Our students may have a negative educational impact as they engage in social media, watch T.V. or have conversations at home. Students need our guidance and support in trying to cope with the violence and unrest. Students and staff may feel sad, scared or worried. Others may feel numb or even happy to be alive and safe. Reaction to traumatic events can be had by those directly impacted, as well as by friends and family of victims, first responders, and people learning about the event from the news. Feeling stressed before or after the traumatic event is normal.
Remember open, thoughtful communication with your students will help comfort and reassure them. Help your students talk about the event by letting them know that it is normal to feel worried or upset. Try to listen carefully and understand what they are really trying to say. Help younger children use works like “angry” and “sad” to express their feelings. The following guidelines can help:
Statement for teachers to read:
- Most of you know by now of the violence that has taken place ____________. Many of you may have been watching the news and have questions or might be feeling upset or worried. As your teacher, I wanted to stop my regular classwork for a few minutes to discuss any questions you may have about this very sad event.
- We are all feeling shocked and upset by these terrible events. It is normal when we hear of such events to feel afraid for our own safety and the safety of the people we care about.
- We may find it hard to concentrate on our daily activities and to understand why this has happened. Our administrators, as always, are watching carefully to make sure that our schools are safe.
Teachers must be vigilant in their interactions with students. Teachers cannot project their own opinions or beliefs. Students will be watching staff very closely to evaluate their reactions. We must model and maintain a sense of calm and control. Our reaction shapes the children’s responses. Be aware of our own feelings.
Typical Processing Questions:
- Did any of you see the news casts?
- Did any of you see anything else about which you may have questions?
- What are some thoughts you have about this event?
- What could we do as individuals or a class or school to promote peace?
Process the student’s concern about their own safety. If they have questions about the events, tell them that we do not have all of the information and facts at this point, but that we are interested in their feelings and safety. Reinforce that schools are very safe places. Reassure them that we do everything we can to make sure that they are safe.
Expect questions that have no answers. Be careful that you do not allow blame on any race, culture, or religion. Move the children through this discussion and return them to school work in order to have them focus on something other than this event. Returning to actual school work will give students a sense of normalcy and control.
Allow students to engage in the following activities as developmentally appropriate and the needs of your building:
All levels: As a class students can generate ideas of living in a peaceful world. Students can draw a picture or journal. Students may use various art forms and mediums. A bulletin board in a classroom can be dedicated to posting statements of peace and incorporating famous quotes from leaders for tolerance.
Elementary/Middle
An exercise to help you feel grounded in times of emotional stress and turmoil
Sit on a chair, feel your feet on the ground, press on your thighs, feel your behind on the seat, and your back supported by the chair; look around you and pick six objects that have red or blue. This should allow you to feel in the present, more grounded and in your body. Notice how your breath gets deeper and calmer. You may want to find a peaceful place to sit.
Source: Emotional First Aid, Gina Ross, MFCC, and Peter Levine, Ph.D.
