|
The 'news' is all around us.....on TV, social media, technology devices and through people talking. Our kids are seeing and hearing things that can really get their brains going - in both positive and negative directions which can bring up some big questions and feelings. It is great to have conversations - with all kids based on their developmental level - about what they understand about the world around them. That said, sometimes those conversations can feel very hard to bring up for many reasons - maybe we don't feel like we're the 'expert' on the topic, it is uncomfortable, we're not sure what to exactly say, etc. Please don't let those hesitations stop your family conversations because conversation and communication are some of the best prevention and protection we can give our kids. Below are some resources to help you if you're feeling like the current state of our country is a hard topic to address.
Talking to Students about the News:
· When Bad Things Are Happening - When news breaks of disaster or violence, your students may want to discuss a crisis as it unfolds. Here’s how. – Teaching Tolerance
· Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers – NASP
· Explaining the News to Our Kids - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids
· NCTSN Resources - http://www.nctsnet.org/resources/audiences/school-personnel/crisis-situation
· National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement - https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/
· How to talk to children about difficult news from the APA - https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/talking-to-children
· NPR - What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary – Jan 2020
Books to read with kids:
Be a King by Carol Boston Weatherford
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
What If Everybody Did That? by Colleen Madden
Most of these books can be found on YouTube !
Teaching Tolerance Resources to Talk About Race
Myriad resources including:
· Let's Talk! Discussing Race, Racism and Other Difficult Topics With Students - Use the strategies in this resource as you prepare to talk with students about the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of racial inequality and discrimination.
· Teaching About Race, Racism and Police Violence - These resources can help spur discussions about implicit bias and systemic racism, and empower students to work toward a more just society.
| 