Dealing with Disasters
By Peter W. Cookson, Jr.

Last December, the people living on the edge of the Indian Ocean suffered a disaster of unimaginable magnitude. A tsunami claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The destruction to physical property was enormous and will have a lasting impact.

The effects of disasters on children are significant. Children who are not directly involved but who observe the disasters through the media also suffer. Pictures that are constantly replayed on television or over the Internet create fear and confusion for young people who have no frame of reference for understanding why these events occur. For many children, your classroom is the safest place in the world. How can we create a sense of safety and security for children who witness disasters?

Dealing with reality
First, we should try not to hide the reality from our students. It's best to discuss the disaster openly, to let each child express his or her fears and feelings. Try small group discussion, drawing pictures and reading stories.

There are times when children need to cry and discuss their anxiety. Your classroom is a safe and protected environment where they can express their feelings in an atmosphere of trust.

For some kids, professional help may be needed. You shouldn't hesitate to use the school counselor or psychologist to provide support.

What can we do?
One of the consequences of large-scale disasters is the feeling of paralysis. Activities are one way of breaking feelings of being paralyzed. Have your students write a report on the aid that is being provided to the victims of the disaster. Find out if your class can adopt a school or village. Identify individual children who are victims and have your class become their buddies and pen pals. Make sure your students understand the geography and the geology of natural disasters. This understanding will make the world seem less chaotic and out of control to your students.

The one thing that we should all avoid is spreading fear. As a first year teacher, you should model calmness, strength and compassion. Because your classroom is a safe haven, your students will be able to gather strength and security and, thus, be in touch with their own humanity and empathy. By sharing honestly, you and your students will be able to grow together, be active in alleviating the consequences of suffering and create a more compassionate world in the future.

Peter W. Cookson, Jr. is the founder of TCinnovations and the Dean of the Graduate School of Education of Lewis & Clark College. He is also founder of the Center for Educational Outreach & Innovation at Teachers College.

March 2005, Vol.35, No.6