Lesson Plan
Where Do You Belong?
Students will define what belonging means in a school community, reflect on their own experiences, share insights with peers, and collaboratively develop classroom norms that foster inclusion and respect.
Building a sense of belonging boosts student engagement, well-being, and academic success by ensuring every learner feels seen, valued, and supported in the classroom.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through guided reflection, peer discussion, and co-creation of norms.
Materials
Belonging Reflection Worksheet, Chart Paper and Markers, Sticky Notes, and Pens or Pencils
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Print or photocopy enough Belonging Reflection Worksheet for each student
- Gather Chart Paper, Markers, Sticky Notes, and Pens or Pencils
- Post a blank sheet of Chart Paper at the front of the room for recording ideas
- Review the worksheet questions and plan prompting questions for discussion
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Introduce the lesson objective: understanding belonging in school
- Ask: “What does belonging mean to you?” and invite a few responses
- Record key words and phrases on Chart Paper to build a shared vocabulary
Step 2
Individual Reflection
7 minutes
- Distribute the Belonging Reflection Worksheet
- Instruct students to complete the prompts about times they felt they belonged (or didn’t) at school
- Encourage honest, concise answers to each question
Step 3
Think-Pair-Share
8 minutes
- Have students pair up to discuss their reflections
- Ask pairs to identify one insight or story that stood out
- Invite pairs to share their highlights with the whole class
- Cluster common themes on the Chart Paper
Step 4
Co-create Classroom Norms
7 minutes
- Based on the shared themes, guide students to suggest 4–5 norms that help everyone feel belonging
- Write each proposed norm on Sticky Notes and place on a separate sheet of Chart Paper
- Review and group similar norms, refining wording as needed
- Agree on final norms and post them visibly in the classroom
Step 5
Closing Reflection
3 minutes
- Ask students to write one action they will take this week to help classmates feel they belong (on a sticky note)
- Collect notes and review briefly, affirming commitment
- Remind students that these norms are in place to guide behavior and support everyone
Slide Deck
Where Do You Belong?
Building a Classroom Community
– 7th Grade Tier 1 Lesson
– 30 Minutes
Welcome students. Introduce yourself and the topic. Explain that today we’ll explore what belonging means and how to build it in our classroom.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will:
• Define what belonging means in our school community
• Reflect on personal experiences of belonging (or lack thereof)
• Share insights with a partner and the whole class
• Co-create classroom norms that foster inclusion and respect
Read the objectives aloud. Emphasize that we’ll define belonging, reflect on experiences, share insights, and co-create norms.
What Is Belonging?
What does belonging mean to you?
Take a moment to think and then share your ideas.
Pose the question and invite 3–4 volunteers to share. Record key words on chart paper to build a shared vocabulary.
Reflection Prompts
On your worksheet, answer:
- Describe a time at school when you felt you truly belonged.
- Describe a time you didn’t feel you belonged.
- What made those moments feel that way?
- How did belonging (or not) affect you?
Distribute the Belonging Reflection Worksheet. Explain each prompt and encourage honest answers.
Think-Pair-Share
- Think: Review your reflection answers.
- Pair: Share your story with a partner.
- Share: Each pair picks one insight to report to the class.
Explain the Think-Pair-Share process and set a timer for 4 minutes discussion and 4 minutes sharing.
Themes from Our Stories
What common themes or words did we hear?
• _______________________
• _______________________
• _______________________
As pairs share, cluster similar themes on chart paper (e.g., "being heard," "feeling safe"). Highlight common ideas.
Co-Create Classroom Norms
Based on our themes, propose 4–5 norms that help everyone feel they belong.
Guide students to suggest norms based on the themes. Record each on a sticky note and place on chart paper.
Our Final Classroom Norms
(Posted on the classroom wall)
Review and refine the wording with the class. Agree on final wording and post visibly.
Action Plan & Closing
Write one action you will take this week to help classmates feel they belong:
• _______________________
Thank you for your contributions!
Have students write one action on a sticky note. Collect and briefly review. Reinforce commitment.
Worksheet
Belonging Reflection Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________
Instructions: Read each prompt carefully and reflect on your own experiences in school. Write your answers in complete sentences. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses.
- Describe a time at school when you felt you truly belonged. What happened? Who was involved? How did you feel?
- Describe a time at school when you didn’t feel you belonged. What happened? Who was involved? How did you feel?
- What made those moments feel that way? (Consider actions, environment, people.)
- How did belonging (or not belonging) affect you? Think about your learning, behavior, or emotions.
Warm Up
Belonging Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Purpose: Jump-start thinking about what belonging means for each of us and get ready to share ideas with peers.
Directions: Read each prompt and respond quickly and honestly in the space provided.
- What single word comes to mind when you hear “belonging”?
- Name one place at school where you feel you truly belong. Why does that place feel welcoming?
- On a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high), how much do you feel you belong in this classroom right now? Circle one:1 2 3 4 5
- In one sentence, write one action our class can take today to help everyone feel more belonging.
Next Steps:
- Turn to a neighbor, share your responses for 1 and 2, and listen to theirs (2 minutes).
- Be prepared to share one insight with the whole class.
(After warm-up, transition into the full lesson with Belonging Reflection Worksheet.)
Cool Down
Belonging Cool-Down (Exit Ticket)
Purpose: Reflect on today’s lesson about belonging and commit to actions that support our classroom community.
Directions: Answer each question thoughtfully. Use the space provided.
- What is one new insight you gained about belonging today?
- Which of our classroom norms do you feel is most important? Why?
- What is one specific action you will take this week to help a classmate feel they belong?
- Write one word that describes how you feel about belonging in our class right now.
Please hand this in as you leave—the class depends on your commitment to make everyone feel they belong!