Would a rose smell as sweet, as Juliet Capulet asserts, if called by any other name? The importance of names and the connection between names and identity are examined in a lesson plan that explores identity in the United States. After reading and discussing the poem "Two Names, Two Worlds," class members brainstorm a list of the types of things that determine identity. They then create a mock search page result for themselves using the provided "Online-Search Identity Chart" handout. The lesson plan concludes with pupils crafting a reflection about the characteristics they believe are important to their identity.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, identity, self identity, surnames, individuality

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Instructional Ideas

• Ask class members to conduct a search to see if any information about them is already online

Classroom Considerations

• The second of six lessons in the "Exploring Identity in the United States" unit
• The lessons are designed to be used in order
• Requires copies of supporting documents

Pros

• The lessons encourages learners to look at a variety of factors that contribute to one's identity

Cons

• None