Support for Students
Teachers can create emotionally safe spaces in their classrooms when students are processing traumatic events while engaging in academic learning.
Take a Moment to Check-In
After receiving news that is difficult to process, allow students the opportunity to pause and absorb the information they were just given. These slides and scripts are divided into a K-5 and 6-12 band to be developmentally appropriate for students.
How to Use Circles to Check-In with Students
Use the grade-level Check-In (PPT) below to project and facilitate a session to allow time for students to reflect and discuss their emotions. Before engaging in this practice, take a moment to choose and reflect on the question that will be asked during the Circle process. Will students and/or staff have any difficulty or discomfort in answering this question? If so, what adjustments could you make?
Options and Ideas:
Seat all participants in a circle (preferably without any tables).
Choose one person (teacher, facilitator, or student) to act as Keeper of the Circle.
Use a talking piece passed sequentially around the Circle, giving each person the choice to speak or pass when the talking piece comes to them.
Consider modifying the openings and closings with quotes or lyrics from songs that will inspire your particular students or staff; invite others to do the Keeping or do an opening or closing.
Consider asking a student or pair of students to lead the Circle Check-In.
Experiment with different kinds of check-in questions.
Click here for help getting started with planning for a circle with your students.
Take a Moment to Process
How to Use Student Resources/Activities
The resources below can be used by students to process grief.
Options & Ideas:
Engage in Journal Prompts to help pause and reflect the information you are trying to process.
Use the Movement Activities to get your body and mind moving.
Take time to color a Positive Affirmation page to refer back to at different times.
Use the videos to learn more about processing grief and experiencing difficult to navigate emotions.
Take a Moment to Reflect
How to Use SEL Focused Reflections
After receiving difficult news, students may need a second to pause and collect their thoughts.
Use the SEL focused reflection prompts below to allow students time to journal, or even discuss as a whole group.
All prompts are focused on one of the 5 SEL competencies:
Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making
