6 Helpful Strategies for Discussing Current Events in the Classroom

How do you have conversations with students when scary things happen or when challenging current events begin unfolding around us? If you are asking these questions, then this post is for you.

When scary things are happening in the world around us, sometimes we may want to just get into the classroom and teach like nothing has happened. Maybe we don’t want to scare our students, or are afraid a student will ask a question to which we don’t have an answer to give.

While keeping to our routine can provide a means of reassurance, it’s important to remember that our silence about major events speaks volumes. Even a brief check-in with students is better than saying nothing at all.

If you are at a loss for words or don't know how to start a difficult discussion within your classroom, I want to pass along some helpful strategies. These are helpful tools from the National Association of School Psychologists and child developmental experts. These strategies are beneficial for parents and caregivers as well.

Start With: What have you heard? How are you feeling?

Even if students are not exposed to breaking news, they may hear stories and updates from classmates and social media. Check-in with students and allow them to ask questions about what they are seeing and how they are feeling. Even a brief check-in is better than not saying anything at all. It’s best to start with open-ended questions like “what have you heard and how are you feeling?”

Give facts and context.

It is important to keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Young students need simple information balanced with reassurance that they are safe. Older students may have strong and varying opinions. When we allow time for students to ask questions, we can debunk memes, myths, and misconceptions.

Provide Reassurance.

Our students may feel confused or afraid. We can let our students know that they are not alone in those feelings. Young students may need reassurance that they are safe and that the grown-ups are in control of the situation.

It’s ok to say, “I don’t know.”

If a student asks a question where there’s no clear answer, it’s ok to say that we don’t know what happened or that we don’t have an answer. Students will respect our humility and honesty.

Look for the helpers.

One of my favorite quotes from Fred Rogers is, “When something scary is happening, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This can be a great way to share organizations or people wh are making a difference.

Teach Lateral Reading Skills

If you teach students who have access to phones, you might find that some are doomscrolling. Turn this into a teachable moment to discuss vertical vs. lateral reading. I've got a lesson ready-to-go all about Lateral Reading Skills. In an age of information overload, your students can learn the skills Professional Fact Checkers use to evaluate information in both digital and video formats. During the lesson, students learn the skills of lateral reading in order to evaluate information on the Internet. Students then apply those skills in a research project based on “unsolved mysteries.” It's a great way to turn this into a teachable moment.

Do you have additional tips or suggestions for how teachers can safely lead discussions about current events? Share in the comments.