Celebrating Me and You

Overview

This 20-minute session is designed for Year 1 students and aligns with the National Curriculum for England, specifically under PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), focusing on recognising similarities and differences in themselves and others. The session fosters self-awareness, respect, and understanding of diversity in a supportive classroom environment.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Know that they may like different things from others and that this is OK. (PSHE Association Programme of Study: “what makes themselves and others unique”)
• Understand that people look and act differently and that these differences should be celebrated. (PSHE Association Programme of Study: “recognising and valuing the similarities and differences between people”)
• Be able to express at least one way they are similar to or different from a classmate.

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National Curriculum Reference

• PSHE Association Programme of Study Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2):
  • “Recognising what makes them special and unique, including their likes, dislikes and feelings”
  • “Recognising what makes them similar and different to others”
  • “Developing a sense of empathy towards others”

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Resources

• “All About Me” picture template (simple worksheet with sections for drawing favourite things, favourite foods, and self-portrait)
• Large mirror or reflective surface
• Colourful stickers or sticky notes
• Whiteboard and marker
• Emotion flashcards (happy, sad, excited, etc., optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

• Begin with a warm welcome and gather children in a circle on the carpet.
• Hold up the mirror and ask, “Who can see themselves in the mirror? What do you notice about your face?”
• Highlight that everyone looks different in lots of ways – hair colour, eye colour, skin, smile – and that this makes us unique and special.

2. Story Time / Talk (5 minutes)

• Tell a short story or show pictures featuring diverse characters (varying in appearance, activity choices, preferences). Example story idea: “Zoe likes playing football but her friend Sam loves painting.”
• Ask: “Why do you think Zoe and Sam like different things? Is that OK?”
• Emphasise: “It’s OK to like different things. We are all special in our own ways.”

3. 'All About Me' Activity (8 minutes)

• Hand out the “All About Me” picture template to each pupil along with crayons and stickers.
• Instructions:
  1. Draw yourself in the self-portrait box.
  2. Draw or write some things you like (e.g., favourite food, toy, colour).
  3. When finished, add a sticker anywhere on the page to show something that makes you unique.
• Circulate, encouraging children and praising their individual choices and creativity.

4. Sharing and Reflecting (3 minutes)

• Invite 5-6 students to share one part of their drawing with the class, focusing on a way they are different or similar to others.
• Example prompts:
  • “Who else likes chocolate like me?”
  • “My favourite toy is different from Jana’s, and that’s great!”
• Reinforce respect for others’ likes and differences.

5. Closing (1 minute)

• Recap: “Today, we learnt that everyone is different and that’s a wonderful thing. We can like different things and still be friends.”
• Encourage children to think about one new thing they learnt about a friend today.

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Assessment

• Informal formative assessment through observation during sharing time and “All About Me” activity.
• Teacher notes on pupils’ ability to identify differing preferences and recognise diversity positively.
• Check for use of language acknowledging likeness or difference respectfully.

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Extension Ideas / Follow-Up

• Create a “We Are All Different, We Are All Special” classroom display with the “All About Me” sheets.
• Use role-play scenarios to explore different emotions or reactions to differences.
• Invite children to bring in or draw favourite objects from home to share.

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Differentiation

• Support pupils with additional needs by providing pre-drawn templates or one-to-one adult support during the activity.
• Encourage verbal sharing for less confident writers or allow use of symbols and pictures instead of words.

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Teacher’s Reflection Prompts

• Did the children show awareness that differences are positive?
• Were pupils able to articulate at least one similarity or difference respectfully?
• How engaged were pupils during the activity and sharing phases?

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This lesson plan enriches Year 1 pupils’ understanding of identity, diversity, and respect whilst meeting statutory PSHE objectives and laying important social foundations early.