Having a sense of belonging in school does wonders for students. Research shows that it helps them both learn and grow. Unfortunately, many students feel disconnected and disengaged in school. Luckily, we don’t have to just hope that our students feel a sense of belonging in school. There is a lot we can do as educators to actively build it. This just might be the year to make BELONGING your school’s theme.
To help, I’ve summarized a book that shows teachers how to build belonging in their classrooms.
Belonging in School
Belonging in School does a fantastic job of breaking down “belonging” into 11 research-based components. This gave me a much clearer idea of what belonging actually is and how to build it. I also created a short 1-page overview of these 11 parts of belonging (see below).
And I’ve also written a BookBit (just 2 pages) of a book to help deepen the connections among the adults at your school, too. How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks is a wonderful summer read.
Plus, I even have a simple 3-step PD activity for you to use with staff for the return to school to help them connect better (details in the BookBit):
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Introduce the importance of the adult relationships (see the BookBit for ideas).
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Do a live read. Take my 1-pager, (part of the BookBit) make copies, and give everyone 5 minutes to read it on the spot.
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Discuss and practice. Discuss the ideas in the 1-pager and practice a conversation using the tips for connecting.
This Month’s Resources
Whatever you’re doing this summer, I hope you’re finding your own ways to connect and recharge.
Be well, and I’ll be back on August 15.
PS — To learn more or get copies of Belonging in School, click here.
What’s Coming Up?
What Great Principals Do Differently — Summary of a Classic Book
I decided to dive in and summarize an updated edition of a classic (originally published in 2002!) so look for next month’s book summary of What Great Principals Do Differently by the acclaimed Todd Whitaker.
The Anxious Generation — Save the Date (Sept 24 at 4 pm EST)
Join me for a free live virtual session with author Jonathan Haidt.
Many of us are seeing unprecedented numbers of students struggling with mental health challenges. There ARE things we can do in schools to help. Save the date and join me for a FREE live session with author Jonathan Haidt of the New York Times bestselling book, The Anxious Generation.
September 24 at 1 pm Pacific Time. Details coming soon.
AWSP Members: find the password to Jenn's site on this page.
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Jenn David-Lang |
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The Main Idea
Jenn has worked in the field of education for over 25 years. She has had a wide range of experiences in both teaching and administration. She founded and directed Providence Summerbridge, a nonprofit to raise the academic achievement of urban middle school students; she taught both math and English; she provided professional development for teachers; and she has helped to start a number of New York City schools. Jenn received her principal’s certification and Ed.M. from the Bank Street College of Education. Through all of these experiences, she has seen firsthand that principals just don’t have enough time to keep abreast of the latest ideas in education.
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