Lesson B: Belonging Ben – Connecting and Belonging
Belonging Ben helps children discover the importance of friendship, connection, and feeling included. Through mindfulness, movement, and positive self-talk, kids explore how to build meaningful connections and help others feel welcome.
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Belonging Ben’s Self-Talk
“I belong and contribute.”
How to Use This Lesson
1. Meet Belonging Ben
Introduce Belonging Ben and explore what it means to belong and contribute.
Help children understand that everyone has something valuable to offer. Whether at home, in the classroom, or on a team, we can all make a difference by including others, sharing ideas, and helping out.
2. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Say Ben's positive self-talk phrase together:
“I belong and contribute.”
First, say it out loud. Then practice saying it silently in your mind.
Encourage children to remember these words when joining a group, trying something new, or looking for ways to help.
3. Share the Skill Sign
Print and display Belonging Ben's Team Player Tips somewhere children will see them often.
Explore ways to be a good team player:
Listen first and speak second.
Share your ideas.
Have a CAN-DO attitude.
Pitch in and help.
Be open to others' ideas.
Cheer for others.
Look for solutions.
Invite children to choose one team player tip to practice each day.
4. Breathe and Stretch
Take a few minutes to breathe and move together.
Use the stretches from the Breathe and Stretch book or follow Belonging Ben's movement video.
Encourage children to notice how their bodies and minds feel before and after moving.
5. Read the Story
Bring Belonging Ben to life! Read his story from the Powerful You book with expression and enthusiasm.
Talk about how Ben discovers the importance of belonging, contributing, and being part of a team.
6. Reflect and Connect
Use Ben's Reflect & Shine questions from the Powerful You book to spark meaningful conversations.
Invite children to share a time they felt included, helped someone, or contributed to a group.
Remind them that everyone has something important to offer.
7. Explore Optional Activities
Choose an activity from the Powerful You book to reinforce Ben's lesson.
You can also invite children to choose one of Ben's Team Player Tips and practice it with their family, classmates, or friends.
Afterward, ask: How did your contribution make a difference?
8. Lights, Camera, Action! — Role-Play
Bring the lesson to life with role-playing!
Use the Powerful You laminated scenario cards or create your own everyday situations.
Invite children to act out how they might welcome someone into a game, share an idea, help a teammate, or encourage a friend.
Keep it playful, encouraging, and fun!
Remember: “I belong and contribute.”
