Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 1 Life Skills Lesson Plan: Me
Materials Needed:
– Storybook about self-awareness or identity
– A mirror
– Coloured markers and crayons
– Pre-cut paper shapes (circle for head, triangle for body, etc.)
– Large chart paper or drawing sheets
– Thumbs-up/thumbs-down cards for quick checks of understanding
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify and describe personal physical characteristics.
2. Recognise and celebrate individual differences.
3. Express basic information about themselves through art.
4. Demonstrate understanding of self-awareness and identity.
5. Participate in discussions about similarities and differences.
Vocabulary:
1. Identity – Who you are, including your name and characteristics.
2. Unique – One of a kind, different from everyone else.
3. Characteristics – Features or qualities that describe someone.
4. Similarities – Things that are the same or alike.
5. Differences – Things that are not the same or are unlike.
Previous Learning:
Students have explored and discussed family members and their roles. They have learned basic communication skills and can talk about their feelings and experiences.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
1. Difficulty in speaking about themselves – Encourage students by sharing examples about yourself or using puppets.
2. Limited fine motor skills – Provide thicker crayons/markers and pre-cut shapes.
3. Shyness or reluctance to participate in group discussions – Use a buddy system or small group settings to make them more comfortable.
Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
1. Greetings and a brief warm-up song about self-awareness (e.g., “If You’re Happy and You Know It”).
2. Introduce the lesson objectives using simple language and visuals to highlight the key points.
3. Show students the storybook cover and ask them what they think the book might be about.
Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Read a storybook about a character discovering their identity (10 minutes). Discuss the story’s main points, focusing on the character’s features and feelings.
2. Activity Sheet (12 minutes):
– Hand out pre-cut shapes and drawing sheets.
– Show students how to create a self-portrait using shapes for different body parts (circle for head, triangle for body, etc.).
– Encourage students to add features using markers or crayons.
– Students can use a mirror to observe their features and add details to their portraits.
- Group Discussion (10 minutes):
- Have students sit in a circle and hold up their portraits.
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the drawings.
- Ask open-ended questions like “What makes you special?” and “What did you notice about your friend’s drawing?”
End Activities (4 minutes):
1. Exit Ticket Activity:
– Give each student a thumbs-up/thumbs-down card.
– Ask quick review questions like “Did you enjoy making your portrait?” or “Do you understand what makes you unique?”.
– Use their responses to gauge understanding.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observation during story discussion and participation in creating self-portraits.
– Use of thumbs-up/thumbs-down cards for quick checks at the end.
– Listen to the responses in group discussions to assess understanding of similarities and differences.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– Provide additional support or pair students for collaborative drawing.
– Offer verbal descriptions for visually impaired students or use tactile materials.
– For advanced learners, encourage them to write or draw additional details about themselves (favourite food, hobbies).
Teaching Notes:
– Ensure the environment is inclusive and welcoming.
– Use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
– Be mindful of each student’s comfort level during discussions about personal characteristics.
– Ensure materials are accessible to all students, including those with fine motor difficulties.
In this lesson, focusing on “Me” helps develop self-awareness and builds a foundation for understanding identity. Engaging students in creative activities and group discussions foster a positive self-image and appreciation of diversity.