3 Ways to Build Belonging in the Classroom

What if it was up to students where they spent their day? Whether it’s the playground, the library or a favorite family member’s home, children would pick an environment where they feel they belong. One of the keys to unlocking student potential is to build a sense of belonging in the classroom.

The Importance of Building Belonging in the Classroom

Classroom belonging underscores a fundamental human need that is especially important during core developmental years. Belonging impacts motivation, academic achievement and the development of interpersonal relationships, and it can even be a predictor for career satisfaction. By building belonging in the classroom, educators can combat instances of implicit bias or indirect exclusion that leave students feeling isolated and disconnected. As educators strive to model inclusive classroom environments, there are many opportunities to build belonging.

1. Center Student Experience

One way to support a sense of belonging in the classroom is to center a project around the unique experiences of students. Michael Dunlea, third-grade teacher in Tabernacle, New Jersey, and recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, explains that fostering opportunities for student identity building can cultivate classroom belonging. Centering student experiences might look like incorporating personalized projects that allow students to explore facets of their identity or interests while still meeting education requirements. Think of how eager they will be to share their work! This is exactly the type of positive ripple effect educators want.

2. Invest in Representation

For historically underrepresented students, the power of representation in the classroom can transform an educational experience. As students learn about the world and their place in it, the absence of representation in figures of authority and leadership positions can have detrimental effects. One way to invest in representation in the classroom is to highlight diverse role models in various subjects. Whether it be change-makers, inventors, historical figures or their very own teacher, for many students, seeing is believing.

DeLeon Gray, associate professor of educational psychology and equity at North Carolina State University, says students who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to choose to be in the school environment. Gray’s work building connections between classrooms and community highlight how a sense of belonging supports classroom engagement, motivation and productivity. Ultimately, by incorporating culturally relevant context, representation and personal connection into classroom materials, educators can successfully engage students with meaningful curricula that won’t require students to leave their culture behind.

3. Establish a Class Culture

While no classroom is the same, establishing a class culture is an invaluable strategy for building belonging. When students know they are a valued member of something bigger than themselves, they feel secure enough to raise their hand and ask questions, and are confident enough to share new ideas.

With opportunities for meaningful and authentic connections, educators can let their creative skills shine by creating a unique class culture with rich traditions. From viral videos of personalized handshakes to classic show-and-tell, developing classroom rituals establishes class pride and a strong sense of belonging. It all comes down to fostering environments rooted in respect, creativity and interpersonal relationships, where students know they’ll find connection when they walk through the door.

The benefits of cultivating a sense of belonging in the classroom go beyond improving test scores and stabilizing attendance rates. Belonging motivates students to reach their full potential.

Find More Resources for Unlocking Student Potential

Does fostering belonging in the classroom resonate with your education goals? Explore our blog to find more classroom resources and educator insights.