The first few weeks of school are a powerful opportunity to lay the foundation for the relationships, habits, and learning that will define the rest of the year, writes Brandy Arnold, chief customer officer at Wayfinder, in an eSchool News essay. Arnold supports schools across the country in building character development and future-ready skills programs.
I’ve seen how intentionally fostering belonging from day one sets students–and educators–up for success. This focus is needed. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 55 percent of students reported feeling connected to their school. Research consistently shows that a lack of belonging can harm grades, attendance, and classroom behavior. In contrast, a strong sense of belonging not only boosts academic self-efficacy but also supports physical and mental well-being.
Here are three proven steps to build belonging right from the start:
Break the ice with purpose
Icebreakers work. Research shows these activities can significantly increase engagement and participation while fostering a greater sense of community. Students often describe improved classroom atmosphere, more willingness to speak up, and deeper peer connections after just a few sessions.
By helping students break down communication barriers, icebreakers pave the way for risk-taking, collaboration, and honest reflection-–skills essential for deep learning.
Consider these activities that combine movement, play, and social awareness:
- Quick-think challenges: Build energy and self-awareness by rewarding quick and accurate responses.
- Collaborative missions: Put students to work toward a shared goal that demands communication and teamwork.
- Listen + act games: Lighthearted games that involve following changing instructions in real time can develop adaptability.
Strengthen executive functioning
Executive functioning skills–-like planning, prioritizing, and self-monitoring–are deeply connected to a sense of belonging. Students who can organize their work, set goals, and regulate their emotions are better prepared to contribute positively to the class community.
In a study of sixth graders, explicit instruction in executive functioning improved academics, social competence, and self-regulation.
Here’s how to emphasize executive functioning in the early weeks:
- Task prioritization exercise: Help students identify and rank their tasks, building awareness of time and focus.
- Strengths + goals mapping: Guide students to recognize their strengths and set values to foster agency.
- Mindful check-ins: Teaching students to name their emotions and practice stress-relief strategies supports holistic well-being.
Try co-creating class norms. When students help define what a supportive, productive classroom looks like, they feel ownership of the space. They’re more invested in maintaining it, more likely to hold each other accountable, and better able to self-regulate toward the group’s shared vision.
Sustain deeper connections
True belonging comes from sustained, meaningful connection. It’s tempting to think that once names are learned and routines are set, the work is done. But deeper benefits come from keeping this focus on belonging alive alongside academics.
The payoff is worth the effort. School connectedness has been shown to reduce violence, protect against risky behaviors, and support long-term health and success.
Some deeper connection strategies:
- Shared values agreement: Identify the behaviors that promote safety, kindness, and understanding.
- Story swap: Have students share an experience or interest with a partner, then introduce each other to the class.
- Promote empathy: Teach students to articulate needs, seek clarification, and advocate for themselves and others.
These activities help students see each other as whole people, capable of compassion and understanding across differences. This human connection creates an environment where everyone can learn more effectively.
Adults on campus benefit from these strategies, too. Professional development can start with icebreakers adapted for adults. Department or PLC meetings can incorporate goal-setting and reflective check-ins. Activities that build empathy and connection among staff help create a healthy, supportive adult culture that models the belonging we want students to experience.
Belonging isn’t a single event; it’s a practice. Start the year with purpose, keep connections alive alongside academic goals, and watch how this practice transforms your classroom and your campus culture.
eSchool News
