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Belonging as a Core Condition for Learning
Belonging as a Core Condition for Learning Schools today are grappling with rising chronic absenteeism, widening learning gaps, and increasing teacher dissatisfaction. Belonging — the feeling of being accepted, valued, connected, and a contributor within a community — is a fundamental human need. Research consistently shows that fostering belonging strengthens both student outcomes and educator […]
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Can Reading Books Make Kids Smarter and More Connected?
By: Carol Jago & Sarah Caverly, Ph.D. Can reading books make kids smarter and more connected? In her article for Time magazine, Annie Murphy Paul argues that it can. She discovered evidence that “individuals who often read fiction appear to be better able to understand other people, empathize with them and view the world from their […]
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It’s Time to Shine: 6 Trauma-Informed Theatre Practices to Ease Stress
By Jennifer Wienke, Trauma-Informed Educator Fairbanks, Alaska It’s National Stress Awareness Month, and as a trauma-informed theater educator at the Fairbanks Academy of Community Theatre (FACT) in Fairbanks, Alaska, it’s the perfect time to share strategies to help mitigate youth and family stress. “Life-changing” is a word communicated to the FACT team often in emails, […]
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The Air We Breathe: Why Psychological Safety Is the Foundation for Success in Schools
By: Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez Imagine a school where teachers arrive early, work tirelessly, and care deeply about their students. The energy feels warm, even friendly. But underneath, something is missing. The culture is congenial, not collegial. People prioritize being nice over being honest. When feedback happens, it’s often softened to maintain one another’s comfort. A […]
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National Nutrition Month: How Food Can Nourish Belonging in Our Schools
By Esther Deth, Ed.D School Wellness & College Preparation Coordinator, Long Beach Unified School District When I think about some of my fondest memories with family and friends, many of them are centered around food. From joyful gatherings like a holiday potluck to quieter, meaningful moments — such as sharing a final meal with my […]
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Designing for Belonging: Practical Leadership Strategies That Strengthen Learning
By: Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., Nicholas Yoder, Ph.D., Sarah Caverly, Ph.D., Miriam Blanc-Gonnet The desire to belong is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Genuine belonging extends beyond simply fitting in, as it reflects being seen, accepted, and valued for who we truly are. Psychologist Geoffrey Cohen defines belonging as “the feeling that we’re part […]
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Sharing the Love: How Students and Educators Build Community With Harmony!
It’s that time of year to celebrate love in all its forms — love for ourselves, care for one another, and connection within our communities. We asked our Educator Advisory Group to share how they use Harmony activities to help students thoughtfully exercise their voice and choice, build harmonious peer relationships, and nurture a strong […]
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Classroom Joy By Design
By Pamela McVeagh-Lally, MSEd Education Non-Profit Consultant “One must nurture the joy in one’s life so that it reaches full bloom.” – Maya Angelou Many of us approach a new year by “resetting” goals and expectations in our classrooms and homes, using the calendar to instigate a fresh start or commit to resolutions. But what […]
