Helping Kids Cope with Connecticut Shooting

People all across the world are in mourning for those children and adults who were brutally shot on Friday, December 14th at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

The horrific tragedy is incomprehensible for us as adults, but for school children around the globe who have seen or heard about it, the news may be frightening.  Children may have seen the reports on the news or heard about it through hushed tones as adults speak to one another while trying to make sense.  The thought that their beloved school might not be safe could cause fear, anxiety or confusion or other emotions.


How should teachers and parents help our children cope?  Students will most likely bring up the subject on Monday.  My 10 year olds will no doubt have questions or comments which they will not be afraid to voice.  I might ask the students what they know before discussing anything.  I will reassure them about the safeguards we have in place in our school.  Speaking to them openly but cautiously is suggested by the Sidran Institute.  Check out their suggestions and tips for helping to manage children's fears.  It might also be a good idea to minimize the media coverage at this time.   Children do not need daily reminders about the event.

Other resources that may help:

• National Association of School Phsycologists- PDF with ideas to support children (with acts of terrorism). 
• New York Times: How Not to Talk to Your Children About the Sandy Hook Shooting.
• SAMHSA: A free 4-page download with tips/suggestions broken into age groups.
• Principles of Working with Traumatized Children by Dr. Bruce Perry (via Scholastic) "Don't be afraid to talk about it...children do not benefit from putting it out of their minds."
• CNN Health - Article "Support Crucial for Kids After Trauma"

There is no right or wrong way to deal with such an event. However, the emotional well-being of our students and children is a priority.  Taking our cues from them by finding out what they know, want to know and need to know will help us proceed.  Often times kids just want reassurance and don't need details.  So finding out what they know will help drive the conversation, which may help us avoid sharing too much information.

On a a side note: my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy and I applaud the efforts of the teachers and staff at the Sandy Hook Elementary School for their bravery and dedication.

Hurricane Information for Kids

As Hurricane Irene is making her way down the East Coast, many people are preparing for a serious storm.  While there are those excited by the prospect of high winds and torrential rain, others, like elementary students, may be nervous and confused about what to expect.  As always, providing information may alleviate their fears.

NASA Science Files for Kids: An interactive site that describes Hurricane Structure, Formation and Movement. 

Saffir-Simpson Scale: This NASA site explains the rating scale used for hurricanes.  Hurricanes are rated on a scale of 1-5.  A category 1 hurricane is less intense than a category 5.

Hurricane Names: Learn how hurricanes are named and find a list of names that have been or will be used.   Is your name here?


HURRICANE VIDEOS:

Discovery Channel Video:  This video explains how hurricanes form and describes some of the damage caused by them.

Hurricane Minute: A series of video clips from the Weather Channel Kids that are each one minute in length.  The content is more suitable for older children.


KidsKnowIt Network: This short video pairs animation with words to explain how hurricanes work. (Although there are ads on the side of the site this might work for younger students).

Video Explaining How Hurricanes Work and How they Get their Name
         (Two commercials are embedded in this video)



HOW TO PREPARE:

Family Education:  This site gives clear directions on how to prepare for a hurricane. This is more for parents to use with their children.

Ready America: This site is also for use with your children.

FEMA: A site that helps kids plan a 'disaster kit' and family 'disaster plan' and more.

WEATHER RESOURCES:

The Weather Channel Kids:  Look up the weather in your location using your zip code, play weather related games and more.  This site offers all kinds of different resources for kids and teachers.

FEMA for Kids:  This site has information on hurricanes and other disasters.  It has pages to show how to prepare for emergencies, how to protect your home and pets and more.

Weather Wiz for Kids Learn all about the wonderful world of weather through this site designed especially for kids (teacher & parent resources as well.)

Kidstorm:  Provides links and information about storms. For kids, parents & teachers.

Weather Coloring Books: This site has coloring books in PDF form to help kids understand severe weather.   (Should probably be used with parent as there is a lot of information.)     


National Weather Service: Here you will find the National Hurricane Center with all kinds of information. 
 
StormPulse:  Track Atlantic & Pacific Hurricanes, other storms and more.

Hurricane Resources:  A collection of sites compiled by @Cybraryman1


Putting the power in kids' hands by helping them learn about natural phenomena like hurricanes will hopefully ease their fears through understanding and at the same time create interest an interest in their world.