A Reflection on the Importance of Belonging
I recently read that belonging is only second to love in terms of its importance to emotional health. To equate belonging to familial love puts the need for belonging into a category of extreme importance.
Building belonging means actively nurturing a culture where everyone feels accepted as a valued member. As a former Lower School teacher, I know firsthand how cultivating a community of belonging in the classroom benefits children socially and academically.
The acceptance that comes with belonging increases students’ connection and participation. Acceptance is the safety net that allows a child to be brave. Just like when a child is on stage for the first time, they may look for mom or dad in the audience. That one look is enough to ignite that spark of courage needed to perform. Well, feelings of belonging can also spark bravery. When belonging exists, a child’s thoughts and actions are not hindered by fear of
rejection, so they feel safer making new friends and trying new things. They are fearless, and it is such a joy to see!
Research consistently indicates that belonging is tied to better attendance, higher achievement, and greater perseverance with challenging work. A well-developed classroom community helps children feel emotionally and physically safe, which results in stronger teacher-student connections and a positive self-image. This sense of security reduces anxiety and supports healthy brain development. That is why Morning Meetings in Lower School classrooms are so important. It is one of several types of community-building activities that provide opportunities for students and teachers to learn about one another. These relationships are fundamental to student success. Simply put, if a child feels that their teacher cares about them, the child will feel better about themselves and their work. A task moves from “just get it done” to “I want to do my best.”
It takes intentionality to build community and belonging, and I am so happy to be a part of an organization that understands its importance. The recipe is simple: a bit of bravery, a dash of determination, mixed with a pinch of grace. Toss that with an open mind and some genuine care for the well-being of others, and we have a space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Belonging is more than a catchphrase or a movement. It takes effort, and it can be a bit daunting, but the return far outweighs the cost. One thing is for sure—belonging benefits all of us.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
