatanga (10 mins)

Objective: Help students feel comfortable sharing about themselves and establish a safe, welcoming space.

Activity – Mihi Introduction Circle

• Begin with a class greeting using Te Reo Māori: “Tēnā koutou tamariki mā! Kei te pēhea koutou?”
• Explain the purpose of the lesson: “Today, we are celebrating who we are. Each of us is unique and special!"
• Model a brief personal introduction using a simple mihimihi structure (name, something you enjoy, what makes you special).
• Encourage each student to share their name and one thing they love about themselves.

Example: Kia ora! Ko Sarah ahau. I love painting, and something special about me is that I can speak three languages!

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2. Exploring Identity (15 mins)

Objective: Encourage students to think about what makes them unique.

Activity – ‘Who Am I?’ Brainstorm

• Hand out whiteboards or large sheets of paper.
• Ask students to write or draw answers to the following prompts:
  • Name and nickname
  • Favourite food
  • Favourite place in Aotearoa
  • One hobby or activity they love
  • One special talent or skill they have
  • Something that makes their family special

Encourage students to use words, symbols, and drawings. If students need help, ask guiding questions: “What do you love doing in your free time?” “What makes your family unique?”

Once complete, students briefly share one or two things with a partner to build confidence before presenting more widely.

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3. Creating a Personal Profile (20 mins)

Objective: Students will create a visual representation of their identity using a Personal Profile Sheet.

Activity – ‘My Identity Poster’

• Provide students with A3 paper, magazines, coloured pencils, and stickers.
• Display a pre-made example for inspiration.
• Include:
  • Their name in bold
  • A drawing or collage of things they love
  • A personal motto or favourite saying
  • Something unique about their whakapapa (heritage)
• Encourage creativity and self-expression.

Key Teaching Point: There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to express who you are; everyone’s poster will be different, just like them!

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4. Reflection & Sharing (10 mins)

Objective: Strengthen connections by allowing students to celebrate and appreciate each other’s uniqueness.

Activity – ‘Gallery Walk & Positive Peer Affirmations’

• Students place their posters around the room like an art gallery.
• Each student walks around, looking at their classmates’ profiles.
• Using sticky notes, each student writes one positive comment on at least two classmates’ posters (e.g., “I love that you play the guitar! That’s so cool!”).

Final Reflection:
Gather in a circle and discuss:

• What did you learn about someone else?
• How did it feel to share about yourself?

Finish with a closing thought: “Everyone here is unique and special. By sharing our stories, we can connect and support one another!”

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Assessment & Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will:
✅ Be able to describe at least three things that make them unique.
✅ Share something about their personal identity with confidence.
✅ Show respect and appreciation for their classmates’ identities.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

• Were students engaged in sharing about themselves?
• Did any students struggle with self-expression, and how can we support them next time?
• How can we build on these identity concepts in upcoming lessons?

Next Lesson: Understanding Our Whakapapa – Exploring Family & Cultural Connections

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This lesson aligns with NZ Health Curriculum Level 3 objectives, fostering self-awareness, confidence, and respect for diversity. It integrates Te Reo Māori, creativity, and student voice, ensuring every child feels valued.