Influences on Identity

Overview

This is Lesson 2 of 6 in the unit "Exploring My Identity" designed for Year 5 students. It focuses on helping pupils understand the diverse factors that shape their identity, including family, culture, experiences, and personal interests. The lesson encourages self-reflection and group dialogue to deepen pupils’ appreciation of what makes them unique.

National Curriculum Links

PSHE Education (Relationships Education and Living in the Wider World):

Relationships Education: Pupils should recognise and respect similarities and differences between people and groups, including different family structures and cultural backgrounds.
Living in the Wider World: Pupils should begin to recognise the ways in which they are similar to and different from others, and how identity can be influenced by a range of factors.
Developing self-awareness and empathy are key components of PSHE for KS2 pupils.

Key Learning Objectives (from National Curriculum and PSHE Association Guidance):

Identify and describe a range of factors that contribute to personal identity (families, culture, interests, experiences).
Recognise and respect similarities and differences between themselves and others.
Reflect on how these influences shape their values, feelings, and behaviours.
Develop communication and collaborative skills through discussion and shared tasks.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, pupils will be able to:

List several factors that influence their personal identity.
Explain how certain people, experiences, or cultural elements have shaped who they are.
Show respect for others’ identities through active listening and questioning.
Reflect individually on their unique identity and share insights with peers.

Resources Needed

Large sheets of paper and coloured markers/pens
Identity influence cards (printed with prompts such as “Family”, “Friends”, “Culture”, “Hobbies”, “Special Experiences”, etc.)
Reflection worksheets (simple templates for drawing or writing about identity factors)
Comfortable seating area for group discussion
Sticky notes or small cards for individual jotting

Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Starter (5 minutes)

Activity: “Name & One Thing About You” Circle

Each pupil shares their name and quickly says one unique thing about themselves (e.g., “I love football”, “My family is from Poland”).
Teacher emphasises how these unique facts begin to build identity.

Purpose: Build comfort and introduce the concept that identity is multifaceted.

2. Introduction to Influences on Identity (7 minutes)

Teacher Input:

Explain that our identity is shaped by many things—family, culture, experiences, interests, and more.
Show identity influence cards one at a time and briefly describe each factor. For example, “Family can influence what traditions we celebrate, the languages we speak, or values we hold.”
Encourage pupils to think about what has influenced them so far.

3. Group Activity – Identity Mapping (15 minutes)

Instructions:

On a large sheet, pupils collaboratively create an “Identity Influence Map” — placing the influence cards in the centre and drawing connections to their own life.
Each pupil takes turns picking a card and sharing how that factor shapes their identity (e.g., “My friend group makes me feel confident to try new things”).
Teacher facilitates, asking probing questions such as, “How does your culture show through your family celebrations?” or “Can experiences like moving to a new school change how we see ourselves?”
Encourage pupils to add drawings, words, or symbols around each influence to personalise it.

Differentiation: For pupils who find verbal sharing harder, provide sticky notes to write or draw quietly and place on the map.

4. Individual Reflection (10 minutes)

Activity:

Pupils complete a reflection worksheet individually:
- Draw or write three key influences on their identity.
- Write a sentence about how each influence makes them feel or shapes who they are.
Teacher circulates, provides support, and encourages honest reflection.

5. Plenary & Sharing (8 minutes)

Discussion:

Pupils share one influence and explain why it is important to them.
Teacher reinforces respect for diversity and summarises the key message: Our identities are shaped by many influences that make each of us unique and valuable.
Optional: Pupils place their worksheets on the wall or a display board to celebrate diversity in the group.

Assessment

Formative: Observation of participation in discussions and group activity to assess understanding of identity influences.
Worksheet: Evaluate pupils’ reflections for comprehension of how identity factors contribute to self-concept.
Teacher Questioning: Ask open-ended questions such as “Can someone tell me why knowing about your identity is important?”

Extension Ideas

Create a simple identity timeline showing important experiences that shaped them so far.
Research a cultural tradition from their family or community to share with the group.
Write a short narrative or poem about “Who I Am” incorporating influences discussed.

Safeguarding and Sensitivity

Remind pupils that it is okay to pass on sharing if they feel uncomfortable.
Emphasise a safe, respectful environment where everyone’s identity is valued.
Be prepared to sensitively support pupils who may find reflecting on identity challenging or emotional.

This lesson blends personal reflection with collaborative inquiry and firmly aligns with the England National Curriculum for PSHE. It develops key skills including communication, critical thinking, and self-awareness tailored for Year 5 learners while promoting empathy and respect.

Teaching Instructions