Culture of Belonging

 Creating a culture of belonging in the classroom isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for having an environment where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to thrive. I was inspired by a strategy discussed in a Huberman Lab podcast on human behavior and connection, I tried an exercise in my 3rd-grade classroom that has had lasting effects.

The Survey That Started It All

The concept was simple: I created a Google Form asking my students one question, “If you saw someone on campus who needed help, would you help them?” 98% of my students responded with a resounding “yes.” Sharing these results with the class became an important moment. It showed them that, despite any individual bad days or struggles, they were surrounded by peers who were willing to lend a helping hand. This understanding has fostered a profound sense of community.

At the beginning of the school year, when establishing routines and expectations, I make it a point to talk about belonging. I refer back to this survey any time someone in the class is having a tough day. “Remember, we are a community, and you have 20+ classmates ready to support you.” This reminder has transformed the way my students interact with one another. They’re not just classmates; they’re allies who know they can lean on each other. To me, this is belonging.

Lessons from the Huberman Podcast

The podcast episode that inspired this activity emphasized the importance of social connectedness and understanding the difference between perceived and actual behavior. Often, people believe they would act a certain way, but when confronted with real-life situations, their actions can differ. By surveying the class and sharing the results, I was able to bridge that gap between intention and behavior, helping students realize their own willingness to help and understand that others felt the same way.

Dr. Huberman also highlights how belonging and safety can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for optimal learning. (I always try to take a new big word from each podcast to teach to my class!) When students feel secure in their environment, stress levels decrease, making it easier for them to engage with material and connect with each other. This insight is crucial for any teacher who wants to build a positive, productive classroom culture.

Picture Books and Activities to Reinforce Belonging

Incorporating literature can deepen students' understanding of these values. Here are a few picture books and related activities that have been successful in my classroom:

  1. "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig
    Discussion Questions:
    • How do you think Brian felt when no one noticed him?
    • What changed when Justin invited Brian to join their group?
      Activity: Have students draw or write about a time they felt invisible and how someone made them feel included.
  2. "We’re All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio
    Discussion Questions:
    • What does it mean to be different, and why is that okay?
    • How can we show kindness to someone who feels left out?
      Activity: Create a “Wonder Wall” where students write one kind thing they did for a classmate each week.
  3. "Be Kind" by Pat Zietlow Miller
    Discussion Questions:
    • What are some small acts of kindness that can make a big difference?
    • How does being kind to others change how you feel about yourself?
      Activity: Pair students for a week-long “Kindness Buddy” exercise where they are tasked with performing one thoughtful act for their partner each day.

Creating Consistency

The key to maintaining this culture is consistency. Regularly remind students of the initial survey and the support they pledged to each other. Connect your daily interactions, reading activities, and even your classroom management back to that sense of belonging. Whether it’s through picture books, sharing stories, or simply reinforcing positive behavior, these efforts help create a classroom that doesn’t just function—it thrives.

In a world where children face so many external challenges, creating an internal support system within the classroom may be one of the most important lessons we teach them. The best part? It starts with one simple question at the beginning of the year.


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