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
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
Form groups of 4–5 and get chart paper + markers.
Draw a horizontal spectrum: “More Belonging” ←→ “Less Belonging.”
On sticky notes, write personal identifiers (hobbies, interests, background).
Place each note where you feel you fit on the spectrum.
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.
Worksheet
Belonging Reflection Worksheet
Complete the following prompts. Use the space provided to write your thoughts.
Describe a time when you felt you truly belonged. What happened and how did it make you feel?
Describe a time when you felt excluded or like you did not belong. What happened and how did it affect you?
List three ways you can help make others feel they belong in our classroom. Explain each idea.
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?
Name two qualities of a supportive community. Why are these qualities important?
Write a promise: One thing you will do today to foster belonging in our classroom.
