Summary: Students write 5 characteristics that describe them the best and then share with the class to allow for a conversation on identity.

Supplies:

• Writing utensils
• Index Cards

Instructions:

1. Give each player a writing utensil and an index card. Ask them to write down five characteristics that describe them best.
   1. Examples include race, ethnicity, gender, religion, likes, dislikes, talents, hobbies, goals, achievements, or values.
   2. For younger groups, you can offer a prompt such as favorite food, holiday, color, or something they’re good at.
2. After everyone has finished creating their label, give them tape and have them tape their cards to their shirts and walk around the room.
3. Tell them to look at other player’s cards and talk about what they’ve written. They can ask questions about the traits they’ve chosen to represent themselves, or talk about the similarities and differences between them. The idea is to give participants the chance to have conversations about their identity based on the qualities they value the most about themselves.

Debrief Questions:

• Was it difficult to come up with characteristics?
• How did you feel learning about everyone’s descriptions?
• Did you enjoy talking about your identity? What parts of your identity are you proud of?
• Do certain parts of your identity sometimes feel like “labels”? How exactly does that make you feel?

Activity Length: Medium (15-30 minutes)

Energy Level: Low

Grade Level: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & Up

Group Size: Large (10+), Medium (5-9)