For the most effective use, this book should be purchased alongside Mia Belongs Here and the activity book, Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging. The books can be purchased individually or together as a set, Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging: Stories and Activities to Build a Sense of Belonging.
School is Where We All Belong is a beautifully illustrated story book that helps to develop a sense of belonging in children, particularly at school. It narrates the different ways by which five characters identify their feelings of belonging to school through the five senses (hearing, touch, smell, taste and sight).
With its engaging illustrations and narrative, children are encouraged to share their own experiences at the end of each character’s story which allow them to develop a better sense of school belonging, sharing the message that belonging is largely experiential and special to each person.
School belonging is an important ingredient for many positive outcomes for student learning and wellbeing. This story provides a unique opportunity for children to practice mindfulness, to pause and fully engage with the place and moment they’re in. By focusing on their senses during the fun, interactive moments, this deceptively simple book promotes a greater sense of belonging in.
Table of Contents:
School is Where We All Belong
Notes
About the Contributors
About the Author :
Kelly-Ann Allen is an Associate Professor and Educational and Developmental Psychologist at Monash University and an Honorary Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. Kelly-Ann is renowned for her impactful research on belonging, particularly in educational settings, which has earned her recognition as one of Australia's top researchers.Kelly-Ann is dedicated to translating her extensive research into practical applications to benefit educators, students, and broader communities. Her work extends beyond academia, aiming to enhance belonging across populations globally.
Michael Wagner is the Melbourne-based author of more than 90 books for children including the much-loved, 20 book, Maxx Rumble series, the CBCA Honor book Dirt by Sea and Notable books Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer and Bear Make Den and the YABBA, KOALA and KROC Awards shortlisted, So Wrong series. Before becoming an author, Michael worked for ten years as radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning animation for television, and penned everything from advertising copy to songs and comedy.
Kathryn Kallady is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She has worked predominantly with children and their families between the ages of 2-18 years of age. She has extensive experience working with schools in the private and public sectors as well as public health settings. She has also worked in a private practice confident in neurodevelopmental assessment and therapy. She has worked at Monash University in a supervisory and teaching capacity. Apart from psychology, Kathryn loves illustration and graphic design. She has provided works for academic texts and resources. She is best known for providing the single artwork for Gotye’s international hit song, “Somebody that I Used to Know”.
