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TURNING TERRORISM INTO UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION
However uninvited, September 11's terrorist attacks in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania provide educators a prime opportunity to help children learn about violence and how to exercise tolerance and compassion for the many different people in the world. Following are a few ideas and web resources to support the development of specific lesson plans.
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Tolerance and Open-mindedness
Child psychology experts urge adults not to stifle or dismiss children's feelings of anger and aggression in the wake of the news of this violent tragedy. Instead, children need to learn appropriate ways to express and act on their feelings.
"Let children know that it is okay to feel upset. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs," the National Association of School Psychologists says. "Let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective. Even anger is okay, but children may need help and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately."
Anger about specific events and loss is appropriate, but directing it toward individuals is not, child psychiatrist and George Washington University Medical School professor Stanley Greenspan adds. "Help your child understand that the actions of a few individuals or groups should not lead to feeling hateful or scared of other people, that most peoples around the world share a common humanity and that to deal with such tragedies would require us working together," Greenspan told parents Wednesday in an online chat hosted by WashingtonPost.com.
LESSON PLAN IDEA:
From: Scott Poland, former NASP President, and
Donna Poland, director of instruction and curriculum coordinator,
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, Houston
 Helping students discuss violence, their reactions to it and how to prevent it
Emotional Outlets for Young Children
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, young children need structure and routine to ease away from the feeling of instability that sudden and tragic news can cause. They also need more opportunities for physical activity and settings that provide an outlet for their naturally emotional responses to such news.
LESSON PLAN IDEAS:
From the NAEYC
Work into the children's daily routine more time for playing with sand, water, clay and playdough -- these materials provide a relaxing, therapeutic experience.
Provide an opportunity for dramatic play -- children often use this mechanism to work out their worries and feelings. Educators and caregivers can create props to help children pretend they are firefighters, doctors, rescue workers or other helpers. "In dramatic play, children can pretend that they are big and strong to gain control over their trauma and to overcome feelings of helplessness," the NAEYC says.
Activism for Older Students
Upper middle school and high school students "will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society," the NASP says. In addition to wanting to disucss these issues in the classroom, many will be eager to help the victims of the attacks in some way.
LESSON PLAN IDEAS:
From various sources
Write get well cards to survivors and victims' families.
Write thank you letters to emergency rescue workers,
firefighters, police, doctors, nurses and other health
care professionals.
Provide class time to organize participation in community gatherings to commemorate those who were killed or plan to join volunteers in relief efforts, fund raising efforts and blood drives.
Special Education News welcomes lesson plan suggestions.
Please e-mail them to
educators@specialednews.com.
This site may from time to time contain disconnected links due to changes in the web sites we have linked to. We will endeavor to update links to outside resources as they change, and we appreciate tips on changes being made.
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