How do you as teachers support children who are confused or frightened by events going on in their world?

I am honoured to be a part of Top Global Teacher Bloggers . The bloggers from different parts of the world are contributing in the Huffington Post's Education blogs for 2016.

This months question- How do you as teachers support children who are confused or frightened by events going on in their world?

Teachers play a significant role in the life of a child and creating a empathetic mind to deal with challenges all across the globe. There are all types of children in a class. Some children are emotional and get affected by small things happening around them. Through television and newspapers we get to know about incidents of terrorist attacks, natural calamities and other dangers. There is a traumatic impact of all these on the mind of a young children which hamper their physical as well as mental growth. It becomes challenging for a teacher to motivate such children who are confused or frightened by events going on in the world.

Here are few ideas which can be considered by a teacher to overcome such situation.

#1 Individual attention by counselor

In school we teach about living in harmony, peace and spreading love. Values like empathy, kindness, expressing gratitude and being patient are a part of lesson. Some children who are affected by any traumatic situation be it at home or outside it are dealt with extra care. We have appointed counselors in the school who take individual care of such children. A teacher after knowing about such children help them connect with counselor. 

#2 teaching by using blended strategies involving play- way technique, storytelling and dance and drama

Such children are engaged in activities in the school. This helps in improving their state of mind. They get involved in dance/drama/story telling etc.

#3 Collaborative activities with partner schools

Students participate in video conferences and get to know about similarities and dissimilarities all around the world. They learn to appreciate the diversity around. Sharing messages/pictures on instagram/snapchat/e mail make them aware of different cultures and opinions.

#4 Showing movies of good things happening around us

There is a lot of good also happening around us. To heal the wound we can spread happiness by showing good deeds. Short movies can be shown to children to heal the affected heart. 

#5 Making a happiness tree that grows with gifts of appreciation and love

Children wish each other with good things, appreciate each other and spread happiness and love. 

Every small effort brings a big change.

Children are trend setters and change makers. By spreading goodness and appreciating what good we have we can overcome all challenges.

Together We Can!!