What do you say to a class of six and seven year olds?
I haven't a clue. I'm sorry. Just don't *ignore* their feelings, and try to remember how you'd feel if you were in their place. When my stepdad died, everyone quite literally told me I had to be strong for my mom and not make problems for her, physically pushed me aside, and comforted her.
I was also in the nasty position of being a student when several of my peers were killed during various accidents and suicides. Basic advice? Let the kids know it's okay to cry, and perfectly natural to feel sad, confused, angry, etc. Let them know that you're there if they need someone to talk to about what's happened. If they're in class and start crying in the middle of classwork or a test, maybe walk them outside the classroom, make sure they know you aren't angry with them, and let them know you care. Help them calm down a bit, get them some water, take them to the nurse and have them lie down if needed. Basically just be there for them, and be as compassionate as possible.
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I haven't a clue. I'm sorry. Just don't *ignore* their feelings, and try to remember how you'd feel if you were in their place. When my stepdad died, everyone quite literally told me I had to be strong for my mom and not make problems for her, physically pushed me aside, and comforted her.
I was also in the nasty position of being a student when several of my peers were killed during various accidents and suicides. Basic advice? Let the kids know it's okay to cry, and perfectly natural to feel sad, confused, angry, etc. Let them know that you're there if they need someone to talk to about what's happened. If they're in class and start crying in the middle of classwork or a test, maybe walk them outside the classroom, make sure they know you aren't angry with them, and let them know you care. Help them calm down a bit, get them some water, take them to the nurse and have them lie down if needed. Basically just be there for them, and be as compassionate as possible.
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Some were upset, and some weren't affected at all. They all knew what had happened of course but I'm glad that they didn't quite understand.
I've arranged for our school chaplain to come in and speak to them and they know they can come and talk to me if they want to as well.
Xandria
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