A shooting on November 7 at a bar in California during an event for college students left at least 12 people dead, and added to widespread feelings of anxiety and sadness across the country.
At moments like this, it can be helpful to give young people a chance to share their feelings and thoughts about it. If the news is on students' minds, it's present in the classroom, whether we talk about it or not. When we create a safe, supportive space where students can discuss sensitive issues and events constructively, we can turn those events into teachable moments, and foster a stronger sense of community among our students in the process.
Here are two resources that may help you discuss this event and other upsetting news with students and adults.
- General guidelines for talking sensitively with students about acts of violence in the news
- Questions and formats for structuring a conversation, including listening circles and microlabs