This year, my middle school colleagues and I are implementing an advisory program. With many new students joining our population, as well as the usual number of students struggling with common anxieties and challenges, my colleagues and I decided that our first advisory session would focus on the theme of belonging. 

Promoting a sense of belonging in a middle school classroom is vital for students’ emotional, social, and academic development. During the middle school years, students are navigating a critical period of identity formation, social pressures, and academic challenges. When students feel that they belong and are included in their school environment, they are more likely to engage positively with their peers, participate in class, and achieve academic success. A sense of belonging can also reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation. 

This activity was designed to help students recognize the importance of inclusion and explore ways to support their peers who might be experiencing challenges. The activity encourages students to see situations from another person’s point of view, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives, which can lead to more compassionate and supportive interactions.

Materials Needed:

Printed copies of the person outline document for each student or pair of students.

Activity Steps:

1. Imagining a Peer in Need:

Begin by asking students to imagine a peer who might be facing particular challenges in the school environment. This peer could be a new student, someone with a physical disability, a student who experiences high levels of anxiety or shyness, or any other situation that might make it difficult for them to connect with others or succeed in school.

2. Identifying the Challenge:

Next, students should identify and articulate the specific challenge their imagined peer is facing. Inside the outline of a body on the printed document, students will detail these challenges. They should consider how these difficulties might impact the student’s ability to succeed academically, form friendships, or feel comfortable in the school setting. Encourage students to think deeply about the emotions and barriers this classmate might be experiencing.

3. Brainstorming Supportive Actions:

After identifying the challenges, students will brainstorm and list various ways they could offer support to this peer. This might include actions like reaching out to the student, inviting them to join a group, helping them navigate the school, or simply offering a kind word or gesture. The goal is to generate practical and empathetic ideas that could help the student feel welcomed and included.

4. Group Discussion/Reflection:

Once the students have completed their individual or partner work, bring the class together for a group discussion. During this discussion, focus on:

a) Understanding Isolation: Discuss the various ways in which someone might feel isolated or be isolated in a school environment. Explore different scenarios and encourage students to share their thoughts on what it feels like to be in those situations.

b) Creating an Inclusive Environment: Talk about the strategies that the students have brainstormed for making others feel included. Emphasize the importance of taking action to ensure that everyone in the school feels a sense of belonging, and encourage students to commit to being inclusive in their daily interactions.

This activity not only fosters empathy but also empowers students to take an active role in building a more inclusive school community.

I hope you find this activity helpful and that you have an amazing school year!

Ed X!