Developed by Tracy Horton

Level: 3 - 5

“Who am I?”

Standards Learning Expectations	This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standards: 7 Self Knowledge and interpersonal skills The student will: 7.1 Demonstrate a positive attitude toward self as a worthy person 7.5 Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
General Approach	The general approach is that the children begin a book about themselves, with a self-portrait on the cover. Personal pictures, prose and poems can be collected in this book. Children can put personal details, questions about themselves and answers to questions in it too. To begin the assignment the teacher will gather the students together in a circle. The teacher will introduce the concept of having pride in positive self-worth. The students will participate in an activity to foster individual esteem. Answers to the statements can be entered later in the “Who am I” book (s).
Activity Steps	Each one of us is special because there is no one else exactly like us. We all look, think, and feel differently from one another. It is important to feel good about ourselves and appreciate our differences. Today we are going to share some of our unique qualities so that we might hear how special we really are as a person. I am going to ask some questions and everyone will have a turn to answer while the rest of us listen very carefully. The teacher will then present the open- ended statements. Each child in the circle will have a chance to share: What I like best about myself is . . . I’d like to be . . . My favorite game is . . . I think my name means . . . I would like to learn about . . . I feel happy when . . . I feel sad when . . . I want to become more . . . Someday I hope . . . With each statement each child has a turn to answer. Time is shared equally and listening is very important. Children can “pass” on a statement if they want to, and each person stays in her or his place until the activity is over.
Time Required	The required time would be 15 or 20 minutes for circle time depending on how many students are in the class. The completion of the “Who am I?” book can be completed during free time and may take several days.
Resources Needed	A set of cards with the above questions printed for the teacher to ask. Books can be made from construction paper that is stapled at one end.
Performance Indicators	The children will take pride in sharing statements about themselves as a unique person. The children will recognize respect for their individuality from the others as their classmates listen quietly to their descriptions of self.