ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a module that highlights the influence of personal characteristics and self-worth to a student’s sense of school belonging. It considers activities that encourage optimism and positive sense of identity. Review of literature shows that optimism, conscientiousness, self-efficacy, sense of self-worth, and other positive characteristics was one of the greatest correlates of school belonging. A strong correlate of school belonging was having a sense of hope and optimism. The chapter identifies the factors that influence one’s identity and sense of self, assess involvement within the school community and use own strengths and optimism to connect and improve relationship with others. Developing the five areas—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making—are core to developing the positive characteristics that support school belonging. Some students may struggle to mention or even think about strengths that they have.
