Book Recommendations on Belonging:

• Goodreads Book Recommendations

• Harper Collins 21 Books on Belonging and Identity

• We Are Teachers-15 Engaging Children's Books About Identity and Belonging

• Scholastic Teacher Store-Belonging

DEIB Picks for Belonging:

• A Sense of Belonging: How to find your place in a fractured world by Dr Holan Liang

• The Big Book of Belonging (The Big Book Series) Hardcover by Yuval Zommer 

• Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Geoffrey L Cohen

• Belonging: A Daughter’s Search for Identity Through Loss and Love by Michelle Miller 

• Belonging: A Culture of Place by Bell Hooks (Author), Adenrele Ojo (Narrator)

• Belonging Illustrated Edition by Sian Phillips (Author), Deni Melim (Author), Daniel A. Hughes (Author)

• Antibullying Alliance

• Stopbullying.gov

• The Bully Project

• Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center

• GLSEN.org

• National Center on Safe and Supportive School Learning Environments

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

• Stand for the Silent

Tips courtesy of The Edvocate.

Creating a sense of belonging in a school is critical. It encompasses several aspects of how the school community relates, creates connections, and engages with one another. When students feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed academically, behave positively, and feel more satisfied with the school environment. Teachers, staff, and administrators should work together to foster a culture of belonging, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.

Here are some actionable tips on how to cultivate a sense of belonging in schools:

1. Create a Positive and Supportive School Environment

A positive and supportive environment is critical to creating a sense of belonging in schools. Schools should focus on creating a welcoming environment that is inclusive of all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic backgrounds. Teachers, staff, and administrators should be trained to model positive behaviors, use positive language and set up inclusive activities to foster a welcoming environment.

2. Encourage Social Interactions

Encourage social interactions between students to create a sense of community. You can do this by setting up regular activities, such as games, team-building activities, or social impact projects. Such activities will help students connect with one another, develop friendships, and foster a sense of belonging among peers.

3. Celebrate Diversity

Diversity should be celebrated in schools. Schools should not only recognize and celebrate differences but also use diversity to create inclusive learning opportunities. Teachers and staff should be trained to identify and address language, socio-economic, and cultural barriers that may affect students’ sense of belonging.

4. Encourage Student Involvement

Encourage students’ involvement in decision-making processes regarding school activities and events. Students should have a voice in how they want their school to be run. By allowing students to participate in the decision-making process, they will feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the school community.

5. Promote Teacher-Student Relationships

Promote strong teacher-student relationships to create a sense of belonging. Teachers should establish positive and supportive relationships with their students by getting to know their students’ interests, personalities, and backgrounds. Teachers should also provide emotional support to students and build trust, respect, and rapport with them.

6. Establish Clear Expectations and Guidelines

Establish clear expectations and guidelines that promote a sense of belonging. This means creating clear policies on bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Such policies should promote a safe and supportive environment that fosters kindness, respect, and inclusiveness among students.

In conclusion, cultivating a sense of belonging in schools is crucial. It involves creating a positive and supportive environment, encouraging social interactions, celebrating diversity, promoting teacher-student relationships, encouraging student involvement in decision-making processes, and establishing clear expectations and guidelines. By doing these things, schools can create a culture of belonging, inclusiveness and mutual respect, which leads to better academic success and higher levels of satisfaction among students.

Other tips on creating spaces of belonging:

• Teaching Channel - 6 Ways to Build Belonging in Your Classroom

• Every Student Matters: Cultivating Belonging in the Classroom

• Why Students Need to Feel a Sense of Belonging and How To Create It: A Comprehensive Guide

• The Science of School Belonging ~How schools are key to helping kids feel like they belong.