SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

The Importance of “Belonging” in the Classroom

Advertisement

Classrooms should be built on the philosophy that everyone is equal and everyone belongs. This includes caring for one another, implementing safe behaviour and actions toward one another, supporting one another, helping one another, and tolerating one another. By encouraging your students to treat others the way they would like to be treated, your classroom can be transformed into a cooperative and honest environment, suitable for learning. By creating an inclusive classroom that fosters great morals and a sense of belonging, students can find confidence in themselves and, in turn, have a healthier learning experience. Below is an activity that can be adapted to fit any grade level.

Activity

Introducing and implementing “belonging” in your classroom.

1. With your students, brainstorm what it means to “belong.” Begin with an inclusive brainstorm with all of the students and write it on the board. Then have your students individually write down on a piece of paper what they think it means to “belong.”

2. Have your students then reflect individually on where they feel like they belong and where they feel they don’t belong.

Ex. A place where I belong is __________________________________

because ______________________________________________

A place where I don’t belong is ______________________________

because ______________________________________________

3. Then, as a group, come up with answers to the following questions:

(1) What does a classroom where all kids belong look like, sound like, and feel like?

(2) What does a classroom where kids do not belong look like, sound like, and feel like?

This can be presented in chart form on the board so that students can see it, hear it, and think about it.

4. Ask students to reflect on times they were included, when they didn’t belong, when they saw someone else not included, or when they didn’t include someone. After giving them time to think about it, bring the class together and discuss how these ideas can be put into action and made better.

The preceding was adapted from Learning in Safe Schools by Faye Brownlie and Judith King, published by Pembroke Publishers.

Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

3 Places to Buy Sensory Toys Online for Special Needs Students

Explore sensory toys that support focus, calming, and skill-building for students with special needs—plus where to find them online.

Ditch the Desk and Embrace the Flex

I began the school year in a classroom with eighteen standard desks. Today, I have none. This isn’t a lament about budgetary constraints or overcrowded classrooms; it’s a deliberate choice.

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride.
casino guru | live casino online bonus | betmexico casino | casino jalapeño | personajes ruleta | tragamonedas la granja | slots in casino | juegos pc para ganar dinero | como puedo trabajar en linea y ganar dinero | casino big bola santa fe | casino palermo | calientemx deportes | ruleta dela fortuna arduino | casino ilusion | las vegas casino free slots | descargar juegos de casino gratis sin internet | casino 777 online | en calientemx | bonos gratis casino | luckyland slots | casino online deportes | casino golden lion mexicali | mazatlan casino | crear cuenta en youtube para ganar dinero | calientesports mx liga mx | codigos de error maquinas tragamonedas | rushbet mexico | casino naval veracruz | casino lucky | casino online bono de bienvenida | orus casino | casino romano | slot cars | casinos para fiestas | yak casino | tragamonedas la granja | casinos in mexico | casino life san luis potosí | real casino | casino majestic | realizar ruleta online | budtmexico mx | playcity casino cumbres | juego apuestas | como jugar a la ruleta en el casino | casino royale monterrey | excalibur hotel & casino | big bola casinos tecamachalco | que es runner en un casino | casinos cd juarez | wild casino | casino colonial | casinos online | bingo zitro online gratis | como ganar dinero viajando en furgoneta | programar maquinas tragamonedas | casino play city | planet hollywood resort & casino | golden acorn casino | big win casino | juegos de casino ruleta | como ganar dinero en pornohub | como se juega a la ruleta online | casino life próximos eventos |