Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
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Social Studies

Identity Wheel

Encourage students to complete an identity wheel to share about themselves.

Activity Partner
Total time estimate:
15-20 minutes
Activity Objectives
  • Students will create an identity wheel to share different aspects of their identity, such as their hobbies, interests, and values
  • Then, students will explore their classmates' identity wheels to learn more about each other and gain an understanding and appreciation for their similarities and differences


This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skills: self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Create

Engage students in a discussion about identity. You might explain: "Our identity makes us who we are, like our experiences, beliefs, hobbies, and more! It can include who we think we are, who others say we are, and who we hope to be. What else do you think our identity includes?"

Distribute a physical or digital copy of the handout below to students, and ask them to create an identity wheel by writing down or including pictures of different parts of their identity. Share a list of different things students might include, such as their hobbies, interests, values, cultural or ethnic background, and personality traits.

Share

Share your students’ identity wheels with your Empatico partner class (e.g., through a live virtual exchange or a tool like Flipgrid, Wakelet, or Padlet). Invite students to share more about their identity wheels, and ask questions to learn more about each other.

Reflect

Guide students through a post-activity reflection by asking the following questions: 

  • How is our identity shaped by the way we see ourselves, as well as how others see us? How is it shaped by our family and community?
  • What are some parts of your identity that you are proud to share with others? Are there other parts that you are more hesitant to share?
  • Which parts of your identity might be surprising to others?
  • If you created a separate identity wheel based on how you think others see you, what would you include in it?
  • Describe the experience of sharing your identity wheel with your classmates. What was something interesting or surprising that you learned? How did this experience make you feel? 
Did you finish this activity? We'd love your input.