HOW TO RESPOND TO CHILDREN
How to respond to children and teens
in general It is important to be honest. While teachers may choose to omit information, such as graphic details, it is crucial to acknowledge a tragedy, its issues and tumultuous emotions. Adults need to reassure children that their feelings are appropriate and normal. Most importantly, the adult's role in a situation of this nature is to give full attention to a child's concerns, anger, frustration or sadness, by listening carefully and acknowledging feelings. Children need to be reassured that adults will always do their best to keep children safe and healthy. In the case of natural or human disaster, re-explanation and practice of an education program or camp's safety precaution may ease the worries of students and the adults around them. Older students will understand the broader intellectual implications of a political or moral situation and may have feelings or fears that need to be dealt with. Sadness and anger can be exacerbated by feelings of helplessness. Finding ways to empower students begins to ameliorate overwhelming emotional responses. Where appropriate, encourage students to search out information that would help them better understand a situation. Check the RESOURCES tab for materials that provide more detail on responding to children and teens in general. |
How to respond to children and teens
in crises generated by humans When talking to elementary school aged children, adults could explain that Jewish tradition teaches that God gave us the gift of being able to make choices – people have the free will to choose either to be good or bad. Some people make choices that hurt or sadden others and so the consequences of God’s gift of freewill may seem unfair. But we need to understand that having choice allows us to move beyond the kind of control similar to that which parents have over us when we are very, very young. Jewish tradition says that God granted us this choice so we could mature. But freewill is just that - people have the choice not to do the right thing, and even to do evil. These people might choose to resolve issues with guns or bombs, bully others, or become involved in inappropriate relationships. But these people were given the ability to choose a good path – we are all created in God’s image.
Check the RESOURCES tab for materials that provide more detail on this topic. One that may be particularly helpful in the face of tragedy is here. Also check the TEXTS section for quotes that could be helpful to your students. |
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Jewish Education Center of Cleveland
http://www.jecc.org
Jewish Education Center of Cleveland
http://www.jecc.org