Suggestions for
Elementary Teachers
in Dealing with
Children During Times of War

• Limit exposure to TV and other print media with graphic images. This is especially important for younger children, for whom the violence in the media can be particularly frightening. Do not have the TV on in the background in the classroom.
   
• Offer reassurance and help your children feel secure. When children are exposed to violent or traumatic events, they need to hear that "scary" things are not likely to happen to them. Let them know that school is a safe place to be. The adults at school care about them and know what to do to keep school safe.
   
• Maintain your normal routine. Structure and familiarity reassure children.
   
• Be a role model. Children pick up clues from adults, especially when they have difficulty knowing what to do with their own emotions like fear and anger. Staying calm yourself can provide a great sense of security for your children. Make sure comments or actions at school model how you would like your children to behave.
   
• Teachers of older elementary age children may wish to consider whether "current events" is appropriate for their children due again to graphic images. A world map displayed in the classroom showing relative location of Iraq is appropriate.
   
• Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions. However, do not force children to talk about things until they are ready.
   
• Give older children honest answers and information in an informed, rather than emotional way. With the youngest children, feel free to refer questions to parents. It is important to use sound judgment in dealing with these issues taking into consideration the age of the children and the appropriateness of the discussion.
   
• Remain objective. It is important not to provoke emotions and dwell on the events of the war or crisis.
   
• Be careful what is said in front of your children with other adults.
   
• Acknowledge and validate children's thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Let them know that you think their questions and concerns are important and appropriate. Instead of saying, "Don't feel sad," you might say, "It seems like you feel sad. I feel that way, too." Reassure children that what is happening is scary and confusing and validate your children's many feelings.
   
• Monitor for physical symptoms including headaches and stomachaches. Many children express anxiety through physical aches and pains. An increase in such symptoms without medical cause may be a sign that a child is feeling anxious and overwhelmed. (Symptoms)
   
• Watch for changes in behavior. Children may be more aggressive in school, be more distracted, clingy, or cry more often. These are all signs that a child is experiencing stress. The child may need extra reassurance and support from you.
   
• If a child seems to be having trouble coping, seek assistance from your school counselor.
   
• Monitor your own level and reaction to the stress you are experiencing. Teaching is a high stress job under the best of circumstances. Dealing with your own stress and your students' reactions over an extended period of time can easily feel overwhelming. Recognizing this fact, taking care of yourself, and seeking support as needed is important.

Also see Guidelines for Talking with Elementary Students About the Possibility of War (For Teachers)

Return to Crisis in Iraq Homepage