Schools thrive when teachers and staff feel connected, supported, and valued. A strong sense of community isn’t just a nice bonus—it makes everything better, from collaboration to student outcomes.

That’s why I want to introduce you to Belongo—a bingo-style game designed to bring your faculty and staff together in a fun, low-pressure way.

Why Belongo? Because Connection Matters

When teachers feel a sense of belonging, we are more engaged. Plus, a connected staff means more idea-sharing, problem-solving, and support when things get tough.

Belongo isn’t just a game—it’s a way to intentionally build relationships, celebrate each other’s strengths, and create a culture of kindness and teamwork. With simple activities that encourage interaction, it helps break down barriers and bring people together in meaningful ways.

How to Play Belongo

Belongo is ridiculously easy to set up. Here’s how:

1. Create Your Belongo Cards
Each card is a 5×5 grid filled with activities designed to spark conversations, collaboration, and fun. (Check out the list below for inspiration!)

2. Hand Out the Cards
Pass them out at a staff meeting or email them to everyone—whatever works best for your team.

3. Complete Activities & Mark Off Squares
Teachers and staff complete activities and check off boxes as they go. The goal? Get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to score a “Belongo!”

4. Celebrate the Wins
When someone gets a Belongo, celebrate with a small prize, a shout-out, or even a fun staff-wide recognition moment. You could even offer a grand prize for the first person to complete the whole card!

Belongo Activity Ideas

Need some ideas? Here are a few activities to include on your Belongo cards (organized by theme):

Connection-Building 

1. Compliment a Colleague: Give a genuine compliment to someone you don’t usually interact with.
2. Share a Fun Fact: Tell a colleague something interesting about yourself that they might not know.
3. Lunch Buddy: Have lunch with someone from a different department or grade level.
4. High-Five in the Hallway: High-five at least three colleagues in the hallway today.
5. Thank You Note: Write a thank-you note to a staff member who has helped you recently.

Collaboration 

6. Team Up: Collaborate with a colleague on a lesson plan or project idea.
7. Swap Ideas: Share a teaching strategy or classroom tip with someone.
8. Cross-Department Chat: Have a conversation with someone from a department you rarely work with.
9. Peer Observation: Observe a colleague’s class and provide positive feedback.
10. Brainstorm Session: Host a quick brainstorming session with a small group to solve a common challenge.

Wellness and Fun 

11. Take a Walk: Invite a colleague to take a 10-minute walk during break time.
12. Coffee Break: Grab a coffee or tea with someone you don’t usually spend time with.
13. Share a Joke: Tell a funny joke or story to lighten the mood.
14. Wellness Check-In: Ask a colleague how they’re doing and really listen.
15. Celebrate a Win: Share a recent success or celebration with a colleague.

School Spirit 

16. Wear School Colors: Show your school spirit by wearing the school colors or mascot gear.
17. Decorate Your Space: Add something to your workspace that reflects school pride.
18. Attend an Event: Go to a school event (e.g., sports game, concert, or play) and cheer on students.
19. Student Shout-Out: Share a positive story about a student with a colleague.
20. School History Trivia: Share an interesting fact about the school’s history with someone.

Random Acts of Kindness

21. Leave a Treat: Leave a small treat or snack in the staff lounge for others to enjoy.
22. Hold the Door: Hold the door open for at least three people today.
23. Offer Help: Ask a colleague if they need help with anything.
24. Clean Up: Tidy up a shared space (e.g., staff room, copy room).
25. Smile Challenge: Smile and greet everyone you pass in the hallway.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Belongo isn’t about just checking off boxes—it’s about creating moments of connection that remind us why we do what we do. When teachers and staff feel like they belong, they’re more likely to:

• Collaborate More – Sharing ideas and resources becomes second nature.
• Support Each Other – A strong community means having a safety net during tough times.
• Model Positive Behavior – When students see adults building relationships, they learn to do the same.
• Stay Motivated – Feeling valued and connected boosts morale and reduces burnout.

In today’s fast-paced education world, making time for connection isn’t just important—it’s necessary. And Belongo is an easy way to make it happen.

Try Belongo at Your School!

The goal isn’t just to “win” the game—it’s to build a culture of belonging that lasts long after the cards are filled. A few small actions can go a long way in making your school a place where every teacher and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued.

Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag a colleague who’d love this idea. Let’s spread the joy of connection, one bingo square at a time!

Ed X!