Explaining Tragedy

Explaining Tragedy
An Internet Hotlist on Helping Students Cope

created by Diane Hoff
Monmouth University

Introduction | Helping Students Cope with Death and Illness at Home | Helping Students Cope with a National Tragedy | Lesson Plans and Other Resources

Introduction

Of the many duties of a teacher, one of the most difficult must be dealing with children who are grieving over a death of a loved one or afraid of tragic world events. In addition to student issues at home, in the past few years, educators have had to reassure children who are upset or scared from the devastation that occurred in the tragedies of Columbine, Oklahoma City and the events of September 11, 2001. Although most schools have guidance services, the following sites will help teachers understand how to deal with grieving and upset students in the regular classroom environment.

The Internet Resources

Helping Students Cope with Death and Illness at Home

Childhood Bereavement - Help for teachers and adults in understanding the devastation children may feel over a death. This site includes grief/mourning theories and expressions of childrens' grief to help adults guide children through a difficult time.
Reaching out to Grieving Students - Every year millions of children grieve the death of a loved one. Educators can play a vital role in helping students understand and survive the grieving experience. Because teachers are with students for a large portion of the day, this site gives information to help teachers provide support to grieving children.
How to Answer Children's Questions About Death - A list of several principles that can help a parent or teacher in answering a child's specific questions about death.
Childrens' Concept of Death - Explains childrens' concepts of death at various ages so teachers can better understand what children think about death and dying. This site also includes the various stages of grief and strategies for how schools should handle a child's grief.

Helping Students Cope with a National Tragedy

Speaking to Children after a disaster - Discusses how to talk with children after a tragedy. This site was created after the Columbine tragedy and highlights not only what to say to scared children, but also, how to act toward them.
Talking to Children about Complex Issues - Explains how to talk with children about such sensitive and complex issues as death and violence in the world. This site focuses on FAQ's from parents and teachers about ways to discuss tragic world events.
Mr. Rogers thoughts on dealing with Tragedy - PBS personality/friend to children Fred Rogers shares his thoughts on how to speak with children following a tragedy.
Helping Children Cope - A guide for adults to support and reassure children during a difficult time. Written to help children cope with the Oklahoma City tragedy, but, is relevant for any difficult issue.
Explaining Tragedy - Commentary by George Grow taken from Voice of America Radio. Discusses how to help children deal with tragedy in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Lesson Plans and Other Resources

The First Day Back at School Following a Crisis - A guide for teachers on ways to structure the first day back to school following a tragedy. This site explains how the routine of the school day and the support of teachers are an important first step in the healing process for a child.
Beyond September 11, 2001 - Teachervision.com has put together articles, lessons and advice on how to help students understand and cope with the tragic events of 9/11. This activity rich site has programs for all grade levels.
Explaining the Inexplicable to your Students - This information rich website gives ideas on how to start the healing process in the classroom in the midst of a national tragedy. This site includes on-line lessons, background and other resources.

Content by Diane Hoff, hoffpm@aol.com
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/listexplainidi.html
Last revised Sun Dec 14 18:24:57 US/Pacific 2003