When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. The first few weeks weren’t just about setting routines or reviewing content—they were about answering one big question for my students: Do I belong here?
I quickly learned that belonging is the heartbeat of a trauma-informed classroom. Without it, lessons fall flat and behavior challenges spike. With it, kids are more willing to take risks, connect with peers, and grow academically. That’s why I leaned into the Circle of Courage philosophy, where belonging is recognized as a universal need for every child.
The good news? You’re likely already doing many of the things that foster belonging—greeting students warmly, celebrating progress, or listening when a child shares a story. These five activities simply build upon that incredible foundation.
1. Name & Story Circles
I started Mondays by inviting students to share their name and a small story—something about their weekend, a hobby, or even just a song they liked. It created a rhythm of listening and being heard.
🌟 The Difference it Made: Students who carried heavy stressors often felt invisible. These moments said, “I see you, and your voice matters.”
🌟 Inspiration: When we intentionally carve out time for connection, we show students that relationships matter as much as academics. Even five minutes can set the tone for the day and remind every child that their presence is valued.
2. Class Identity Project
Instead of decorating my classroom myself, I made it a collective project. We built a class flag filled with words, drawings, and colors that represented who we were together.
🌟 The Difference it Made: It shifted the space from “my classroom” to “our classroom,” which gave students ownership and pride in being part of the community.
🌟 Inspiration: Trauma often leaves kids feeling like they don’t have a place. When they see their ideas, art, or words displayed in the room, they feel anchored. Belonging isn’t abstract—it’s visible, and it grows stronger when we build it together.
3. Morning Check-In Board
Right by the door, I placed a feelings chart with emojis and colors. Each morning, students dropped their marker on the emotion that best described their start to the day.
🌟 The Difference it Made: It gave me a quick snapshot of how students were arriving, and it gave them permission to acknowledge their feelings without needing to say much.
🌟 Inspiration: Sometimes the smallest gesture—like recognizing a student’s “red day” before it escalates—can prevent a breakdown and build trust. Check-ins remind students that emotions are normal and that adults will meet them with compassion, not judgment.
4. Shout-Out Circle Fridays
Every Friday afternoon, we ended the week with shout-outs. Students recognized one another for kindness, effort, or teamwork.
🌟 The Difference it Made: It built a culture of generosity and reminded kids that they weren’t alone in noticing each other’s strengths. Plus, it always sent us into the weekend on a positive note.
🌟 Inspiration: Generosity isn’t only about giving—it’s about belonging. When students lift each other up, they realize that community is about mutual care. This simple practice turns classmates into allies and builds resilience for the whole group.
5. Teacher Connection Notes
Each week, I wrote a few quick notes—sometimes just a sticky note—celebrating something I’d noticed.
🌟 The Difference it Made: For a student who rarely hears positive feedback, even a short “I love how focused you were today” can be transformative
🌟 Inspiration: Educators already notice countless little wins in their students. Putting those observations into words makes them stick. A single note can echo louder than a reprimand and remind a student they are capable of great things.
Keep the Momentum Going
These small practices made a big difference in my classroom, but belonging is bigger than a handful of activities—it’s a culture. The more consistent and intentional we are, the more our students trust that school is a place where they are safe and valued.
Belonging is the foundation of resilience. When we create classrooms where students feel they matter, everything else—learning, growth, and even joy—flows more naturally. And that’s the kind of classroom every child deserves, right?
