Reflections of an Educator

One year ago, I wrote the following blog post to share resources with educators and parents/guardians - to help work with students and to help adults themselves work through this tragedy that hit Boston, Massachusetts and the world.  In the spirit of seeing the good after a tragedy, we teach our students to focus on the leadership and human kindness that emerges from dark, tragic times.  The 2013 Boston Marathon bombing was one such time, but Boston is resilient, and so are its people.  In addition to the resources below, some heroes of the Boston Marathon bombing are profiled one year later, which is a positive follow-up to either start or conclude a reflection on the Boston Marathon bombing anniversary: http://www.aol.com/article/2014/04/14/4-heroes-of-the-boston-marathon-bombing/20868687/ http://www.necn.com/04/14/14/BMC-honors-victims-heroes-of-Boston-Mara/landing.html?blockID=865065&feedID=11106 http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/13/boston-stro...

As adults, we feel helpless after a tragedy such as the Boston Marathon Bombings.  There is so much pain, grief and anger that we feel even as adults, it is important to stop and remember how these same feelings may be impacting our students.  Two big questions I've been considering are: How should I speak to kids about this? What can I do to help? Below, you will find some resources and suggestions to help answer both of these questions. Resources to speak with kids about the Boston Marathon Bombing Tragedy : National Association of School Psychologists - Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times   NC Department of HHS: Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events - advice from Mr. Rogers Center for Social and Emotional Education: Talking to Children about Violence and Terrorism Dr. Gail Saltz - via The Today Show: Talking to Your Kids about the Boston Marathon Bombings National Association of School Psychologists: Tips for Parents/Teachers - Talking to C...