Variables del PEMR

Purpose This session is another incorporation of the Circle of Courage. Belonging is another trait in the Circle of Courage that facilitates resiliency. Belonging is "established when students form relationships within family, school, and community (Feinstein et al., 2009). A sense of belonging is just as important to physical health, and those who do not have an adequate sense of belonging will turn to negative relationships, and risky behaviors for attention (Brendtro et al., 1990; Brendtro et al., 2014).

This session will educate the students on the belonging needs of a person, and how to develop positive relationships. As this is a session based on the Circle of Courage, the purpose is to also promote the protective factor resiliency, which improves mental health.

Preparation/ Supplies

Visual of the Circle of Courage Paper for belonging activities Pencils/pens

*Note: A picture of the Circle of Courage and an example of what the paper for belonging activities may look like is provided at the end of this session.

Group size &

Timeline Group size:

• 3-10

• Age should be taken into account. The younger the clients, the smaller the group size.

Note: Can be done individually instead of in group as well.

Timeline:

This session will take one 30-45 minute session, and another 15 minutes in a follow up session to cover the application of the session.

Goals By the end of the session:

1. The student will explain what a sense of belonging is and why it is important

2. The student will identify examples of how they felt when they felt a sense of belonging, and when they did not feel a sense a belonging. 3. The student will develop activities that promote a sense of belonging

108

4. The student will choose and activity to complete with their family and identify the effect on their sense of belonging in their journal.

Rationale of

Activity Humans need a sense of belonging and the ability to connect with others _{(Brendtro, et al., 2014). This session promotes the building of resiliency}

using the Circle of Courage, and it promotes mental health by increasing a sense of belonging in the students. It helps educate students on the importance on healthy relationships (the focus of this unit) and uses inclusion of the family. Inclusion of the family helps focus on the interdependence aspect that is important to Native Americans.

Cultural Components

The Circle of Courage, inclusion of interdependence factors by including the family, and promotion of resiliency are all important cultural considerations in this session.

Precautions The family that the students choose should be realistic and feasible. For example, the student may list an activity that involves travel and extra time. An activity that can be easily completed together at home one night should be picked.

Steps 1) Begin by reintroducing the Circle of Courage and the how it promotes resiliency for better mental health

2) Explain the importance of a sense of a belonging

3) Facilitate a discussion with the students about how they feel when they have a sense of belonging, and how they feel when they are left out. 4) Educate how a sense of belonging can occur at the levels of groups,

family, friends, and community 5) Begin activity:

a. Provide each student with packet. The first page in the packet should have categories of group, family, friends, and community with blank lines for students to fill out activities under each. The second paper should have a section for journaling about the effects of completing the activity.

b. Have each student brainstorm activities in each category that promote a sense of belonging

c. Have each student share at least one activity from their lists and why they would like it

d. After sharing, have each student write down or circle an already listed activity that they want to complete with their family that night, and instruct them to journal about it with their family after completion.

109

Adaptations Can have students list out activities as a group instead of individually for younger ages.

Can choose an activity that does not involve brainstorming and instead provides an example of how it feels to be included and how it feels to be excluded as a learning activity.

Outcome

Criteria The outcomes of this session should:

a. Facilitate knowledge about how a sense of belonging promotes positive feelings and resiliency

b. Increased positive relationship with their family for better sense of belonging

c. Increased awareness of a sense of belonging on mental health

Resources Brendtro, L., Brokenleg, M., & Van Bockern, S. (1990). Reclaiming youth at risk: Our hope for the future. Bloomington, IN: National Educational Service.

Brendtro, L. K., Mitchell, M. L., & Jackson, W. C. (2014). The Circle of Courage: Critical Indicators of Successful Life Outcomes. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 23(1), 9-13. Retrieved from

https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1038854

Feinstein, S., Driving-Hawk, C., & Baartman, J. (2009). Resiliency and native American teenagers. Reclaiming Children and Youth, 18(2), 12-17. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ867921

110