My middle school colleagues and I have been busy this year developing an advisory program, and focusing on the concept of belonging. Well, our administration liked what they heard and wondered if we could develop a presentation for the whole faculty. The objective of the presentation is to develop a shared understanding of belonging through the Design for Belonging framework, as well as exploring different ways to foster a sense of belonging among members of the school’s community.

So, I put together this presentation. 

The presentation begins with a belonging-themed warm-up activity. Here’s how it works:

As participants enter the room, they will find tables with teachers already seated. Half of these “teacher hosts” will warmly and enthusiastically invite participants to join them at their tables, creating an atmosphere of inclusion and excitement. The other half will remain neutral, neither inviting nor discouraging participants from sitting with them.

Once everyone is seated, we’ll come together as a group to reflect on this experience. We’ll discuss how it felt to be warmly invited versus how it felt to sit at a table where no invitation was extended.

Key Reflection Questions:

• How did you feel when you were actively welcomed to a table?
• What emotions or thoughts came up when you weren’t specifically invited?
• What does this reveal about the power of small actions in fostering a sense of belonging?

This activity will highlight the subtle but significant impact of outreach and inclusion, setting the stage for a deeper conversation on how we can create more welcoming environments in our school communities.

After the workshop, when we head back into our classrooms, my hope is that we carry the spirit of belonging with us, ensuring that every student (as every staff member) knows they have a place, and that they truly belong in our school community.

Ed X!