The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging

Discipline: Professional Resources

Copyright: 2025

Grade(s): K - 6

Delivery Method: Print

Imprint: Heinemann

Author(s): Rebecca Bellingham, Veronica Scott

The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging

Every child has the right to feel seen, valued, and free to be their unique selves at school. And as educators, we strive to create the conditions that can make it possible for our students to feel this sense of belonging every day. But what are the strategies, lessons, and practical ideas for facilitating these conditions in our classrooms?

In this book, Veronica Scott and Rebecca Bellingham present an artful approach to teaching—seamlessly blending picture books, poetry, and even pop culture into the school day to help children deepen their sense of self and explore the stories that shape our world, especially those that often go untold. This approach also helps educators celebrate cultural months with a fresh, affirming lens and teach honest history in developmentally appropriate ways.

Veronica, a Black, Chicana woman and Rebecca, a white, Jewish woman, each speak directly to the reader across the book by sharing their own unique experiences about everything from Black History Month to Beyoncé to Broadway and beyond. You’ll also find ready-to-go lessons, student work, original mentor texts, guiding questions, and practical tips to develop rigorous units of study inspired by the magic of the arts and informed by culturally responsive teaching. 

The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging is a mix of sophisticated and engaging topics that meet teachers where they are and help make their exploration of identity a joyful one.