This may be a tough week for schools and students around the US. The news of the shooting tragedy in Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT is horrifying to anyone, and although the feelings of sadness, empathy and compassion are prevalent and natural responses, so are the feelings of anger, helplessness and fear.
To help empower children (and ourselves) to ease feelings of helplessness, we would like to recommend starting each school day this week with PEACE BREATH: sending peace and love to the children and families of Newtown, CT, and to the world. This exercise could be done in the classroom or over announcements with your entire school. Of course, this can be done at home as well!
Peace Breath activity is one of 67 from the Yoga 4 Classrooms Card Deck. The instructions on the card are simple and easy to follow – we hope you will use this wonderful tool and share it with anyone in need of a helpful guide to managing the myriad of emotions associated with such tragedy. Peace Breath inspires self-regulation while generating immense compassion, connectedness and community with the power to help heal ourselves and the world.
Many blessings to the Sandy Hook and Newtown, CT community, to the beautiful children they have lost and to the many heroes who tried to protect them. Our thoughts of peace and compassion are with you.
We would like to also share other useful resources on how to help children cope with frightening news:
CASEL: Explaining and Coping with School Violence
PBS Parents: Talking with Kids About News [ages 6-8]
National Association of School Psychologists:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers K-12
Helping Children Cope with a Crisis
Helping Children with Disabilities Cope with a Crisis
BAM Radio Network: Coping with School Tragedies: What do we do now?