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Belonging Matters

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Lesson Plan

Belonging Blueprint Plan

Students will explore the concept of belonging and collaboratively design and share strategies to foster an inclusive classroom community.

Building belonging enhances students’ engagement, academic motivation, and peer relationships by ensuring everyone feel valued and supported.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, collaborative mural creation, and peer recognition circle.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Kickoff Discussion

10 minutes

  • Display the Welcome Mat Slides.
  • Introduce belonging and ask:
    • What does belonging mean to you?
    • How does it feel when you belong?
  • Record responses on chart paper or digital whiteboard.

Step 2

Team Mural Creation

20 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4.
  • Distribute chart paper, coloring supplies, and the Team Mural Creation Activity Sheet.
  • Groups illustrate scenes and captions showing ways to help everyone feel included.
  • Encourage creativity and reference ideas from the discussion.

Step 3

Mural Presentations

5 minutes

  • Invite each group to share their mural with the class.
  • Have presenters explain one key strategy their group illustrated.
  • Note common themes on the board.

Step 4

Shout-Out Circle

10 minutes

  • Arrange students in a circle and distribute Shout-Out Circle Prompt Cards.
  • Students draw a card, then give a positive shout-out to a classmate using the prompt.
  • Continue until everyone has both given and received a shout-out.

Step 5

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

  • Ask students to write one action they will take this week to foster belonging on a post-it note.
  • Students place notes on the “Belonging Goals” board.
  • Close by affirming the class’s commitment to an inclusive community.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Our Belonging Mat

Today, we begin our journey to understand and create belonging in our classroom. Get ready to share ideas and work together!

Welcome students as they enter. Introduce today’s lesson on belonging. Mention that we’ll explore what belonging means and why it matters, then work together on activities to build our classroom community. Use the slide’s pastel pink background (#F8BBD0) and accent colors (#F2A1B9, #EC89A1).

What Is Belonging?

• Feeling accepted and included by others
• Feeling safe to be yourself
• Feeling connected to the people around you

Explain the concept in simple terms. Point to each bullet and invite brief thumbs-up if students agree. Use friendly tone.

Why Belonging Matters

• Boosts engagement and focus in class
• Strengthens friendships and peer support
• Increases confidence and willingness to participate

Share how belonging supports learning and friendships. You can mention that research shows students who feel they belong learn better and enjoy school more.

Today’s Agenda

  1. Kickoff Discussion on belonging (10 min)
  2. Team Mural Creation (20 min)
  3. Mural Presentations (5 min)
  4. Shout-Out Circle (10 min)
  5. Reflection and Closure (5 min)

Review the flow of our 50-minute session. Keep it brief and clear.

Discussion Starter

What does belonging mean to you?
• Share one word or feeling
• Tell us why that word describes belonging

Transition into discussion mode. Ask students to turn to a neighbor or raise hands. Encourage them to speak from the heart.

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Activity

Team Mural Creation Activity Sheet

Objective: Collaborate with your group to illustrate strategies that promote belonging in our classroom.

1. Team Members

  • Student 1: ______
  • Student 2: ______
  • Student 3: ______
  • Student 4: ______

2. Brainstorm Strategies

List three ways to help everyone feel included:

  1. ______


  2. ______


  3. ______


3. Sketch Your Mural

In the space below, draw a scene showing one or more of your ideas. Be sure to label key parts of your picture.







4. Caption

Write a sentence explaining how your mural shows belonging.




5. Reflection

What role did you play in your group? What did you enjoy most about creating this mural?





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Cool Down

Shout-Out Circle Prompt Cards

Use these cards during the Shout-Out Circle to guide positive, meaningful recognition among classmates. Shuffle and have each student draw one.

Prompts:

  1. “Shout-out to someone who helped you learn something new today. What did they do?”


  2. “Name a classmate who always makes you smile and tell us how they brighten your day.”


  3. “Thank someone for listening when you needed to talk. Why was that important?”


  4. “Give a shout-out to a peer who shows kindness. What did they do?”


  5. “Recognize someone who worked hard on a task. What impressed you about their effort?”


  6. “Who is someone that encourages you to do your best? Share an example.”


  7. “Celebrate a peer who includes others in games or activities. How did they make others feel welcome?”


  8. “Name someone who makes our classroom a safer space. How do they help?”


  9. “Thank a friend who made you laugh or cheered you up recently. What did they say or do?”


  10. “Shout-out to a classmate who shows respect. Describe one respectful action you noticed.”


  11. “Who has shown great teamwork this week? Give an example of their cooperation.”


  12. “Recognize someone for their creativity or unique idea. What did they share?”


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