Creating a safe place to discuss current events
Dear Lower School Families,
For the Lower School, Sarah Wright, Director of Inclusivity, Brooke Hamman, LS Counselor, and I facilitated discussions with our Fourth and Fifth Graders on Thursday about the events that took place on January 6 in Washington, D.C. In thinking about the developmental stages of our Lower School students, we felt our Fourth and Fifth Graders were at a place to engage in a larger conversation with their peers to express their feelings and ask questions.
We began each of the discussions with a poll to understand what the students knew about the events in Washington, D.C. The possible poll responses included:
- I don’t know anything. What events?
- I heard my parents talking about it.
- My parents talked to me about the events.
- I watched it on TV or online.
The poll in Fourth Grade revealed that 50 percent of the students knew something about the events, and in Fifth Grade, 90 percent of the students knew something about the events. I shared the factual information relating to the electoral certification process led by Congress and what occurred at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Then, Ms. Wright and Mrs. Hamman established our norms as a group for our time together. They included:
- Be more curious than certain. We can all learn from one another!
- Assume best intentions. Trust that people are doing the best they can to be honest and open.
- Challenge the idea. Not the person.
- This is a safe space. It’s okay for us to have different opinions. Feeling challenged by an idea can help us grow. Remember to say “yes…and.”
- Trust the process. Discussions can help our community grow. We are able to learn more about ourselves and others.
- Be responsible for your contribution and your own impact. The things we say or do have power. "I" statements are important.
We provided an opportunity for students to share and ask questions, and Ms. Wright walked us through a Peace Process to allow each of us to solve problems in a thoughtful and controlled manner that includes four steps:
- In like a flower (1) – hold – out like a birthday candle (1-2-3-4).
- Use “I” statements. I feel ____ because ____. The other person repeats what they heard. What I heard you say is I feel ____ because ____. Did I get it right?
- Repair the harm. How can I make it better? Say I’m sorry ____. Next time, ____. I need ____. Can we agree to that?
- Move forward. End the Peace Process with a fist bump, high five, handshake.
In thinking about current events and world news, the school respects that each family chooses to share and discuss information with your child based on their age and readiness for the content—especially at the ages of 4-8. If you are discussing these events or any current events with your child, I will share the following tips from the National Association of School Psychologists to support your approach to the discussion.
Create time to listen and be available to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information you choose to provide. Some children may prefer to write their thoughts and questions in a journal or draw pictures. Allow multiple opportunities for your child to talk with you and ask any questions—children may have follow-up questions or thoughts to share.
Keep your explanations and details developmentally appropriate. Don’t go into information overload. Limit media exposure, and if your child views media images, then follow up with a discussion to process their impressions and feelings of what they have seen.
Reassure children that they are safe. Validate their feelings and explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs.
Mrs. Hamman and I would also like to provide suggestions on staying connected with friends as we continue to socially distance as a mitigation strategy during the pandemic. Some families recently shared ideas that they have tried with great success that we would like to pass along:
- Spotify Dance Party with JQBX app
- Virtual Pajama Sleepover
- Virtual Cooking activities
- Virtual Lego Building or Art Creations
- Play UNO online
- Caribu app (read, draw, play games)
If your child is having difficulty with remote learning, please do not hesitate to reach out to the classroom teacher, Mrs. Hamman, or me. And, if your child needs a screen break, then please know that you have our full support to provide them with a break.
The following classrooms have additional supplies to pick up for the week of January 11-15.
- Pre-K Casita
- K-Owens/Hariton
- K-Patterson
- K-West
- 2-McCoy
Pick-up is Friday, January 8, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Bags will be located on the sidewalk of the North Road.
Sarah Wright, Brooke Hamman, and I are all available to provide support to you, your children, and your family. Please reach out to any or all of us at any time. Looking forward to January 19 and a Lower School full of students!
Angie
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