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Sunday, December 16, 2012

Helping Kids Cope with Connecticut Shooting


http://caloniedoesart.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/billysorrentino-sandyhookelementarymemorialribbon.jpg?w=627People 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:
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.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Nancy. I feel this is a very important post. I thank you for the resources and will share with others. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. These resources are similar and are very good. Even if you don't have children there are some tips and guidelines that would be beneficial.

      Sad day in our nation's history.

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  2. I am sure there will be questions tomorrow and teachers will want some guidelines on what to say and not say. You have provided them with just the resources they need. Nice.

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    Replies
    1. Our district provided some similar resources, but it was nice to see how much information is readily available if needed.

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  3. As always, nice job, Nancy. You are always right on top of things. I will also pass this along.

    Teresa

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  4. I saw something on YouTube about the New Town, Connecticut Shooting being influenced by the 'Dark Knight Rises' movie. They said there was a map when they were planning the nuclear bomb and the only legible text on there was ' Sandy Hook'. It used to say something different before because if you look up a map of Gotham City, it's not Sandy Hook. I was just curious, thanks.

    phlebotomy schools connecticut

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  5. Most parents would want their child to have the best possible education they can afford to learn language, mathematics, arts, sciences, and other subjects that might be the basic building blocks to their higher learning when they enter high school and the university

    ReplyDelete

I welcome your comments and ideas!!


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