So many tragedies and controversies occur and then opinions are blasted in small blurbs in tweets, on Facebook, and supposed news bites. How do we help the children cope with the incidents and resulting burst of opinions?
Kevin Hodgson suggests this in his post “#DigiLitSunday: Filters, Floodgates, and Us“:
“The best we can do with our children and our students is try to be one of the trusted adults they can talk to, and ask questions of, and to be the ones whom they can turn to when the world turns upside down on them — in small ways and in larger ways.” ~Kevin Hodgson
We can listen and ask about their feelings. We can share our own. We must emphasize that the world goes on, and we strive to make the world better.
Sometimes our own words need support. Here are some resources for 9/11:
The Fred Rogers Company, Mr. Rogers: Tragic Events
Common Sense Media book suggestions
Common Sense Media books suggestions for teaching empathy
Commons Sense Media “Explaining News to Kids” This post talks about what Kevin suggests, that we filter the news as much as possible for the youngest children.
Teachers First: Age-rated and reviewed resources for teaching 9/11
Center for Civic Education: 9/11 Lessons
PBS Parents: Talking With Kids About News
“Learn how to calm kids’ fears, stimulate their minds, and encourage them to think about their place in today’s world.” ~PBS Parents
American School Counselor Association: Helping Kids During Crisis:
• Try and keep routines as normal as possible. Kids gain security from the predictability of routine, including attending school.
• Limit exposure to television and the news.
• Be honest with kids and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to handle.
• Listen to kids’ fears and concerns.
• Reassure kids that the world is a good place to be, but that there are people who do bad things.
• Parents and adults need to first deal with and assess their own responses to crisis and stress.
• Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships.~American School Counselor Association
As teachers, parents, loved ones, we help our children “look for the helpers.”
This blog post is part of
DigiLit Sunday sponsored by
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Thanks for the links and advice on teaching through tragedy.
So glad for your inspired writings to encourage me and others. I need to update this with your link. I had to leave before I was completely finished, but wanted to get it published.
Sherri, it is always good to “Listen to kids’ fears and concerns” and to build relationships so we can help out children and students deal with the issues of the world in a positive way.
Oops, spelled your name wrong Sheri in the above.
Relationships are key to having good conversations with kids. Thanks for pointing that out.