Why does it matter?
The YouthTruth Survey question “I really feel like part of my school’s community” — which students answer on a Likert scale — indicates the strength of students’ sense of belonging. How students respond can give schools a sense of whether students experience the school culture as inclusive, appreciative, and safe.
Creating Belonging-Supporting Learning Environments
The Students Experience Research Network (formerly Mindset Scholars) provide an excellent 1-page summary of their review of the literature to show how school structures as well as relationships can promote or impede a student’s sense of being a part of their community.
60-Second Strategy: Appreciation, Apology, Aha!
Taking time to build community helps students have supportive, collaborative relationships with their classmates. Routines that teach kindness and appreciation for others help build connections and relationships which are critical ingredients in classrooms where students can take risks and learn. Here’s a quick, low-key way to build community in your classroom on a daily basis from Summit Preparatory Charter High School and Edutopia: