Creating a Sense of Belonging as Students Head Back to School
Creating a Sense of Belonging as Students Head Back to School
With the school year back in full swing, I wanted to send a reminder that it’s not just about sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and figuring out locker combinations. For students at all stages—whether they’re starting kindergarten or heading off to college—there’s a deeper question that plays into their success: Do I belong here?
When students feel a sense of belonging, everything shifts. It’s not just a ‘nice-to-have’… It’s a protective factor that makes them more resilient, better equipped to handle the challenges of school, and more likely to thrive. In fact, belonging can be the difference between just surviving and truly engaging with the world around them.
Belonging is the Foundation for Resilience
Think back to a time when you didn’t feel like you fit in. Maybe it was a new school, a job, or even a social gathering. When we don’t feel like we belong, we start to disengage. We hold back. And for students, that can show up as lower participation, reduced academic performance, and even mental health struggles. On the other hand, when they feel connected to their peers, teachers, and the school itself, they’re able to take risks, ask for help, and keep going when things get tough.
This is where resilience comes in. Resilience isn’t just about toughing it out—it’s about bouncing forward, learning from challenges, and growing stronger because of them. And when students know they have a place where they belong, they’re more likely to bounce forward!
Belonging as a Protective Factor in Education
So, what does this look like in real life? For younger students, a sense of belonging might mean walking into a classroom where the teacher knows their name and they have friends to sit with at lunch. It’s those little interactions that reinforce, “I matter here.” As students get older, the need for belonging doesn’t go away—it shifts. For teenagers, it might be finding a group of friends in an extracurricular activity or having a teacher they trust. In college, it’s about finding that community whether that’s in a student group, with professors, or through campus resources.
When students feel like they belong, they’re more likely to engage in learning, take on new challenges, and push through setbacks. That’s because belonging creates a safety net. It’s a buffer against the pressures of school, life, and everything in between.
Practical Ways to Foster Belonging
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone working in student support, we all have a role to play in fostering belonging. So, how do we do this?
Start with Connection: Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, take the time to really connect with students. A simple “How’s your day going?” can go a long way in showing them they matter. Creating moments for students to connect with each other—through group activities, clubs, or even just encouraging peer discussions—helps build those relationships that form the foundation of belonging.
Model Inclusivity: Kids and teens are looking to adults for cues on how to treat others. When we model kindness, inclusivity, and respect, we show them that everyone belongs—no matter their background, interests, or challenges. Celebrate diversity, and create spaces where students can be their authentic selves.
Create Safe Spaces: Whether it’s a classroom or a campus club, students need places where they feel safe to express themselves. That could be a club where they can geek out over their favorite hobby or a classroom where they know it’s okay to ask questions without judgment.
Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small: Sometimes, the smallest recognition can make the biggest impact. Acknowledge not just academic achievements, but also personal growth, kindness, and effort. It reminds students that they’re valued for who they are, not just what they do.
Setting the Tone for the Year
As the school year kicks off, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of schedules, grades, and logistics. But let’s not forget that at the heart of it all, students are asking, Do I belong here? When we create environments that answer that question with a resounding “Yes,” we’re setting students up to not just survive the year, but to thrive.
Because when students feel like they belong, they’re more resilient. They’re more confident. And they’re more likely to show up—not just in the classroom, but in life.
Let’s make belonging the priority this school year. Every student, in every classroom, deserves to know: You belong here.
