aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English as second
What age group	Year or Grade 9
What topic
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Identity Through Art and Language

Warm-Up Activity: Artistic Postcard Exchange

Objective

To engage students in a creative discussion about identity and culture while practicing their English language skills.

Materials Needed

• Blank postcards or cardstock cut into postcard size
• Markers, colored pencils, or paints
• Examples of famous artworks that reflect cultural identity (images displayed on a projector or printed handouts)

Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin the lesson by displaying various examples of artworks that celebrate identity—these can range from native cultural pieces to modern art that comments on societal issues. Ask students to notice how artists express their backgrounds, values, and individual stories through their work.

Prompt Discussion (5 minutes)

Facilitate a brief discussion by posing these questions:

• What do you think defines a person's identity?
• How can art convey someone's story or cultural background?
• Can you think of any pieces of art that represent your identity or the identity of people you know?

Activity (20 minutes)

Next, introduce the Artistic Postcard Exchange activity:

1. Create Your Own Postcard: Each student will design a postcard that represents their identity using drawings, symbols, or words that they believe reflect who they are or where they come from. Encourage them to think about aspects such as culture, family, hobbies, and aspirations.

2. Writing a Message: On the back of the postcard, they should write a short message (4-5 sentences) explaining their design choices and what those symbols mean to them. Remind students to use descriptive language and expressive vocabulary.

3. Postcard Exchange: Once everyone has completed their postcards, arrange the desks in a circle and have students pass their postcards around. Each student will take a moment to look at the postcard they receive and read the message.

4. To wrap up, have students return to their own postcards and keep them as a personal reflection or share with the class if they feel comfortable.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Conclude the session by inviting a few volunteers to share their postcards and messages with the class. This will foster a community spirit, encouraging respect and curiosity about each other’s identities.

Transition to the Lesson Focus

With the understanding of identity fresh in their minds, you will segue into the lesson focus: Exploring narratives in literature and how characters reflect societal identities. This will set the stage for reading a selected text in class and discussing the complexities of identity in the context of language and literature.

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Summary

This introduction not only grabs students' interest but also encourages them to engage with the topic of identity in a creative way while exercising their English language skills. It sets a collaborative and reflective tone for the lesson ahead.