6 Tips for Boosting Belonging in Schools

Creating a sense of belonging in schools is a foundational element of student success. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to engage academically, socially, and emotionally.

Here are six practical strategies educators and school staff can use to foster a culture of belonging for every student.

1. Greet Every Student, Every Day

A simple “Good morning!” can go a long way. Personalized greetings at the door—using students’ names, eye contact, and a smile—signal that each child matters. These small rituals build trust and connection over time, setting a positive tone for the day and reinforcing that students are welcome and wanted in the classroom.

2. Audit Your Walls and Words

Take a walk through your school with fresh eyes. Do the bulletin boards, posters, and classroom displays reflect the diversity of your student body? Are multiple languages represented? Do students see their cultures, identities, and histories celebrated? Language matters, too. Ensure announcements, signage, and classroom communication are inclusive and affirming.

3. Use Check-Ins Strategically

Start the day or class with a quick emotional check-in. This could be as simple as a thumbs-up/thumbs-down, a feelings chart, or a short journal prompt. These moments give students a chance to express themselves and help educators identify who might need extra support. The key is to listen actively and respond with empathy, showing students that their emotions are valid and important.

4. Map Relationships

Strong relationships are the backbone of belonging. Have teachers and staff map out which students they feel closely connected to—and which ones might be flying under the radar. Use this data to intentionally build bridges, pairing students with mentors or buddies who can offer consistent support and encouragement.

5. Ask Students What Belonging Looks Like

Rather than assuming what students need, ask them directly. Use surveys, exit slips, or listening circles to gather their insights. What makes them feel included? What makes them feel left out? Their answers can guide school policies, classroom practices, and community-building efforts in meaningful ways.

6. Include All Staff in the Work

Belonging isn’t just built in the classroom. Custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and office staff all play vital roles in students’ daily lives. Invite them into conversations about school culture and equip them with tools to build positive relationships. When every adult in the building is invested in student well-being, the entire school community benefits.

Fostering belonging is a daily commitment. By embedding these practices into the fabric of school life, educators can create environments where every student feels safe, respected, and connected. And when students feel like they belong, they’re more likely to thrive.

Want to take a deeper dive into boosting belonging? Check out the feature article “Boost Belonging From the Beginning,” from the September/October 2025 issue of Principal magazine.

Terrell L. Strayhorn is president and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, a professor of education and psychology at Virginia Union University, and director of research at its Center for the Study of HBCUs. He is co-editor of Belonging, a new SAGE journal.