Discussing traumatic events with your students is a delicate task. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to have these conversations but it’s important to educate yourself on some of the techniques and strategies for going into this kind of conversation with tact. Unfortunately, teachers are finding themselves more and more in the position where these conversations are necessary. It’s important that these conversations create a safe and supportive environment and where students feel free to express their emotions and ask their questions. Let’s discuss a few ways that you can navigate these conversations in a way that is appropriate and effective.
- Let them decide when they’re ready to talk about it. Trauma often involves a loss of control. Giving students the power of choice and autonomy can help them to not feel backed into a corner. Some students may not be emotionally ready and forcing them to talk about it before they have fully processed the trauma can retraumatize a victim.
- Be honest and don’t lie. As an adult it is common to want to lie about or sugarcoat what happened thinking it will protect the children in your classroom. Students need to be able to be truthful about how they feel. They need the same from you as a teacher. This will build respect and trust. Although you don’t want to lie, you want to be mindful that you are having the discussion in an age-appropriate way.
- Avoid graphic details and media exposure. In events where there may have been violence or loss of life it’s imperative that you don’t share or talk about unnecessary details that could be disturbing or retraumatizing for students. Encourage students to stay away from the news, social media, and the internet for a while as it can have graphic or disturbing details about the event.
- Encourage students to find a healthy outlet for their emotions. You can encourage students to join a sport if they want to get their emotions out via physical activity. Activities like drawing, painting, writing, or music are therapeutic outlets that can help regulate emotions and thoughts. One thing you can try in your class is to teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques that help keep students grounded. Encourage students to build supportive relationships and not pull away when they need support the most.
- Keep a routine and structure. Often students’ lives are uprooted and there is a sea of chaos surrounding them. Having a routine and structure can help ground them at least during school hours.
Teachers have a difficult yet important job in talking to students about these events while managing their own emotions. It’s a delicate process and it’s important to have a plan on how to navigate these discussions as they become more prevalent.