What is belonging?
-Basic human need
-Repeated, emotionally favorable interactions with other people
-Stable context, which includes individuals concerned for each other’s good
-An emotional attachment, a feeling of safety, and a sense of being acknowledged and encouraged.
What does belonging to a classroom, or a group, mean to me?
-I feel like I am accepted and important. I feel safe to share my opinions and ideas because I know others are listening and respecting my thoughts. I am excited to be there because I am surrounded by people that care about me, and are just as excited to see me and be there as I am. You are with a group that will accept you at your worst, a place where you feel able to have a bad day. A place where I can identify with me peers. My attributes are utilized and the things I don’t possess are not highlighted.
As educators, how can we foster these feelings for our students?
First impressions are huge. The first 5 minuets of the class will set the tone for the remaining 65 minutes.
Get to know your students, ALL THEIR NAMES, at the very least. Find a common ground with one student every day. What are their backgrounds?
Celebrate diversity. Find common grounds, but accept and encourage students to be proud of their uniqueness.
Smile. Want to be there, and if you don,t, look like you want to be there.
Use some humor. Be careful. Not everyone will think you’re funny.
Being Organized: time, assignments =stability
Finding out what your students like
Give input in decisions: choices!