https://www.edutopia.org/article/fostering-students-sense-belonging

How can teachers help students feel a sense of belonging in class even from the first day of school? Edutopia, an online source of information on what works in education, has some ideas that I plan to try out in my upper level high school French classes. They are the following:

1. Teachers shares stories about themselves, and then they have students create one about themselves. They can write about a time they were proud, something they love to do outside of school, a favorite memory, and when they tried something new.
2. Teachers have students write in a dialogue journal several times a week. Students pick the topic, then the teacher writes back. It’s a way to get to know students well, and the information teachers learn can help nurture friendships and develop engaging activities.
3. Create “Bio Bags.” On the outside of a paper bag, students draw and write about visible parts of their identity, such as clothing, physical attributes, and activities they like. For the inside of the bag, they write and draw pictures on slips of paper about things people learn as they get to know them better. When students share their Bio Bags, they select which pieces to share.

I’m looking forward to using these ideas in my lessons during the first weeks of class. I think students should find them fun and engaging–and I certainly am excited about trying something new.