Week 5: Belonging Together
Weekly Focus
Children explore how people belong to multiple groups, how we can help others belong, and celebrate the diversity and unity of their classroom community.
Week at a Glance
- Understand that people belong to multiple groups
- Recognize and appreciate similarities and differences
- Develop strategies for including others
- Celebrate diversity within the classroom community
Weekly Overview
Theme
Belonging Together
Focus Areas
- Multiple group membership
- Similarities and differences
- Inclusion strategies
- Celebrating diversity
Key Vocabulary
Celebrating Diversity
Daily Plans
Monday: We Belong to Many Groups
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Introduce the concept that people belong to many different groups
Literacy Focus
Read 'All Are Welcome' by Alexandra Penfold
Math Focus
Sort and classify groups we belong to
Afternoon Activity
Create 'Groups I Belong To' web diagrams
Materials Needed
- All Are Welcome book
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Web diagram templates
- Magazine pictures
Assessment Notes
Observe students' understanding of belonging to multiple groups and their ability to identify groups they belong to.
Featured Activities
Friendship Recipe
Students create a 'recipe' for friendship, listing ingredients (qualities) that make a good friend.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Recipe templates
- Markers
- Ingredient cards
- Chef hats (optional)
Learning Areas
Belonging Puzzle
Each student decorates a puzzle piece that represents them. When assembled, the pieces form a complete picture showing how everyone belongs together.
Duration
45 minutes
Materials
- Large puzzle template
- Individual puzzle pieces
- Art supplies
- Glue
Learning Areas
Same and Different Game
Students play a movement game where they form groups based on similarities and differences.
Duration
20 minutes
Materials
- Open space
- Attribute cards
- Music
Learning Areas
Kindness Catchers
Students create paper fortune tellers (cootie catchers) with kind actions that help others feel they belong.
Duration
35 minutes
Materials
- Paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Kindness action cards
- Folding instructions
Learning Areas
Unit Reflection
Resources
Books
- "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold
- "We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio
- "Strictly No Elephants" by Lisa Mantchev
- "You Belong Here" by M.H. Clark
- "The Big Umbrella" by Amy June Bates
Printables
- "Groups I Belong To" web template
- Venn diagram templates
- Puzzle piece templates
- Friendship recipe cards
- Belonging unit assessment checklist
Home Connection
Send home a family activity sheet that encourages parents/caregivers to discuss the different groups their family belongs to and share family traditions that create a sense of belonging.
Unit Reflection
Belonging Unit Wrap-Up
Reflecting on our journey from self to community
As we complete the Belonging unit, help students make connections between all five weeks of learning. Create a visual journey showing how we've expanded our understanding from:
- Week 1All About Me (self-awareness)
- Week 2My Family (family connections)
- Week 3My Friends (peer relationships)
- Week 4My Community (community awareness)
- Week 5Belonging Together (unity in diversity)
Consider creating a class book or display that showcases student work from each week, demonstrating how their understanding of belonging has grown and expanded.