The Connected Classroom: Building Belonging and Community for Every Student: A Practical Guide to Creating an Inclusive, Safe, and Engaging Classroom

A practical guide to creating an inclusive, safe, and engaging classroom culture

Academic success begins with one essential component: a strong sense of community and belonging. The Connected Classroom offers educators easy-to-implement strategies to foster a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and ready to engage.

From the first day of school to sustaining community all year, this book provides daily routines, inclusive activities, and relationship-building practices that strengthen student trust, promote collaboration, and encourage kindness. Whether you're holding morning meetings, managing conflict through restorative chats, or co-creating class agreements, every idea is designed to increase belonging and support the social-emotional growth of your students.

Perfect for elementary educators looking to:

• Build strong student-to-student and teacher-to-student connections
• Incorporate inclusive, trauma-informed classroom practices
• Boost engagement through shared leadership and classroom traditions
• Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and shared responsibility

Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator, The Connected Classroom gives you the tools to create a community where every voice is heard, every student is seen, and every kid belongs.