1.+Rationale

= Rationale =

**A Sense of Community **

 * VELS LEVEL 2**


 * What does it mean to belong? When people feel that they belong, in the sense that they feel they fit in or have a place in their community, they are more likely to have the capacity to feel committed to working with others, to take responsibility for their actions, and to be fulfilled in their duties as citizens.

"...[H]aving a sense of belonging... [is] good for our mental health and well being. We not only feel happier, we also cope better with problems and stress", says __actbelongcommit.org.au__. Setting a good foundation for happier children is an essential part of healthy development.

Relationships, built with our family, peers, neighbors and community protectors, contribute to an awareness of trust and that trust plays an integral role in our own communities.

The integrated unit planner, //A Sense of Community//, allows students to think about all the places they belong, from their own families to the greater community around them, and their own identity within these places. Giving students the ability to see that they are not isolated beings, that they play a very important role in each facet of a community, will enable them to feel safe and secure in their surroundings.**