Topic 8 - Identity
Give students the opportunity to learn about what makes them who they are:
Recommended Reading: "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. This book was so eye-opening for myself, and I had wished I learned this information about myself and others as a teenager because I think it would have helped me relate better with friends and family. There is one for parents so this could be a resource recommended to them. Although Chapman's book is directed towards couples, I believe these are important aspects one needs to know about themselves, and others. It can pertain to any relationship.
Recommended Activity: The Color-code Personality Test
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A fun and useful resource for adolescents to learn about themselves.
In order to help adolescent students discover their Identity and/or morality in a meaningful way I can implement "No Technology Time" for example for one hour a day whereby students are encouraged to power off all electronics (cell phones, computers, tablets, ipods, television ,etc) and have them practice mindfulness.
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"Click below to read about mindfulness; what it is; what evidence there is to support its effectiveness; and who it is for."
Resources:
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Chapman, G. D. (1995). The five love languages: How to express heartfelt commitment to your mate. Chicago: Northfield Pub.
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During the day, challenge students to an "Altruistic Activity". There will be no reward, otherwise the Altrusitic nature is compromised; however the "reward" or benefit of acting selflessly is the opportunity for the adolescent to experience a value that is highly esteemed in our culture, it will give them a chance to see how it feels to act unselfishly in this way and how it makes others feel. In turn, my hope is that this experience will contribute to the student's developing morality, as well as help them identify themselves as being someone who contributes and performs positive actions in their community. Hopefully this altruistic activity will be something that students will adopt on their own, thus helping them to form a positive identity for themselves and to others.