“Years ago at my children’s preschool, I was introduced to the book You Can’t Say You Can’t Play by renowned early childhood educator Vivian Paley. Paley’s thoughts about interpersonal rejection—an area of lifelong study for my father Dr Herbert E. Thomas—jumped off the page.
This personal intersection sparked a filmmaking journey exploring how we as humans are literally hard-wired for connection. Our search for educators actively implementing the “You Can’t Say You Can’t Play” philosophy led us to a unique classroom in Oklahoma. There, we found “Miss” Varnell and her kindergarten students working together to shape their world into a place where every student feels seen, connected and valued.
While filming, we captured something special, which is at the heart of “Belonging.” Hearing five-year-olds articulate, in their own words, what kindness mean to them—and how deeply they feel acceptance and rejection—ultimately says it best.
At a time when one in three students report being bullied and youth loneliness is at an all-time high, cultivating acceptance in the classroom is a powerful antidote. Studies consistently show that a true sense of community in school gives children a better chance to reach their full potential, both in school and in life. Belonging serves as vital reminder of our shared humanity: we all need to feel we belong. ”