Product Description
Coping with Tragedy: Activities to Support Students in Times of Trauma BUNDLE:
This BUNDLE includes TWO resources. ONE resource is for K-2nd grade and ONE resource for 3rd-5th grade, which you can find here:
- Coping with Tragedy: Activities to Support Student During Times of Trauma K-2nd grade
- Coping with Tragedy: Activities to Support Student During Times of Trauma 3rd-5th grade
Not sure what to do, say, or how to help your students when a tragedy occurs? Traumas like natural disasters, acts of violence, or losing a valued member of the community impact your classroom in so many ways. These packets give you a handful of activities, tips, and book suggestions to help you navigate tragic events with your students.
There is some overlapping content in these products. Some pages have been adapted to meet the needs of the grade level (line-spacing, verbiage, etc.).
These products pair well with these books. Depending on the tragedy you are facing, some books will be better than others. A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook and A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M Holmes are beneficial for any trauma, for example, but some of these titles are specific to certain tragedies. Check these titles to find what you might need:
- A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook
- Worry Says What? by Allison Edwards
- A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M Holmes
- Flood by Alvaro F. Villa
- The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland
- Listening to My Body: A guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations and feelings by Gabi Garcia.
- I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras) by Laurie Wright
- Help Your Dragon Deal With Anxiety by Steve Herman
- In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts) by Jo Witek
- Coping Skills for Kids Workbook: Over 75 Coping Strategies to Help Kids Deal with Stress, Anxiety and Angerby Janine Halloran
Take note:
- Please be aware that these resources are NOT intended to replace mental health services for students in need. Depending on the tragic event, the proximity of the trauma, and other factors, students may need help on a more individual basis.
- Teachers and counselors should closely monitor students’ reactions to activities. Students respond to situations, activities, and feelings differently. Make decisions in the best interest of students. If that means some students refrain from participation in an activity, that is okay. It might also mean that some students require a referral to the school psychologist or school counselor.
- Be very clear with students about your intention to share (or not share) the final product(s) with others. If you intend to display or send any part of this home to parents, students should be aware of that before the activity begins.
- These activity packs were created for communities experiencing an acute trauma. This might include a natural disaster, the loss of a community member (including a teacher or student), or an act of violence (including a school shooting) or terrorism.
- Though these were not intended to be used for students who experience (or are experiencing) chronic trauma or who have traumatic experiences in their past, you may find that some of the activities and discussions are beneficial.