Case
Classroom talk

I have a class of first graders. There were a couple of students that their parents told them about the Boston Bombings but the rest of the students did not know about this. I was not going to say anything about it to my students. That is for the parents to talk to them about. However, these two students decided to tell the class about what had happened. What do I do?

Posted on: 04/23/13 | Views: 979
Solution #1
I would talk to the class about the bombings. It is a current and serious event. I would not go into details with the students I would just tell them about what happened, how many people got hurt, and that the person was caught. Just the basics, and then I would tell them that if they needed to talk any more about what happened they needed to talk to their parents. I would end the conversation by telling them that we will no long be talking about the bombing in our classroom.

I agree with your comment and would be likely to use this with one addition. In such a serious situation sending a letter home with or emailing the parent seems to be necessary.

I think this is very helpful and may even be a good solution to implement for future events such as this. I also have to agree with erugyn about writing a letter to parents about the topic.

Keeping open communication with the parents and finding out what they want in accordance of what you need to do is a good idea.

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Solution #2
As a teacher you have to make that decision to discuss disasters to the class. Be prepared how you are going to discuss it, ask how the students feel and what they heard but please be brief without too much details. I think there is nothing more offensive when kids get to an age where they hear things and see things going on in their country and the teacher don't allow a discussion talk about it. Remember prepare to have a little discussion, hear other students thoughts, and be done with the topic and move on towards the day. You can also encourage kids to write letters in their journal to the world on how sorry they are about the disaster.

I like your idea of asking children to write in a journal about their thoughts. I would add to maybe have parents read those journals so that after if the parents feel any additional information is needed they could add to it.

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Solution #3
I would briefly go over with the class about the bombings. They are young enough to not be devastated, and be sure that you are very general and avoid small details.
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Solution #4
Possibly explain that class is not the right time for them to talk about it?
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Solution #5
I think having a conversation with students when something like this happens is necessary. Without going into great detail, of course. Students are going to get bits and pieces of information from other sources and they are even going to inflate what they do hear. Having a short conversation with students might eliviate some fears that the rumor have created.

Yes I agree. Students are bound to find out one way or another. I am a substitute at a school where technology is really influenced in the classroom, so students are bound to find out. Talks are necessary.

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