I reading about identity online, I came across this article called Six Ways to Build Your Teen's Identity. I really liked the ideas and I think they would be great to implement into a classroom. I've adapted them to fit my classroom needs.
1. Encourage Self Discovery
I want students to think about who they are and what they believe in. I know identity doesn't seem like it directly relates to math, but you could stray a little from math once in a while. I want to give students a word and have them write down everything they think about it. I feel like we could dedicate each week to a new theme like trust or something (I think I've mentioned this idea previously in this class...). Throughout the week we could explore different trust situations and if possible relate them to math. :)
2. Acknowledge Natural Abilities
2. Acknowledge Natural Abilities
Students love to be recognized for what they are good at. When you can see their talents and encourage them to develop them further, students can better develop who they are. Also try and notice talents they may not be aware of and help them explore them. Try and incorporate ways in which the students can use their talents, even if their talent isn't math. This can be done in different assignment, projects, and class instruction.
3. Create a Class Motto
3. Create a Class Motto
By having a motto that is often repeated, students begin to believe that it's true. It's kind of the like the idea of the book The Secret. If you believe it's true, it will come true. The example in the article mentioned a family motto of "we aren't quitters." I love this motto! It's simple, but keeps them driven. I feel it would make a great classroom motto!
4. Value Uniqueness
Students don't want to be like everyone else. Celebrating what makes them unique can help them develop themselves separated from the rest of the teen population. I could let students know when they are missed and why. I'll need to be specific about what it is that was missed like their humor, good attitude, etc. I can also have them come up with ideas that sets them apart from others and we can talk about or write about if they like what makes them unique.
There are lots of ways to encourage students to find their identity. The important part is to just do something.
Students don't want to be like everyone else. Celebrating what makes them unique can help them develop themselves separated from the rest of the teen population. I could let students know when they are missed and why. I'll need to be specific about what it is that was missed like their humor, good attitude, etc. I can also have them come up with ideas that sets them apart from others and we can talk about or write about if they like what makes them unique.
There are lots of ways to encourage students to find their identity. The important part is to just do something.
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