Many of us have multiple identities. There's who we are at home, school, friends, and strangers. And often these identities come with different names. The third activity in the First Days of School series examines how names reflect aspects of identity. Scholars journal about their names, examine a poem about a pupil who lives in two worlds, and craft identity poems.

Concepts

identity, social-emotional learning, back to school, building community, school community, social awareness, self-awareness, Social & Emotional Learning

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Instructional Ideas

• Include Pat Mora's poem "Sonrisas" in the lesson to extend the discussion of navigating multiple identities
• Bring in recordings of Fernando Villalona and Aventura
• Consider introducing yourself with your names and what identity each name reflects

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies of the "Two Names, Two Worlds" reading, handout, and graphic organizer for each class member·      
• Third of 10 lessons in the First Days of School series
• A link to an overview of the entire series is located in the Included Materials section
• Requires a projection device for the PowerPoint presentation

Pros

• The activity is a great way for participants to learn more about their classmates

Cons

• None