Students say school, home and teams give them a sense of belonging

Students in a classroom discussion said they feel a sense of belonging at school, at home, at church and on sports teams and described specific actions that help classmates feel included.

A facilitator asked, “Where do you feel like you belong?” and students answered with examples of safety, inclusion and everyday gestures that matter in their school life. “Belonging means you’re safe and included,” one student said. “They make me happy and safe here, and they give me, like, good company, and, like, they help me with things.”

Students named several places where they feel they belong: “School, on my soccer team, and my basketball team, and my family,” one said. Another said, “At home and at school. It means you're in the right place.” A student who mentioned a specific friend said, “My favorite thing is playing soccer with my friend, Parker Duckles.”

Students described behaviors that create belonging: greeting and inviting classmates, sharing toys, asking others to join groups and making sure classmates are not bullied. One student described how to welcome a new peer: “You could say, ‘Do you wanna hang out or do you wanna play?’” They also cited adults’ roles: students said teachers comfort them, help with schoolwork and offer physical reassurance, with one noting, “In the morning, I visit Miss Lynn. She always gives me a hug.”

Other details students mentioned included school rituals and social time that reinforce belonging: birthdays and small prizes, recess and group work where peers try to include everyone. Students repeatedly linked belonging to feeling safe, welcomed and understood.

The discussion recorded no formal actions or policy decisions; it reflected students’ perspectives on school climate and everyday practices that help classmates feel included.