{"id":59774,"date":"2025-09-18T11:27:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T15:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starr.org\/?p=59774"},"modified":"2025-10-08T10:28:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T14:28:48","slug":"building-belonging-5-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starr.org\/2025\/building-belonging-5-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Belonging: 5 Activities to Connect with Students in September\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_141b76-d0\">When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. The first few weeks weren\u2019t just about setting routines or reviewing content\u2014they were about answering one big question for my students: <em>Do I belong here?<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_242da5-f2\">I quickly learned that <a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/circle-of-courage\/belonging\/\">belonging<\/a> is the heartbeat of a <strong>trauma-informed classroom<\/strong>. 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\u2019s why I leaned into the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/circle-of-courage\/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMSLWpPC5uk8k3h7urOm02TYDoLyt7W1G8ODW9aSoM7XjouZ4t\">Circle of Courage<\/a><\/strong> philosophy, where belonging is recognized as a universal need for every child.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_b6b5dc-9e\">The good news? You\u2019re likely already doing many of the things that foster belonging\u2014greeting students warmly, celebrating progress, or listening when a child shares a story. These five activities simply build upon that incredible foundation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_c6a7e7-d0\"><strong>1. Name &amp; Story Circles<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6362aa-61\">I started Mondays by inviting students to share their name and a small story\u2014something about their weekend, a hobby, or even just a song they liked. It created a rhythm of listening and being heard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_ce7ea5-a2\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f The Difference it Made:<\/strong> Students who carried heavy stressors often felt invisible. These moments said, <em>\u201cI see you, and your voice matters.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_78d372-88\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_78d372-88\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_78d372-88\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_78d372-88 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_78d372-88\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f Inspiration:<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_551145-cb\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_551145-cb\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_551145-cb\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_551145-cb wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_551145-cb\"><strong>2. Class Identity Project<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_57c7ac-f3\">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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e8033c-d5\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f The Difference it Made:<\/strong> It shifted the space from \u201cmy classroom\u201d to \u201cour classroom,\u201d which gave students ownership and pride in being part of the community.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_a7888c-f0\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f Inspiration:<\/strong> Trauma often leaves kids feeling like they don\u2019t have a place. When they see their ideas, art, or words displayed in the room, they feel anchored. Belonging isn\u2019t abstract\u2014it\u2019s visible, and it grows stronger when we build it together.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_6fbe8b-62\"><strong>3. Morning Check-In Board<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_96e12e-3e\">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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2460a7-37\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f The Difference it Made:<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_bd9f28-c6\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f Inspiration:<\/strong> Sometimes the smallest gesture\u2014like recognizing a student\u2019s \u201cred day\u201d before it escalates\u2014can prevent a breakdown and build trust. Check-ins remind students that emotions are normal and that adults will meet them with compassion, not judgment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_3b24bb-be\"><strong>4. Shout-Out Circle Fridays<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_751a25-d4\">Every Friday afternoon, we ended the week with shout-outs. Students recognized one another for kindness, effort, or teamwork.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_9fe472-19\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f The Difference it Made:<\/strong> It built a culture of generosity and reminded kids that they weren\u2019t alone in noticing each other\u2019s strengths. Plus, it always sent us into the weekend on a positive note.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_f3a638-dd\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f Inspiration:<\/strong> Generosity isn\u2019t only about giving\u2014it\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e05c5d-f2\"><strong>5. Teacher Connection Notes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_2e6ad6-0f\">Each week, I wrote a few quick notes\u2014sometimes just a sticky note\u2014celebrating something I\u2019d noticed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_03f55f-00\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f The Difference it Made:<\/strong> For a student who rarely hears positive feedback, even a short \u201cI love how focused you were today\u201d can be transformative<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_600e36-da\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_600e36-da\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_600e36-da\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_600e36-da wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_600e36-da\">&nbsp;<strong>\ud83c\udf1f Inspiration:<\/strong> 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_18370c-51\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_18370c-51\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_18370c-51\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_18370c-51 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_18370c-51\"><strong>Keep the Momentum Going<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_e0616a-b4\">These small practices made a big difference in my classroom, but belonging is bigger than a handful of activities\u2014it\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading59774_89a287-3f\"><strong><em>Belonging is the foundation of resilience.<\/em><\/strong> When we create classrooms where students feel they matter, everything else\u2014learning, growth, and even joy\u2014flows more naturally. And that\u2019s the kind of classroom every child deserves, right?\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. The first few weeks weren\u2019t just about setting routines or reviewing content\u2014they were about answering one big question for my students: Do I belong here?&nbsp; I quickly learned that belonging is the heartbeat of a trauma-informed classroom. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36233,"featured_media":59778,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[493,516],"coauthors":[478],"class_list":["post-59774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-belonging","tag-connection"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Building Belonging: 5 Activities to Connect with Students in September\u00a0 - Starr Commonwealth<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When I think back on my years in the classroom, September always felt like the most important month. 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