This lesson emphasizes where students derive their sense of identity from and how to go about exploring their self-identity, with a no-prep activity to practice.

Older kids are capable of not just knowing characteristics about themselves, but starting to deepen their self-identity with understanding of why they are the person they are. Students will explore their self-identity while considering that they have social roles and influences that shape how they understand themselves.

If age appropriate, this can lead to discussion about family/community patterns. I find children often know their triggers and problem behaviors, but if they can identify why they have a trigger self-compassion can be applied and solutions may become more clear.

Ex. My older brother is in all honors classes and my parents compare me to him. This makes academic corrections and poor grades a big trigger for me because it reminds me of that feelings I get at home.

The slides and worksheet are simple to increase comprehension and suit middle through high school students.

This lesson includes presentation notes (discussion points and questions slide-by-slide included) (2 pages) and slides to present (6 slides, including instructions to a no prep activity, creating an Identity Map).