A Sense of Belonging

This is an exciting time of year! Change is in the air! There is a familiar anticipation carried on the breeze. The approach of the new fall season brings with it crisp mornings, cool evenings, and the start of a new school year. Teachers are setting up classrooms and making plans to welcome new students. They are organizing materials, selecting books, arranging tables and chairs, putting labels on cubbies and shelves, and planning interesting activities. Teachers will learn students' names, interests, and learning styles. Students will learn teacher expectations, classroom routines, and how to work together with other students. The first days of school are the perfect time to begin to build a healthy learning community, establish routines, and create a sense of belonging for all. So, start with a smile and a lively "Good morning!" Greet every student by name and have a place ready for their belongings and labeled with their name. It's about being seen, and heard, and known. It's about creating a learning environment that's safe, welcoming, stimulating, and nurturing. It's about a place to belong.