Exploring Identity

Lesson Overview

Unit: Exploring Identity Through Stories
Lesson Title: Introduction to Identity in Literature
Curriculum Level: The New Zealand Curriculum, Level 5 – English
Time: 75 minutes
Class Size: 28 students
Big Idea: Language and literature give us insights into ourselves and others
Key Competencies: Thinking, Relating to Others, Participating and Contributing

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the concept of identity and its different aspects (personal, cultural, and social).
• Explore how identity is represented in stories and shaped by language, perspective, and experience.
• Begin to make connections between their own identity and the literature they engage with.

Success Criteria

Students will:

• Actively participate in class discussions about identity.
• Identify and describe key elements of identity in literature.
• Reflect on their personal experiences and perspectives related to identity.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Whakawhanaungatanga (10 minutes) – Building Connections

Purpose: To create a safe and inclusive environment for discussing personal and cultural identity.

• Teacher Welcome: Begin with a mihi, introducing the theme of identity and its significance in literature.
• Icebreaker Activity: Two Truths and a Story – Each student writes two truths about themselves and one short fictional statement. In pairs, they share their three statements, and their partner guesses which one is the made-up story.
• Debrief: Ask students what they learned about their peers and link this to how stories shape perceptions of identity.

---

2. Defining Identity (15 minutes) – Class Discussion

Purpose: To refine students’ understanding of identity and introduce key literary concepts.

• Think-Pair-Share: Display the following elements of identity on the board:
  • Personal identity (self-perception, experiences)
  • Cultural identity (heritage, language, traditions)
  • Social identity (relationships, roles in society)
  • Ask students: Which aspects feel most relevant to you?
• Whole-Class Discussion: Guide students to see how identity is shaped by experiences, family, culture, and society.
• Literary Connection: Present a short passage from The Bone Tiki by David Hair or I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale. Discuss how the character's identity is revealed through language and perspective.

---

3. Small Group Task (20 minutes) – Identity Collage Brainstorm

Purpose: To encourage students to explore their identity in a creative way.

• Instructions: In groups of four, students brainstorm elements that define their identity (e.g., significant memories, cultural heritage, unique traits).
• Visual Representation: Each group creates a mind map or sketched collage representing their group members’ identities.
• Sharing: Groups do a quick walkthrough and explain their mind maps in a gallery-style activity.

---

4. Writing Task (20 minutes) – My Identity, My Story

Purpose: To get students reflecting and writing about their identity.

• Prompt: "Write a short paragraph or poem about an experience that has shaped your identity."
• Modelling: The teacher shares a short example to illustrate how identity can be conveyed through personal narrative.
• Individual Writing: Silent writing for 10 minutes.
• Peer Reflection: In pairs, students exchange writing and provide positive feedback on what resonated with them.

---

5. Class Reflection (10 minutes) – Connecting Back

Purpose: To consolidate learning and prepare for the next lesson.

• Exit Ticket: Students answer on a sticky note:
  • One thing I learned about identity today…
  • A question I have about identity is…
• Teacher Preview of Next Lesson: "Next time, we’ll explore how identity is shaped by different perspectives in literature."

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative Check: Observing participation in discussions and group work.
• Reflective Writing: Informal evaluation of students’ understanding of identity as expressed in their writing.
• Exit Ticket Feedback: Provides insight into student progress and areas for further exploration.

Differentiation Strategies

• For Students Needing Extra Support: Provide scaffolded sentence starters for their writing.
• For Advanced Learners: Invite them to compare identity representation in different texts they have read.

Cross-Curricular Links

• Social Studies: Exploring cultural identity and perspectives in societies.
• Visual Arts: Using creative representation to express identity.

---

Teacher Reflection Post-Lesson

• Which activities engaged students the most?
• Were students able to make connections between identity and literature?
• What adjustments could be made for the next lesson?

Next Lesson: Identity and Perspective – Exploring Different Viewpoints in Literature