Discovering Our Identity

Curriculum Area: Social Sciences – Identity, Culture, and Organisation

Level: Te Whāriki (The Early Childhood Curriculum) – Exploratory Learning for Preschool (Ages 5–8, Special Needs)

Lesson Overview

This 10-minute inquiry-based lesson introduces young learners to the theme of "Who am I?" through interactive storytelling, sensory play, and a hands-on collage activity. The goal is to help students develop a sense of self-identity while making connections to family, culture, and personal characteristics.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:
✅ Recognise aspects of their own identity (name, likes/dislikes, family)
✅ Express their individuality through discussion and creative exploration
✅ Engage in sensory-focused activities for cognitive and social development

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Lesson Structure (10 Minutes)

1. Whakawhanaungatanga – Building Connections (2 Minutes)

Activity: Mihi Circle – Greeting & Sharing Names

• Gather students in a small circle.
• Begin with a short mihi (greeting): ❝Tēnā koutou tamariki mā, ko wai koe?❞ (Hello children, who are you?)
• Each student takes turns saying their name and one thing they like (e.g., “Ko Alex ahau. Ka pai ki ahau te pānui!” – "I am Alex. I like reading!")
• Support non-verbal students with visual communication cards featuring different hobbies/activities.

Why? This activity provides a gentle way to practice self-introduction and strengthens social connections.

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2. Storytime Exploration – Who Am I? (3 Minutes)

Activity: Interactive Storytelling – He aha kei roto i taku kete? (What’s in my basket?)

• Present a small woven kete (basket). Inside, place objects representing identity (family photos, soft toys, favourite colours, cultural items).
• Pull out objects one by one and ask: ❝Ko wai mā te tangata e kimi i tēnei?❞ (Who has something like this at home?)
• Encourage students to connect objects to their own lives (e.g., "This is a koru, it reminds me of my whānau.")

Why? Uses tangible objects to trigger discussion about identity while catering to varied sensory needs.

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3. Creative Expression – My Identity Collage (4 Minutes)

Activity: "This is Me!" Personalised Sensory Art

• Provide children with a large outline of a face printed on sturdy paper.
• Sensory materials (cotton balls for hair, fabric for clothing, textured stickers) allow students to build a portrait of themselves.
• Kaiako (teacher) guides by asking individualised questions: ❝He aha te tae o ō makawe?❞ (What colour is your hair?) ❝Ka pai koe ki tēhea kararehe?❞ (What animal do you like?)
• Students freely decorate their self-portraits to represent their unique traits.

Why? This hands-on, multi-sensory activity allows students to explore identity in an inclusive and engaging way.

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Wrap-Up & Reflection (1 Minute)

• Students share their artwork (if comfortable) while kaiako offers encouraging feedback:
  ❝Ka rawe! He tino ātaahua tō whakaahua!❞ (Awesome! Your picture is so beautiful!)
• End with a group waiata (song) reinforcing positive self-recognition, such as "Tēnei au! Tēnei au!" (Here I am! Here I am!)

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Assessment & Reflection

• Observe students’ engagement with activities.
• Note any verbal or non-verbal responses connecting to family, culture, and self-expression.
• Provide opportunities to revisit identity discussions through future inquiry-based activities.

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Extension Ideas for Kura (School)

• Whānau Involvement: Ask caregivers to share a small item or photo representing their child’s identity for an extended class project.
• Outdoor Exploration: Create a "Who Am I?" nature scavenger hunt, linking personal traits to local surroundings (e.g., "Find a flower that is your favourite colour").

🎉 Kaiako Tip: Keep activities playful and adaptive for different communication styles; encourage both verbal and sensory engagement!