Media Influence Identity

Lesson 7 of 11: Media Influence on Identity: Critical Awareness

Duration: 45 minutes

Year Level: 7

Class Size: 25 students

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Analyse how social and media influences affect identity and wellbeing.
• Reflect on the biblical insights from Romans 12:2 and 1 Samuel 16:7 to understand authentic identity.
• Connect our learning to key health and faith understandings in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and Tō Tātou Whakapono.

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Curriculum Alignment

Religious Education (Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum)

• Strand: Identity, spirituality, and belonging
• Achievement Objective:
  • Recognise how beliefs influence personal identity (AO 4.1 from Tō Tātou Whakapono).
  • Reflect critically on external influences affecting personal and collective identity.

Health and Physical Education (New Zealand Curriculum)

• Level 4-5 Achievement Objectives:
  • 4.4: Understand how social influences impact health, safety, and wellbeing.
  • 5.1: Develop skills and strategies to manage influences on wellbeing.

Integration with Document Sources

• Biblical texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Samuel 16:7 – exploring transformation by renewing the mind, seeing beyond appearances.
• Church teaching: Amoris Laetitia (Chapter 11) – importance of authentic relationships and self-awareness for wellbeing.
• New Curriculum Religious Studies (NCRS 2021, p. 40) – critical reflection on identity formation processes.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain how media influences can shape identity.
• I can identify what Romans 12:2 and 1 Samuel 16:7 teach about true identity.
• I can critically evaluate messages from media about self-image.
• I can describe ways to maintain positive wellbeing by valuing inner identity.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Resources
0-5 min	Introduction & Learning Intentions	Teacher explains WALT and success criteria. Sets context for critical thinking about media messages and identity. Brief class discussion on "What shapes who we are?"	Whiteboard, projector
5-15 min	Exploring Bible Verses	Students read Romans 12:2 & 1 Samuel 16:7 (copies provided or projected). Teacher and students discuss:

• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform..." What does it mean to transform our thinking?
• 1 Samuel 16:7: "People look at the outward appearance..." What does God value in identity? | Printed verses, projector | | 15-25 min | Media Examples & Group Analysis | Split class into 5 groups of 5. Each group receives different media excerpts (ads, social media screenshots, celebrity images). Groups identify messages about identity, appearance, and values. Discuss positive/negative effects on wellbeing. | Media printouts or digital images | | 25-35 min | Linking to Wellbeing & Faith | Class shares group findings. Teacher connects to Health & PE AO 4.4 and 5.1 – social influences shape wellbeing; link back to biblical perspective and Amoris Laetitia Chapter 11’s emphasis on authentic relationships and self-worth. | Flipchart for notes | | 35-43 min | Reflective Writing Task | Students individually write: "How can I keep a positive sense of who I am despite media messages?" Encourage use of biblical insights and Health PE ideas. | Paper, pens | | 43-45 min | Wrap-up & Success Criteria Check | Recap WALT and success criteria. Students share one takeaway. Teacher reinforces positive self-identity message, encouraging ongoing critical awareness. | |

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Detailed Activity Notes:

1. Introduction & WALT

• Activate prior knowledge: "Think about how friends, family, and media show who we are." Encourage students to consider whether media portrays true identity.

2. Exploring Biblical Texts

• Romans 12:2 teaches resisting negative conformity and renewing the mind for true identity.
• 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us God looks at heart, not surface.
• Discuss how these verses challenge societal/media pressures on appearance.

3. Media Examples Group Work

• Examples cover social media posts, adverts promoting “ideal” beauty or lifestyles.
• Students identify the values promoted and the effects on self-esteem.
• Guided questions:
  • What is this media trying to tell us about being ‘cool’ or ‘valuable’?
  • How might this affect someone’s wellbeing or sense of identity?

4. Linking Faith and Wellbeing

• Draw parallels between media influence and spiritual teaching that true wellbeing comes from within, not external approval.
• Explain that Amoris Laetitia (Ch 11) speaks about human dignity and authentic belonging beyond superficial status.

5. Reflective Writing

• Students consolidate learning by personal reflection, encouraging internalisation of critical awareness.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative: Observe group discussions for understanding media influence and linking with biblical concepts.
• Written reflective task assessed for ability to apply lesson concepts to personal perspective.
• Use success criteria as a self-assessment checklist.

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Teaching Considerations

• Ensure media examples are age-appropriate and culturally relevant to NZ students.
• Facilitate a safe, respectful environment for discussing identity and feelings.
• Differentiate by providing sentence starters or visual supports for reflective writing where needed.
• Incorporate Māori perspectives by connecting ideas of inner strength and identity from te ao Māori where appropriate, aligning with Tō Tātou Whakapono AO 4.1.

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This lesson thoughtfully integrates New Zealand Religious Education and Health & PE objectives focused on identity and wellbeing, while embedding scripture and contemporary church teaching. The balanced approach between text, group analysis, and personal reflection caters specifically to year 7 students' cognitive and social development stages in New Zealand.

If you would like, I can also create printable student worksheets and teacher prompts to accompany this plan!