Identity Fling
This activity allows students to self identify and share commonalities with classmates. This exercise could be done before a lesson about perception, self-concept, identity, or similar concepts.
1. The class stands in a circle. Several tossing balls or “safe” balls are distributed equally around the circle. The number of balls is determined by how many rounds of identity you wish to play—5 balls might be ideal for 25 students, meaning 5 students utilize one ball.
2. One student with a ball begins by tossing to another person in the circle and stating a word aloud describing one of his/her identities (wife, athlete, capable, strong, sentimental, etc.). The next person passes to another with his/her word. This continues for 4 or 5 or 6 people. And then instruct them to stop them adding a new student and give them time to repeat with their team using the same words.
3. Another ball begins with a new set of people. After one round of practice, instruct them to continue and the first team to repeat their pattern.
4. Another ball begins another team and so on. In the end, several balls are being tossed and everyone is included in the game. You can easily stop the balls by asking students to return the balls to “home,” the original starter of the balls.
Be sure to include discussion time after. The game could be altered by asking students to name something other than identities.
Social identities are socially constructed ways we define ourselves and are perceived by others based on various physical, visible, hidden, regional, economic commonalities, or any other socially perceived commonalities we share with a group of people. Examples: Racial, ethnic and national identities, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, class, etc.
Personal Identity: a distinguishing characteristic(s) a person takes a special pride in; form a basis for the person’s self-worth, individuality and distinction along with morals and values. Examples: Volunteer, hard work ethic, daughter, brother, artist, chef , creative writer, poet, athlete, etc.
· The rules could be altered to coordinate with course content and discipline.
Adapted from Ron Jones, Dialogues on Diversity, 2014