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Engage students in a conversation about their identity. You might explain: “When we think about the different parts of our identity, we may notice that some parts are visible to others, like the way we look or the clothing we wear. There are also other parts that are invisible to others, like our beliefs, experiences, and feelings. We’re going to play a game to help us learn more about each other, challenge our assumptions, and explore some of our similarities and differences. To play this game, we'll need to be open, honest, and respectful.”

Read the following statements, and ask students to stand up when a particular statement applies to them (if they are comfortable sharing). Then, give students the opportunity to look around the room and observe which other students have chosen to stand.

• I am an only child. 
• I have one or more siblings.
• I enjoy listening to music. 
• I can play an instrument. 
• I have a special talent. 
• I have a nickname. 
• I like warm weather more than cold weather. 
• I enjoy cooking or baking. 
• I have learned a new skill recently. 
• I have my own special dance move (show it if you’re feeling brave!).
• I use social media. 
• I can do a TikTok dance. 
• I enjoy playing sports.
• I enjoy creating art—like painting, drawing, writing, or something else!
• I enjoy playing video games.
• I am scared of spiders, snakes, or insects.
• I have a pet.
• I love reading books.
• I have family members who live in a different country.
• I consider myself to be brave.
• I try to be an honest person.
• I speak more than one language.
• I feel shy or uncomfortable in certain situations.
• I have made a mistake and learned from it.
• I have felt judged before.
• I have said something that I wish I could take back.
• I sometimes argue with my friends or siblings. 
• I have felt alone or misunderstood before. 
• I feel overwhelmed by the news sometimes. 
• I have felt embarrassed recently. 
• I have a hard time expressing my feelings sometimes.
• I have felt pressured by others to behave or act in a certain way.
• I have a different opinion than my family members or friends on a social issue.
• I have lost someone important to me.

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Note: This game can take place within your class or during a live virtual exchange with your Empatico partner class.