In our 24/7 breaking news world, there seems international journal to be a new crisis every day. As news outlets compete for clicks, all of us — including kids — are immersed in more headlines than ever before. Unless you teach current events or social studies, most of the day’s news probably won’t make it into your classroom. But certain news events are just too big to ignore. When this happens, a lot of teachers ask themselves: How should I address this with my students? And, should I address this at all?
First, decide whether you should have a conversation.
For many teachers, facilitating a conversation about tragic, disturbing, or otherwise controversial news can be fraught. Before considering how to approach a discussion like this with your students, consider whether it’s appropriate or necessary, as well as considering your own comfort level with having this type of conversation in your classroom. The most important consideration may be whether your students are genuinely upset or confused by the news, or need a space to process what’s going on.
Note that your school or district may already have policies or resources in place to guide you in these situations. If so, you should, of course, take these into consideration. Also consider other important factors, like the nature of the event, your students’ ages, and the expectations and culture of your school and community. No matter what, if any students come to class upset or seem like they need to talk, consider ways to get them the support they need, whether that’s a classroom discussion or more individualized support, from either school or home.