Resources for Teachers, Parents, & Caregivers:
How to Address the News in Ukraine
If you are interested in lending support to the Ukraine conflict, the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) has compiled a list of reputable organizations that have each been vetted for you to choose from. The organizations listed represent some of the most experienced and capable entities working to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to this conflict.
Empathizing with tragedy: How to talk to kiDs about conflict & War
Sound Bite from KCBS RADIO FROM VITUAL WEBINAR
Full Recording of Webinar Follows Below...
VIRTUAL WEBINAR | MARCH 2, 2022
- Age-Appropriate Conversations to Address Anxiety and Fear;
- Trusted News Sources and Digital Wellness;
- The Power and Danger of Social Media;
- Uplifting and Empowering Kids In Times of Tragedy; &
- Taking Positive Action.
Resources & Slide Presentations Follow Below:
Letter from Marin County SUperintendent of Schools
The news over the past few days of the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine has been difficult to watch and may be scary to some of our students and adults. We know that although these events are happening on the other side of the world, they undoubtedly impact many in our community and in our schools either directly or indirectly. We also know that with access to social media many of our tweens and teens will be seeing, hearing and sharing about what is going on - and they will have questions. We want to do everything we can to take care of one another and our students as we return to school, and have provided some helpful suggestions and a variety of resources to share with parents, teachers and caregivers in the links below.
Some of the most important advice is to take cues from our students, limit their exposure as much as possible to breaking news and not bombard them with scary images, and to ask students about what they have heard and what they are feeling. It is also important to look for signs that students may be feeling anxious, and to take their concerns seriously. If they have questions that you can't answer, it's OK to tell them you don't know, and that you'll seek out an answer and circle back with them.
Fred Rogers' timeless reminder, that when something scary happens to "look for the helpers" may also be an invitation to consider how we can help by taking positive action together.
Thanks for all that you do to support the health, safety and well-being of our students and one another. Please feel free to share.
Mary Jane
TEACHING RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS
Students want and need to talk about what they see, remember, and are feeling now; they need the guidance and safety of adults in their schools to be able to navigate their own emotions and trauma in a healthy, safe, and productive way. Classrooms are powerful places to help children process current events, provided educators give renewed energy to creating safe spaces for students.
As with all difficult topics, educators should be keenly aware of the emotional impact these events have on students. Teachers should pay close attention to students who may have family members in the regions and students who might be worried about how this crisis might impact them here in the United States. Before beginning a discussion, teachers are encouraged to consult resources for conducting class discussions such as Facing History and Ourselves’ Fostering Civil Discourse (PDF).
Connect with classrooms around the world using built-in activities through EMPATICO: a free platform for classrooms around the world to connect through video exchanges. Teachers can add information such as student ages and dates they're available -- as well as pick some of Empatico's prebuilt activities -- to get matched with another teacher. Once matched, chat with your partner teacher to prepare for an upcoming session, and provide photos and videos of your class if desired.
Social & Emotional learning resources for families, educators to support students
Our students want and need to talk about what they see, remember, and are feeling now; they need the guidance and safety of adults in their home and in their schools to be able to navigate their own emotions and trauma in a healthy, safe, and productive way.
For All Ages
Helping Your Students Cope With a Violent World: Edutopia article features strategies for helping children make sense with historical perspective, feel empowered, and inspire them to feel hopeful.
How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
Talking to Your Kids About War: Very Well Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.
How to Talk with Children About the Conflict in Ukraine: Save the Children writes about how and when to talk about war and violence with our kids.
How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine: The New York Times discusses how to speak with kids and teens about Ukraine.
News and America's Kids: How Young People Perceive and are Impacted by the News: Common Sense Media gathered a Toolkit for Parents and Educators.
Best News Sources for Kids: Common Sense Media lists the best News websites for young students.
For Elementary/ Middle School Students
Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.
Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association breaks out tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.
Trauma-Informed Resources for School Systems
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic or keyword and by audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic or keyword and by audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.
Top Tips to Support Young Children in Times of Stress (ages 4-8)
Talk with someone 24/7
If you or someone you know is in distress, please contact:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Access Line (888) 818-1115
Crisis Stabilization Unit (415) 473-6666
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
Linea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (888) 628-9454
Crisis Text Line - Text MARIN to 741741
THE MARIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Marin County Wellness Collaborative | 1111 Las Gallinas Avenue | San Rafael, CA 94903
https://www.marinschools.org/ | MCWellness@marinschools.org