WE BELONG
A sense of belonging is a team effort. Our classroom is a safe learning environment where we connect and learn from one another, regardless of who we are or where we come from.In Native American and First Nations cultures, significance was nurtured in communities of belonging. Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria described the core value of belonging in these simple words: "Be related, somehow, to everyone you know." Treating others as kin forges powerful social bonds that draw all into relationships of respect. Theologian Martin Marty observed that throughout history the tribe, not the nuclear family, always ensured the survival of the culture. Even if parents died or were not responsible, the tribe was always there to nourish the next generation.
Humans have a primal need to feel valued, important, and protected by significant others in their lives... to feel comfortable and welcomed within a frequent and important group such as family, friends, colleagues, etc. Of course, the family and one's close personal community are the most important influences on the original development of this area of self.
Some of my favourite picture books about Belonging
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard
Bird wakes up grumpy. Too grumpy to eat, play—or even fly. "Looks like I'm walking today," says Bird grumpily. All of this grumpy walking piques the interest of his friends and soon Sheep, Rabbit, Raccoon, Beaver, and Fox are walking alongside him. Somewhere along the way Bird realizes that his friends are still there, but his mood is gone, proving that sometimes grumpy needs company!
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
This classic collection of stories by Dr. Seuss includes "The Sneetches," "The Zax," "Too Many Daves," and "What Was I Scared Of?" Beloved by generations, these four wildly whimsical tales touch on moral issues, and while they can be read for sheer pleasure, they are also ideal for sparking conversations about tolerance, the need for compromise, and fear of the unknown. Perfect for young Seuss fans, this is a book that can be enjoyed by the whole family on many different levels.
Stellaluna by Jenell Cannon
Attacked by an owl, Stellaluna (a fruit bat) is separated from her mother and taken in by a bird and her nestlings. Dutifully, she tries to accommodate--she eats insects, hangs head up, and sleeps at night, as Mama Bird says she must--but once Stellaluna learns to fly, it's a huge relief when her own mother finds her and explains that the behavior that comes naturally is appropriate to her species.
Do you have any favourite resources or activities for Belonging? I invite you to share these with all of us.
I am excited for the students to meet their school family members during Education week and participate in Belonging integration activites.
Check out some of the tweets @DavisonSchool sent out this week!
1. I can estimate the number of apples on the Chicka Chicka 1-2-3 Apple Tree in Grade 1.
2. I can describe solids and liquids using Cheerios as molecules in Grade 2 science.
3. I can brainstorm what makes up the Saskatchewan economy in Grade 4.
4. I can predict if a material is reversible or non-reversible in Grade 5 science.
5. Using SMART response to take a math quiz in Grade 6.
I truly feel this way about our school team AND I thought it was a fitting quote for this week's blog entry. Have a well-deserved long weekend and please take time to count your blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving!
