Digital Promise Signature Workspace

Sense of Belonging

This workspace includes some of the key factors and strategies that can contribute to and promote a student's sense of belonging in school.

Factors that Contribute to a sense of belonging

Literacy 7-12

A Sense of Belonging allows us to feel included, respected, and supported in school.

Literacy 7-12

Motivation is the desire and energy that guides behavior.

Literacy 7-12

Learning is powerful when we learn with and from each other.

Literacy 7-12

Emotions are complex psychological states stemming from a person's experiences.

Literacy 7-12

In our society, there are many stereotypes that exist about the academic abilities of learners based on characteristics such as their race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status.

Literacy 7-12

Social Supports are the perception and presence of a support network available to help a student if needed.

Literacy 7-12

The trauma that comes from experiencing adversity in childhood releases stress hormones that can lead to changes in the body and brain.

Literacy 7-12

Safety is being and feeling physically and psychologically secure at home, at school, and within our neighborhood and larger community.

Literacy 7-12

Primary Language is the language a person has been exposed to from birth.

Math 7-10

A student's Math Learning Environment encompasses the opportunities provided by their home, school, and community that contribute to their development of math knowledge and skills.

Literacy 7-12

Students build knowledge from their experiences both in and out of school.

Sensory Stimulation

Math 3-6

Incorporating multiple senses with strategies like chewing gum, using a fidget, and sitting on a ball chair supports focus and Attention.

Videos: SEL Topics

Literacy PK-3

Videos developed with discussion guides can teach students about SEL skills.

Strategies that can promote sense of belonging

Family Engagement
Literacy 7-12

Family engagement happens when educators and schools collaborate with families to collectively support their child's learning in meaningful ways, both at school and at home.

Strengths-based Approach
Literacy 7-12

A strengths-based approach is one where educators intentionally identify, communicate, and harness students' assets, across many aspects of the whole child, in order to empower them to flourish.

Building Trusting Relationships
Literacy 7-12

Building positive and trusting relationships with learners allows them to feel safe; a Sense of Belonging; and that their academic, cognitive, and social and emotional needs are supported.

Collaborative Problem Solving
Math 7-10

As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

Selecting Culturally Responsive Texts
Literacy 7-12

Selecting culturally responsive reading materials, including multicultural and diverse texts, is critical for supporting all students.

Model Positive Connections to Math
Math 7-10

Teachers sharing math-to-self, math-to-math, and math-to-world connections model math schema building.

Journaling
Literacy 7-12

Journaling allows students to reflect on their thinking and feelings, process their learning, and connect new information to what they know, supporting their identity development and Sense of Belonging.

Incorporate Students' Cultural Practices
Math 7-10

Learning about students' cultures and connecting them to instructional practices helps foster a Sense of Belonging and mitigate Stereotype Threat.

Building Empathy
Literacy 7-12

Developing empathy in educators and in learners is an iterative process that requires taking the time to understand and honor others' perspectives.