Awareness
Key Terms: neighbor, bid for attention, mutual awareness, recognition, first impression, mirror neurons, admiration, connection, repulsion/attraction
Learning Targets:
Explain how self-awareness develops through relationships and mutual recognition. Learners will be able to describe how individual consciousness is shaped by early interactions with caregivers and how awareness of oneself is linked to being seen and acknowledged by others.
Analyze the impact of first impressions, nonverbal cues, and cultural context on social judgments and connection. Learners will examine how initial encounters, appearance, and emotional states influence attraction, repulsion, and the formation of stereotypes, as well as how cultural differences affect perception and boundaries of self.
Describe the role of mirroring, empathy, and mutual awareness in building meaningful relationships and community. Learners will explain how mirror neurons, perspective-taking, and shared intentionality foster empathy, admiration, and deeper connections, and discuss the importance of belonging and acceptance in personal and social well-being.