Description
“I Am Not My Skin” by Neema Komba is a powerful short story that explores identity, self-worth, and resilience, making it an excellent choice for meaningful and reflective classroom discussion. Through an authentic and compelling voice, the text invites students to consider how individuals define themselves beyond appearance and circumstance.
This lesson exposes students to world literature through an African perspective, offering insight into real social challenges faced in Tanzania, including discrimination and the strength required to overcome adversity. Students are encouraged to think critically about how culture, environment, and personal experience shape identity, while also making connections to universal themes that resonate across societies.
The resource supports students with an introduction lesson that provides essential background information, along with targeted vocabulary instruction to build comprehension. A before-reading activity activates prior knowledge and prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the text. After reading, students respond to analysis questions that promote reflection, inference, and discussion. A complete answer key is included to support instruction and assessment.
An editable copy of the student activities is provided, allowing teachers to adapt the lesson to meet classroom needs. This resource works well for middle school or high school ELA, particularly in units focused on identity, global perspectives, social justice, and resilience, and it offers students the opportunity to engage with voices and experiences beyond the United States.