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Where Do I Fit?

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Lesson Plan

Where Do I Fit Lesson Plan

Students will explore belonging by sharing personal identities and experiences and reflect on how they fit into their classroom community.

Building a sense of belonging fosters empathy, inclusion, and a supportive classroom culture where every student feels valued and connected.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and guided discussions

Materials

Prep

Setup Materials

5 minutes

  • Post chart paper in a visible location for group work
  • Gather markers and sticky notes for each group
  • Print copies of Belonging Reflection Worksheet for each student

Step 1

Introduction to Belonging

5 minutes

  • Define belonging as feeling accepted, supported, and connected
  • Share real-life examples of belonging in school or community
  • Invite students to think of moments when they felt they belonged

Step 2

Identity Spectrum Icebreaker

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and provide chart paper and markers
  • Ask groups to draw a horizontal spectrum representing levels of belonging
  • Students write personal identifiers (hobbies, heritage) on sticky notes and place them on the spectrum based on where they feel they fit
  • Groups discuss why they positioned each note and identify common themes

Step 3

Reflection and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Distribute Belonging Reflection Worksheet
  • Students individually complete prompts about experiences of inclusion/exclusion and ideas to foster belonging
  • Pair-share reflections, then invite volunteers to share insights with the class
  • Facilitate discussion on similarities, differences, and key takeaways

Step 4

Closing Reflection

5 minutes

  • Ask each student to write one commitment on a sticky note: how they will contribute to a welcoming community
  • Volunteers post commitments on chart paper and explain their pledge
  • Summarize the lesson by highlighting shared values and next steps for fostering belonging
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Slide Deck

Where Do I Fit? – Exploring Belonging

7th Grade | 30 minutes

Objective: Discover what it means to belong and share how we each fit in this classroom.

Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce yourself and the topic.
State today’s objective: to explore what belonging means and how we each fit into our classroom community.

What is Belonging?

  • Feeling accepted by others
  • Feeling supported and understood
  • Feeling connected to a group or community

Define belonging in your own words, then reveal the bullet definitions.
Ask: “Can anyone share a time they felt really included or supported?”

Why Belonging Matters

  • Fosters empathy and inclusion
  • Builds a supportive classroom culture
  • Helps every student feel valued and confident

Explain why belonging matters for everyone’s well-being and learning.
Connect to classroom culture: safe spaces, teamwork, respect.

Activity: Identity Spectrum Icebreaker

  1. Form groups of 4–5 and get chart paper + markers.
  2. Draw a horizontal spectrum: “More Belonging” ←→ “Less Belonging.”
  3. On sticky notes, write personal identifiers (hobbies, interests, background).
  4. Place each note where you feel you fit on the spectrum.
  5. Discuss placements and notice patterns or surprises.

Introduce the Identity Spectrum Icebreaker. Allocate 10 minutes.
Circulate among groups to prompt discussion and observe common themes.

Reflection & Discussion

• Complete prompts on Belonging Reflection Worksheet.
• Pair-share your experiences of inclusion/exclusion.
• Volunteers share insights with the class.

Hand out the Belonging Reflection Worksheet.
Allow 7 minutes for individual writing, then 3 minutes for pairs. Encourage volunteers.

Closing Reflection & Commitments

• On a sticky note, write one promise: How will you help create a welcoming community?
• Post your commitment on the chart paper and explain it.

Explain the commitment exercise. Give students 2 minutes to write, then invite volunteers to post and explain.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

  • We each bring unique identities and experiences.
  • Belonging grows when we listen and share respectfully.
  • Remember your commitment and act on it every day.

Next Steps: Apply these ideas in our class discussions and activities.

Summarize the lesson’s themes and tie back to daily routines.
Encourage students to keep their commitments visible.

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Worksheet

Belonging Reflection Worksheet

Complete the following prompts. Use the space provided to write your thoughts.

  1. Describe a time when you felt you truly belonged. What happened and how did it make you feel?











  2. Describe a time when you felt excluded or like you did not belong. What happened and how did it affect you?











  3. List three ways you can help make others feel they belong in our classroom. Explain each idea.






  4. On a scale of 1–5 (1 = not connected, 5 = very connected), how connected do you feel to your classmates? Why did you choose this number?






  5. Name two qualities of a supportive community. Why are these qualities important?






  6. Write a promise: One thing you will do today to foster belonging in our classroom.






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Where Do I Fit? • Lenny Learning