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

Engaging Beginning to an ELD Lesson for Grade 9

Lesson Topic: Exploring Identity Through Language

Objective: To understand how language shapes our identity and helps us connect with others.

Hook Activity: “The Language of You”

Materials Needed:

• Sticky notes
• Markers
• A large poster or whiteboard

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Setup: As students enter the classroom, have them grab a sticky note and a marker from a central table.

2. Instructions: Ask students to write one word or phrase that describes how they feel about their identity or cultural background. Examples might include "bilingual," "proud," "confused," or "heritage."

3. Sharing: Once everyone has written their word or phrase, invite students to place their sticky notes on a poster or board labeled “The Language of You.” Allow a few minutes for them to browse the notes of their classmates, promoting interaction.

4. Discussion: Lead a brief class discussion by asking the following questions:

   • Why did you choose that word or phrase?
   • How does language play a role in expressing your identity?
   • Can you think of situations where your language has impacted your connections with others?

Transition to the Lesson

After the discussion, explain that today’s lesson will explore the powerful relationship between language and identity. We will analyze how different aspects of language—such as dialect, slang, and cultural expressions—can reveal who we are and how we relate to the world around us.

Encourage students to think critically about their own experiences as we dive deeper into the topic of ELD (English Language Development).

Note:

This engaging activity aims to build a community atmosphere within the classroom, encourage self-expression, and lay a solid foundation for deeper exploration of language and identity throughout the lesson.