Blue Devil Belonging Lesson Plan Blue Devil Belonging
"The Warren Way"
Duration 40 Mins
Lesson Objective
"Students will understand the importance of engagement and belonging, identify strategies to foster both, and connect these concepts to 'the Warren Way' and the 'Blue Devil' spirit, embodying the quote: we are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always."
Preparation
Review Slide Deck
Print Quick Connect Warm Up
Prep whiteboard/chart paper
Print Belonging Bingo cards
Get Post-It notes
Audience
Freshmen and Sophomores
Approach
Interactive discussion, reflection, group activity, and gamified learning.
Why this matters
Feeling engaged and having a strong sense of belonging at school are crucial for academic success, positive mental health, and a fulfilling school experience. This lesson provides practical strategies and emphasizes our collective commitment to 'the Warren Way.'
Essential Materials
Projector/Smartboard
Blue Devil Slide Deck
Quick Connect Sheet
Belonging Bingo Cards
Discussion Guide
One Word Wonder Sheet
Lesson Flow
5
min
Warm Up: Quick Connect
Distribute worksheets. Students reflect on one connection and one engagement at Warren. Share 2-3 examples aloud. (Slide 2)
5
min
Introduction & Objectives
Introduce 'the Warren Way' and the lesson goals. Connect engagement to being "respectful, resilient, and engaged." (Slide 3)
10
min
Defining the Blue Devil Spirit
Define Engagement and Belonging. Facilitate class discussion using the Discussion Guide. (Slides 4-6)
10
min
Activity: Engagement Builders
Small groups brainstorm actions for Students, Teachers, and the School to foster belonging. (Slides 7-8)
5
min
Game: Belonging Bingo
Interactive bingo game highlighting positive school experiences. (Slide 9)
5
min
Cool Down: One Word Wonder
Closing reflection: one word on how to contribute to the community. Collect post-its or sheets. (Slide 10)
Blue Devil Belonging Slides Blue Devil
Belonging
Finding Your Place at Warren: How feeling connected and being involved helps you thrive!
The Warren Way
Warm Up: Quick Connect
01
What is one thing that makes you feel connected to Warren High School?
02
What is one way you feel engaged in your classes or school activities?
Be ready to share your thoughts with the class!
What We'll Explore Today
Understand what 'engagement' and 'belonging' mean in school.
Identify how these feelings impact your success and well-being.
Connect these ideas to 'the Warren Way' and our Blue Devil spirit!
What is Engagement?
Being actively involved, interested, and participating in your learning and school life.
"It's not just showing up; it's showing up ready to learn, participate, and contribute!"
The Warren Way
WE ARE ENGAGED
NOW AND ALWAYS!
What is Belonging?
The Warren Way
EVERY BLUE DEVIL
HAS A PLACE!
Feeling accepted, included, supported, and valued as a member of the school community.
It's knowing you have a place here.
Why Does It Matter?
Do better academically
Feel happier and confident
Build stronger relationships
"We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always."
Activity: Engagement Builders
In your groups, brainstorm:
STUDENTS
What can YOU do?
TEACHERS
What can they do?
WARREN
What can the school do?
Activities
Athletics
Spirit Wear
Share Your Ideas!
How can we all contribute to "The Warren Way"? Let's hear your best ideas for enhancing engagement and belonging!
B
Belonging Bingo
Let's Play!
FREE
Mark off a square if you've done it or experienced it at Warren.
Goal:
Get 5 in a row!
One Word Wonder
What ONE WORD describes how YOU can contribute to a more engaged and belonging-filled Warren?
Write it down!
Respectful • Resilient • Engaged
Blue Devil Belonging Script Facilitation Script
Blue Devil Belonging: Finding Your Place
Lesson Length
40 Minutes
1
Warm Up: Quick Connect (5 Mins)
Display Slide 2
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! For our 'Quick Connect' warm-up, grab the worksheet I've handed out. Quickly jot down: 1) One thing that makes you feel connected to Warren High School, and 2) One way you feel engaged in your classes or activities. Take about two minutes. Just your honest thoughts, no full sentences needed."
Pro-tip: Allow 2-3 minutes of quiet writing, then ask 2-3 volunteers to share. Affirm their responses to build safety.
2
Introduction & Objectives (5 Mins)
Display Slide 3
"Great shares! Today, we're diving into belonging and engagement. This presentation will hopefully get you thinking about how you can be more engaged and find your specific place here. Today we will define these terms, see how they impact you, and find ways to boost that spirit for everyone."
3
Engagement & Belonging (10 Mins)
Display Slides 4-6
"First, engagement. What does it mean to be engaged? It's more than just sitting quietly, right? It's being actively involved and showing up ready to contribute. 'We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always.'"
"Now, belonging. What does it feel like to truly belong? It's feeling accepted, supported, and valued. Every Blue Devil has a place! When you feel this way, you do better in school and feel happier."
Discussion: Use the Discussion Guide here to dig deeper into the "feelings" associated with these concepts.
4
Activity: Engagement Builders (10 Mins)
Display Slides 7-8
"Let's brainstorm! In small groups, list actions to boost engagement. What can students do? What can teachers do? What can the school as a whole do? You have about 7 minutes to brainstorm on your chart paper, then we'll share the best ideas."
5
Game: Belonging Bingo! (5 Mins)
Display Slide 9
"Time for 'Belonging Bingo!' Mark off squares if you've done or experienced the action. Five in a row gets a Bingo! It’s a fun way to see how much you’re already connecting. We'll play for about three minutes."
6
Cool Down & Wrap Up (5 Mins)
Display Slide 10
"To finish, write ONE word or short phrase that describes how YOU will contribute to a more engaged Warren. Hand in your sheets as you leave. Remember, you make this community stronger. Thanks for participating today!"
Quick Connect Warm Up Name:
Date:
Warren High School
Quick Connect
Instructions: Take a few minutes to reflect on your experience as a Blue Devil. Briefly answer the following questions based on your current feelings and experiences.
1 What is one thing that makes you feel connected to Warren High School?
2 What is one way you feel engaged in your classes or school activities?
The Warren Way
Why We Belong Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Why We Belong
Teacher Instructions
Use these prompts to facilitate a class discussion after introducing the concepts of engagement and belonging (Slides 4-6). Encourage students to move beyond surface-level answers to explore the emotional and social impacts of school community.
1
Beyond the definitions, what does it feel like to be truly engaged in something, whether it's a class, a hobby, or a conversation?
2
Can you think of a time when you felt a strong sense of belonging, either at school or somewhere else? What did that feel like? What made you feel that way?
3
On the flip side, what does it feel like when you don't feel engaged or don't feel like you belong? How does that impact you?
4
Why do you think it's important for ALL students, all Blue Devils, to feel both engaged and like they belong at Warren?
5
How do these feelings of engagement and belonging connect to our school motto: "We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always"?
How does the Blue Devil spirit play into this?
Facilitator Tips
Validate: Every student's sense of belonging is different. Acknowledge that some may feel less connected than others and that's okay.
Normalize: Discussing "not belonging" can be vulnerable. Normalize these feelings to help students feel safe sharing.
Engagement Builders Activity Engagement Builders
Group Brainstorming Activity
Instructions
In your small groups, brainstorm and list specific, actionable ideas for how we can all foster greater engagement and a stronger sense of belonging here at Warren. Be creative and think about what would truly make a difference for a Blue Devil.
1
What can Students do?
How can you engage more in classes or clubs? How can you help others feel welcome?
2
What can Teachers do?
What strategies make classes more engaging? How can teachers help you feel valued?
3
What can Warren High School do?
What school-wide initiatives or changes would boost the Blue Devil spirit?
"We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always."
Belonging Bingo Game Belonging Bingo
The Warren Way!
How to Play
Mark off any squares that describe something you have done, experienced, or felt at Warren. The goal is to get 5 in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally). Even if you don't get Bingo, see how many squares you can mark! Get 3 Bingos? Bring this to Student Services for a prize!
Met a new person at a school event
Joined a club or sports team this year
Asked a question in class
Plans to join a club or sports team this year
Helped a classmate understand something
Participated in a class discussion
Complimented a teacher or staff member
Sat with someone new at lunch
Attended a school play or concert
Complimented an unfamiliar peer
Volunteered for a school activity
Made a new friend this year
FREE SPACE The Warren Way
Spoke with a counselor or social worker
Wore school spirit wear
Cheered for a Warren sports team
Shared an idea during a group project
Felt supported by an adult at school
Sent an email to a staff member
Tried a new activity at school
Introduced yourself to someone new
Checked your grades on PowerSchool
Attended a study table
Asked a teacher for help
Checked your school email
"We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always."
Every square shows your Blue Devil spirit
One Word Wonder Reflection One Word Wonder
Cool Down Reflection
Reflect & Respond
Reflect on today's lesson about engagement and belonging. Think about "the Warren Way" and our school quote: "We are respectful, resilient, engaged now and always."
Write down ONE word or a short phrase that describes how YOU will contribute to a more engaged and belonging-filled environment at Warren.
My One Word / Short Phrase
Engaged now and always
Thank you for your voice and participation