Kids - Teachers

Coping through Creativity

One of the most important issues facing the nation in the aftermath of the September 11^th   terrorist attacks is helping our children cope.  It is understandably difficult as we as adults cannot even grasp the enormity of the tragedy. How do we help our young children as we’re trying to help ourselves?  Several important suggestions and plenty of sound advice is available for those concerned.  Through creative outlets such as drawing pictures, writing poetry, telling stories, writing letters to rescue workers and writing letters about feelings, we can help children face the issues of today’s world. Most importantly, kids are encouraged to voice their fears to parents, friends and teachers as a way to alleviate them.  The sites below are just a sample of the myriad of available resources designed to ease the delicate task of restoring a feeling of security in our children’s lives.

 

Giggle Poetry - A funny site devoted to poetry for and from small children. Guaranteed to lighten the darkest mood!

Source:     Giggle Poetry

 

The University of Michigan Health System – A page including articles such as ‘Helping your child to cope’ and  ‘How to help your child after a disaster’.  Also click here for even more articles on this subject from UMHS.

Source:     UMHS

 

Parent Net in Sweden – This group released an article titled ‘Talking with Children when the Talking Gets Tough.’  It tackles some of today’s most difficult parenting issues.

Source:     Parent Net, Sweden

 

Resources for Educators - A learning link devoted to articles, links and lesson plans to help children. Great for teachers!

Source:     Education Planet

 

The United Way of America - Many pages are devoted to coping with tragedy but especially relevant here is the ‘Family Activities’ section, ‘Age Appropriate Responses’ and a list of further links for help. 

Source:     The United Way

 

Letters of Thanks – Find out where to send letters of thanks to the rescue workers working at ground zero in New York City.

Source:     Federal Emergency Management Agency

Teens encouraged to ‘Do Something’ – Read about topics most interesting to teens and answer poll questions to find out what your peers are saying about the world today. Get involved!

Source:     Do Something.org

 

Kids Making a Difference – Find out how to make a difference by either mailing letters to NY Firefighters, Children in NY and DC or the Mayor and people of NY. Add your work of art to the online gallery, or speak your mind in the peace forum.

Source:     Gigglepotz