Classrooms Built for Belonging

Abstract

Building classroom relationships that last is no singular act bound to the opening weeks of the academic year. The seeds of strong teacher-student relationships must be nurtured and cultivated over time and in the right environment, one designed for belonging and learning for all. The quality of teacher-student interactions and relationships undoubtedly influences academic achievement and the educational experience of students. Teaching and learning environments that are conducive to the development of caring teacher-student interactions is vital to student well-being. Students that feel a genuine sense of belonging are apt to stay active, take risks, and flourish, and cultivating these behaviors in middle school classrooms is paramount to students' future success. Classrooms built for belonging operate on three key elements: moving beyond icebreakers, inviting students to serve as co-designers of learning experiences, and implementing gradebooks with grace.