What Shapes Our Identity?

What Shapes Our Identity?

Exploring the factors that make you uniquely YOU Understanding how culture, family, peers and media influence who we are

WALT & Success Criteria

WALT: Identify key factors that shape our identity (culture, family, media, peers) Success Criteria: I can recognise that everyone's identity is unique I can understand the difference between chosen and given aspects of identity

Who Am I? Quick Think

Call out words that describe who you are Think about: family, interests, culture, hobbies, beliefs Discussion: Are these things you choose or are born with? Do these parts of you stay the same or change over time?

Are These Chosen or Given?

Think about your family, culture, and language - did you choose these? Consider your interests, friends, and values - how much control do you have? What about your whakapapa and iwi connections? Which aspects of identity can we influence most?

Key Influences on Identity

Family/Whānau - values, traditions, support systems Culture & Whakapapa - heritage, customs, language Friends & Peers - social connections, shared interests Media & Technology - social media, entertainment, news Personal Experiences - achievements, challenges, travel School & Community - learning environment, local culture

Given vs Chosen Identity Factors

{"left":"Family you're born into\nCultural background and whakapapa\nNatural talents and abilities\nPhysical characteristics\nEarly childhood experiences","right":"The friends you choose\nHobbies and interests you develop\nValues you decide to embrace\nStyle and appearance choices\nFuture goals and aspirations"}

The Identity Web

Create Your Identity Map

Draw 'Me' in the centre of your page Add branches for: Family/Whānau, Culture, Interests, Beliefs, Friends, Media Use colours, drawings, and words to show what's important to you Include specific examples from your own life Think about which branches are strongest for you

Reflection Questions

Which influence has the STRONGEST impact on who you are? How has your identity changed as you've grown older? What aspects of your identity are you most proud of? How do you think your identity might continue to develop? What influences do you want to have more control over?

Key Takeaways

Your identity is unique and shaped by many different influences Some aspects are given to you, others you choose for yourself Identity continues to develop and change throughout your life Understanding these influences helps you make conscious choices Respecting others' identities is important for a healthy community You have the power to shape who you become