Context: Grade level: K – 2 (can be adapted for higher grade levels). A lesson in response to a crisis and/or tragedy.

Objectives: By the end of this lesson students will know the facts of the crisis and will understand that there are plans and safeguards in place to keep them safe and secure.

Preparation: Find out all of the facts. Talk with the guidance counselor to get additional input. Set up a time for the counselor to come talk with the class, if possible. Gather books to be used for the lesson (see “Resources” below for book ideas).

Lesson Introduction: Gather students together for circle time. Start with a check-in. Ask children about how they’re feeling.

Activity:

1. KWL

- Start with “What do you know?”
- What happened?
- Who was involved?
- What did they do and to whom?
- When did it happen?

Follow with “What do you want to know?”
- Allow for a question/answer period
- Answer only questions students ask
- Remember to listen carefully
- Provide honest answers at all times
- Admit when you don’t have an exact answer and suggest
- the class research the answer together, if appropriate
- Use realistic terms; avoid euphemisms

2. Discussion: Provide details about plans and safeguards that are in place for students’ safety and security.
- Talk about fire drills, earthquake drills; about how the adults will always watch out for children’s safety wherever they are.
- We have doctors, fireman and police officers to help take care of emergencies for us.
- Other details, as appropriate.

3. Closure/Activity: “So what can we do?”
- Brainstorm ideas
- Create a plan to implement those ideas as appropriate
- Provide an outlet for students’ desire to help – writing letters, sending a card, collecting money for a fund, planting a tree, for example.

Student Evaluation: Ask students to identify and record their support network in the community. Identify the students’ most pressing and maybe hidden questions by using a questionnaire or an anonymous question box.

Teacher Self-reflection: Children take their emotional cues from adults in their lives. Therefore, it is important to model calm and control. It will be challenging to keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Have school counselor available to provide information for students and yourself. It may be difficult but try to maintain a “normal” routine. Be careful not to stereotype. Allow time for age appropriate classroom discussion and activities.


Resources:

Books about Death and Dying

Aliki
The Two of Them, 1979
Describes the relationship of a grandfather and his granddaughter from her birth to his death.

Brown, Margaret Wise
The Dead Bird, 1958
As they are playing, some children find a dead bird. Feeling sorry for the bird, they give it their own loving funeral.

Bruchac, Joseph
Fox Song, 1993
After the death of her Indian great-grandmother, Jamie remembers the many things the old woman shared with her about the natural world.


Burningham, John
Granpa. 1984
Grandpa and his granddaughter share special moments together and look after each other. When Granpa passes away, his granddaughter can fondly reflect on those times.

Carlstrom, Nancy White
Blow me a kiss, Miss Lily,1990
When her best friend, an old lady named Miss Lily, passes away, Sara learns that the memory of a loved one never dies.

Carrick, Carol
The Accident, 1976
After his dog is hit by a truck and killed, Christopher must deal with his own feelings of depression and guilt.

Carson, Jo
You Hold Me and I’ll Hold You,1992
When a great-aunt dies, a young child finds comfort in being held and in holding, too.

Casley, Judith
When Grandpa Came to Stay, 1986
Benny’s grandpa comes to visit his family for the first time since grandma died. Through his grandpa, Benny learns it is okay to love and miss someone after they’re gone.

Carter, Dorothy
Bye, Mis’ Lela, 1998
At first, Sugar Plum cries when her mother leaves her with Mis' Lela, but the happy days they spend together make Sugar Plum want to remember her, even after she dies.

Cazet, Denys
Christmas Moon, 1984
Patrick misses Grandpa especially at Christmas, but his mother helps him remember happy times with Grandpa and what Grandpa taught him.

Cohen, Miriam
Jim’s Dog, Muffins, 1984
When Jim’s dog is killed, the other first graders experience with him his natural reaction to death.

De Paola, Tomie
Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, 1973
Tommy has a grandmother and a great-grandmother. When Nana Upstairs (his great-grandmother) dies, he feels sad but remembers her with love.


Books About Fear and Being Afraid

Aylesworth Siren In the Night
Ross M and M and the Haunted House Game
Sharmat Who's Afraid of Ernestine?
Watson Sometimes I'm Afraid
Carrick Dark and Full Of Secrets
Church My Brother John
Cunningham A Mouse Called Junction
Dragonwagon Will It Be Okay?
Escudie Little John's Fears
Freschet Furlie Cat
Greenberg The Bravest Babysitter
Hazen Fang
Hendry Dog Donovan
Hesse Lester's Dog
Keller Pimm's Place
Kerins The Brave Ones
Martin Foolish Rabbit's Big Mistake
Morris What If the Shark Wears Tennis Shoes?
Nielsen-Barsuh Feeling Afraid
Sharmat Frizzy the Fearful
Waddell Let's Go Home, Little Bear
Williams The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything

Books About Peace

Scholes, K. Peace Begins With You
Schwartz, Roslyn Rose and Dorothy
Seuss, Dr. The Butter Battle Book
Sharmat, Hooray for Father's Day!
Shles, Larry Hugs & Shrugs
Scholes, Peace Begins With You