Teaching During a Crisis

School systems, curriculum writers and teachers face daily challenges. The good ones plan for both the expected and unexpected in order to minimize disruptions and lessen the stress of changes in routine. However, there are some events that challenge even the best educators. Tragedies like 9-11, catastrophic natural disasters and political upheaval at home and abroad can create the cancelation of classes or school closings. Even more devastating and long lasting are the negative effects on students caused by worry and fear generated by the events. The distractions caused by these events must be addressed in the classroom if teachers have any hope of successfully maintaining continuity of instruction.  The best way to do this is to tackle the event head on and teach events so that students' anxieties can be acknowledged.

Fortunately, there are educational groups that offer immediate assistance by providing lessons that address whatever traumatic event is happening on the world stage. Here, in late winter of 2022, the Ukrainian crisis is on the forefront of everyone’s minds, especially in communities that have a large population of students of Ukrainian descent.

Try the links below to find lessons about this crisis, keep in mind, the resources contained below are intended solely to provide access to information. Educators know their students and school community best and should select the resources most appropriate for their students.

AFT (American Federation of Teachers)

https://sharemylesson.com/search?k=Ukraine&f%5B0%5D=&f%5B1%5D=&f%5B2%5D=&sort_by=search_api_relevance&op=Search

NY Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/learning/lesson-plans/lesson-of-the-day-can-the-west-stop-russia-from-invading-ukraine.html

Brown University

The Choices Program from Brown University —The Ukraine Crisis

C-Span

Origins — The Collapse of the Soviet UnionC-SPAN Classroom

For Elementary/Middle School Students

Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary schol children

Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children

CNN article that features tips for people of all ages.

It makes sense that the attack on Ukraine is causing you anxiety, experts say. Here’s what to do

It is also helpful to note that most school systems post lessons on their websites that address current catastrophic events. Check the ones in your district.