Lesson Plan: Grade 7 Life Orientation – Understanding Self-Identity and Peer Influence in Society
1. Lesson Plan Title:
Grade 7 Life Orientation – Understanding Self-Identity and Peer Influence in Society
2. Materials Needed:
– Whiteboard and markers
– Projector and laptop
– Printed handouts of activity sheets
– A4 paper and colored pens for students
– Flashcards with key terms
– Access to a short video clip related to self-identity and peer influence
3. Learning Objectives:
– Define self-identity and peer influence.
– Discuss factors that shape self-identity.
– Explore how peer influence can impact decisions and behavior.
– Reflect on personal experiences relating to self-identity and peer influence.
4. Vocabulary:
– Self-Identity
– Peer Influence
– Peer Pressure
– Self-Esteem
– Individuality
5. Previous Learning:
– Students should have a basic understanding of personal health and wellness discussed in previous Life Orientation topics.
6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Students might find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings about self-identity.
Solution: Provide sentence starters and examples.
– Challenge: Some students could feel uncomfortable discussing peer influence openly.
Solution: Allow for anonymous contributions or questions and create a safe and respectful classroom environment.
7. Beginning Activities (10% of time):
– Introduction (5 minutes): Start with a brief discussion on what makes each person unique. Use questions like “What are some qualities that make you who you are?”
– Icebreaker Activity (5 minutes): Have students pair up and share one unique trait about themselves with their partner. Then, ask a few pairs to share with the class (ensure voluntary participation).
8. Middle Activities (80% of time):
– Video and Discussion (15 minutes): Show a brief video clip on self-identity and peer influence (5 minutes). Lead a class discussion using guided questions such as “What factors shape our self-identity?” and “How can peers influence our decisions?” (10 minutes)
– Group Activity (20 minutes): Divide the class into small groups. Each group creates a mind map on how self-identity develops from different influences such as family, culture, and friends. Present and discuss findings to the class (2 minutes per group). Allocate 15 minutes for the activity and 5 minutes for presentation and discussion.
– Role-Play Scenarios (20 minutes): In their groups, students are given scenarios depicting peer influence. Each group acts out the scenario (5 minutes) and discusses possible outcomes and choices, emphasizing positive peer influence (5 minutes).
– Reflection Sheet (10 minutes): Hand out reflection sheets where students write about a time they felt peer pressure and how they responded. Provide sentence starters to aid students.
– Peer Influence Project (15 minutes): Assign a project where students create a poster or digital presentation on positive peer influence. Allow them to start the project in class and present it in the next lesson.
9. End Activities (10% of time):
– Class Discussion (5 minutes): Summarize key points learned in the lesson. Encourage students to share one new thing they learned about themselves.
– Exit Ticket (5 minutes): Have students complete an exit ticket with one question: “What is one way you can positively influence your peers?”
10. Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Evaluate the group mind maps and role-play performances based on engagement and understanding.
– Review reflection sheets for understanding and personal connections.
– Assess the peer influence projects for creativity and understanding of the topic in the next lesson.
– Use exit tickets to gauge individual understanding and note any misconceptions for follow-up.
11. Differentiation Strategies:
– For Visual Learners: Use videos, mind maps, and posters.
– For Auditory Learners: Engage in group discussions and read-aloud activities.
– For Kinesthetic Learners: Incorporate role-plays and interactive activities.
– For Students with Learning Difficulties: Provide additional support during group activities and use visuals and simplified language to explain key concepts.
12. Teaching Notes:
– Emphasize a respectful and open classroom environment to encourage honest discussions.
– Use real-life examples to help students relate to the concepts.
– Monitor group activities to ensure all students are participating and understand the material.
– Adjust the pace based on students’ engagement and understanding; be flexible to allow more time for discussion or reflection if needed.
Teaching Tips:
- Use culturally relevant examples and context to make the content relatable for South African learners.
- Integrate indigenous knowledge systems by discussing how traditional beliefs and community values can influence self-identity.
- Encourage students to share personal stories voluntarily to foster a diverse and inclusive classroom discussion.
- Incorporate technology effectively by using affordable and accessible tools such as cell phone cameras or free digital platforms for the peer influence project.