Belonging
Start-up religion Series
What’s inside...
This collection includes titles about religious education for Key Stage 1 and lower Key Stage 2, covering basic aspects of different faiths, such as beliefs, places of worship, and sacred texts. In another story, fifteen-year-old blind Meg Hollis battles to attend her local high school despite her parents' concerns. Struggling to prove her academic capabilities and fit in socially, Meg gains support from a group of unconventional friends and a memorable teacher, ultimately learning that her sense of self, not her blindness, defines her.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
200 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story make you feel when they were trying to find where they belong?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you belonged or didn't belong somewhere? What did that feel like?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to have a place where they feel they belong?
What are some ways you can help others feel like they belong?
What did you learn about friendship and support from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to fully understand your child’s perspective, reinforcing their feelings and thoughts.
Link the story to your child’s real-life experiences to make the themes more relatable and impactful.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about belonging, ensuring they know it’s safe to share.
Discuss your own experiences related to belonging, demonstrating vulnerability and openness.
Apply aspects from the book to daily situations, like school or social gatherings, to reinforce the concepts discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Belonging,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with people who are different from himself, encouraging readers to do the same.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards their peers, understanding diverse perspectives, and being inclusive in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the protagonist overcomes challenges and adapts to new situations, which reflects the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face difficulties in school or in social settings with a positive attitude and determination, understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: The book highlights strong family bonds and community support, showing how these networks provide security and belonging.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to appreciate and contribute to their family and community, fostering a sense of security and shared responsibility.
Example Lesson: Personal growth through exploration
Explanation: Through exploration and open-mindedness, the characters in the book grow personally, highlighting the value of learning through experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new activities, engage with diverse groups, and embrace learning opportunities to develop their own identity and skills.