A Little River Program
I BELONG: How to Be Human Together
Anti-bullying, inclusion, communication and belonging resources for kids, families and schools.
We're starting with simple resources that help children understand how to treat each other with more humanity, especially when someone looks, communicates, behaves, learns or responds differently than they do. This page will keep growing as new questions and real situations come in, so check back often.
START HERE
I BELONG teaches kids the difference between something being different, a boundary issue, a hygiene or shared-space issue, or an actual safety issue, instead of automatically labeling another child "weird," "gross," or "scary."
Every resource here is built around one idea: kids can learn to notice, pause, understand and respond with care, and adults can teach accountability without shame.
Difference
Someone looks, moves, communicates, learns, plays or experiences the world differently. This doesn't need correcting.
Boundary
Something is happening to a child's body, belongings or personal space that they don't want. Teach clear words and respect the answer.
Hygiene or Shared Space
Something genuinely needs attention. Teach children to help quietly and respectfully rather than embarrass someone.
Safety
Someone may be physically or emotionally unsafe. Adults step in. Safety concerns are never something a child should "just work out."
MINI RESOURCES
Quick, printable handouts and guides you can grab and use today, no reading marathon required.
Backpack Cards for Parents & Teachers
Small, foldable reminders with simple language to use in the moment, small enough to keep in a backpack or desk drawer.
Five Questions for Home or School
What happened. Was it a difference, boundary, hygiene, or safety issue. What words could help. Did anyone get hurt. What would repair look like now.
Repair Sequence One-Pager
Stop, Listen, Repair, Try Again. A one-page guide adults can post at home or in the classroom.
New mini resources are added regularly, this library is meant to keep growing.
SONGS
Songs connected to specific lessons, made to help kids remember the words and skills more easily.
Different Is Okay
For younger children. A gentle, bouncy song about how being different is never a bad thing.
Before You Call It Weird
For older kids and preteens. A catchier, more direct song about pausing before judging someone who seems unfamiliar.
SONGS
Songs connected to specific lessons, made to help kids remember the words and skills more easily.
Soon, each mini guide will link straight to its matching song, so kids can read, listen, and go deeper when they're ready.
FOR KIDS
Real words for real moments. These are things kids can actually say, sign, write or point to when something feels hard.
"Please stop."
"I need more space."
"Do you want to join us?"
"I need an adult."
FOR PARENTS, TEACHERS & CAREGIVERS
Guidance for helping children navigate these situations, plus support for the adults doing the teaching.
Connect Before You Correct
Instead of "what is wrong with you," try "that hurt someone, let's slow down and figure out what happened."
Supporting Neurodivergent Children
Resources specifically built for autistic and neurodivergent kids, and for the adults supporting them.
Adults Teach, Protect, Watch and Repair
We are not raising perfect children. We are raising children who are learning to live with other human beings.
DEEPER RESOURCES
As the program grows, this is where the larger, research-based guides will live: full explanations of the thinking behind I BELONG, classroom-ready lesson plans, and detailed guidance for tougher situations. Check back as new guides are added.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Free printable pages you can save, print and keep close at home, in the classroom or at the museum table.
Accountability Without Shame
Watch for patterns, model what you want children to learn, and five questions to ask at home or school.
Teach Them What Comes Next
Connect before you correct, teach the pause, and words to practice instead of just saying "be nice."
Teach the Difference
Difference, boundary, hygiene and safety, plus the stop, listen, repair, try again sequence.
Thank you. We read every submission and use these to shape what we build next.
TELL US WHAT YOU NEED
This program grows from the real questions and real situations families and schools are facing. If you're struggling with something we haven't covered yet, tell us. We'll research it and turn it into new guides, scripts or songs.