Amir attempts to identify who he is at an early age, but his identity is always evolving just as the face of Afghanistan and its people have over the years. Through life’s experiences, Amir must reflect upon his true identity and not only accept it, but embrace it. Although he often bases his identity upon his failures in life or his attempts to conform to Baba’s expectations, Amir is inevitably the person he is because of the unique chapters that comprise the story of his life. Regardless of his attempts to please Baba and make his father proud, Amir must face the fact that his identity is comprised of his own unique personality traits, interests, and characteristics. Just as Amir’s love of writing plays a large role in establishing his identity, you too are forging an identity based on your talents, passions, and interests in life. Although Amir thinks he knows who he is at the age of 12 due to the unthinkable acts that happened on that frigid winter day, he will quickly learn that a person cannot be defined by one experience or event. After all, we are always evolving and discovering who we really are through our experiences in life. Who do you feel you are? What interests do you have that have an impact on your identity? What experiences have you had that have shaped the person you are now? Imagine someone walks up to you and says, “So, tell me about yourself.” What would you say?
Make an identity kite. This kite should track how you became the person you are. Your experiences, interests and viewpoints on topics that you care about tell a lot about your identity. Take the time to reflect on the person you are, or perhaps the person you would like others to see if they got the chance to really know you.
Directions: On the kite template that you draw and cut out on construction paper, you will create an identity kite. Each of the four quadrants of the kite will represent a different element of you life and your identity. This is a visual project, so creativity is key. Use bold colors, pictures, designs, and whatever materials you feel are necessary to bring your kite to life. Display the events, interests, hobbies, passions, and people/loved ones that have shaped your life in the kite. Each of the four quadrants should have a separate theme with real photographs, some writing, and designs/symbols/graphics. This will be a reflection of how you identify yourself TODAY. Although your kite will undoubtedly change from year to year, think of this as a reflection of the person who you are as a senior in high school. Let the self-discovery and reflection begin!!!
Kite Criteria:
1) Four map quadrants that reflect your identity. Each quadrant should be a representation of one of the following: individual people- family members, friends, etc., events, interests, passions/hobbies, etc. depicted in creative, visual form including photographs, graphics, symbols, or other relevant items/materials. One theme per quadrant.
2) ONE QUOTE per quadrant that reflects your beliefs, identity, or feelings. The quote can be a song lyric, a motto, a personal inside joke between you and your friends, etc. *Please make sure the quote is school appropriate as this will be displayed around the classroom. No profanity!!!
3) As a reference to the first chapter of the novel, insert this phrase somewhere on your map: “I became what I am today....”. You can either complete the phrase or leave the ellipsis and lead the phrase into the tail of the kite or one of the quadrants.
4) A three-sentence caption for EACH quadrant. Your sentences should clearly describe how the pictures, graphics, symbols, etc. relate to you.
5) Tail: Your kite should have a tail made of any material you choose. Use your imagination! Please no blades or glass shards like in the actual kites used in Afghanistan.
6) Visual Creativity. The kite should be eye pleasing, creative, neat, and organized in design.