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…and America Takes Steps toward Healing.By KRISTEN STERNBERG | NIE Educational Consultant The tragic incidents on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon focused attention on how widespread and well-organized terrorism is in today's world. The large scale of this crime initially caused anger, grief, shock, helplessness, fear and other strong emotions. Since the attacks, people everywhere have been struggling to cope with their feelings, but they have also responded quickly and in a variety of ways to make the planet safe again. World Leaders are communicating and working with one another. The President of the United States regularly meets with his Cabinet and advisors, gathering and discussing the most effective tactics to use. Military personnel are waiting to follow orders from our country's leaders. Elected officials are examining existing laws-both for safety of citizens and punishment of criminals--and considering introducing new legislation. Experts have already implemented ways to increase security in public places where people gather. National and local charities and rescue personnel are donating goods and volunteering their services to the effort.
This week's topic focuses on the emotional effects of terrorism on individuals. According to a recent newspaper article, the recent terrorist attacks brought home "the reality of war" to area kids. How do kids cope with the anger (or grief, fear, helplessness, etc.) that they might feel because of the recent tragedy? Take a look at what students had to say to see if you identify with some of their feelings. Speaking out about your feelings, especially to an adult or a friend you trust, can be a step toward healing. Family members, teachers and community service workers can be valuable resources in helping kids deal with their emotions. Some kids and teens found an outlet for their feelings by taking action to help families of the victims. Find out how this enterprising group raised more than $700. Others have begun a campaign to raise money to honor the fire rescue workers who died in New York. Visit nieworld.com and click on New York Fire Truck Fund to learn more. At the Kids Care Clubs Web site, you can find out how to get involved with school and youth groups, or other families, as a dynamic volunteer. Writing, drawing and other creative activities sometimes help kids get in touch with their feelings. Here's an opportunity for you to read and see what others have to say, or perhaps communicate your feelings to others, at this site where kids all over the world are invited to share their thoughts about the recent terrorist attacks. (Remember that before you share any personal information over the Internet, no matter how safe it may seem, you should ask an adult to check out the site first.) People everywhere are wondering "How could this happen?" Read the article to understand more about what you can do to start feeling safe again. The newspaper activities and Web links, provided below, offer more opportunities to work through your feelings, both alone and with others. Try these interesting activities using The News-Journal 1. People often first recognize the differences among people; finding similarities can take more time and effort. Find and clip photos of 5 people you see pictured in the newspaper. You'll also need to read the article or caption that accompanies each photo. Then, for each picture you cut out, use what you saw or read about that person to list things you have in common. Is that person about the same age as you? Does he or she live in the same area, or like to go swimming, for example? Give yourself extra credit if you can find more than 4 traits you share with each person in the photos. (Sunshine State Standards: LA.A.1.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.A.2.2.7, LA.B.2.2.1, LA.B.2.2.6, LA.D.1.2.1)
2. Search your newspaper for articles and pictures of people from different cultures who are shown doing positive things. Look closely for individuals and groups who are promoting their own culture in a good way. Write a story or take a photo that shows your culture in a positive way. Combine all into a montage of all that reflects the diversity in the world. Share it with friends and family. (Sunshine State Standards: FL.A.1.2.1, FL.D.2.2.3) 3. Your newspaper is an outstanding place to find help for families in times of crisis. Search your local newspaper for agencies, support groups and other resources that help people in times of stress and hardship. How many resources did you discover in your community? Tell your family what you found and keep the list handy for emergencies. (Sunshine State Standards: HE.C.1.2.2, HE.C.2.2.3, HE.C.2.2.6) 4. Your newspaper's Letters to the Editor section is a place for people to express their opinions and feelings. Check that section of your paper for items in reaction to the terrorist attacks. Select one you strongly agree or disagree with. Write your own letter to the editor as a response to your selection. Mail it to your newspaper, and watch closely over the next few days to see if your opinion letter gets published! (Sunshine State Standards: FL.A.1.2.1, FL.A.3.2.2, LA.A.2.2.5, LA.B.2.2.6) 5. Many families grow stronger by spending quality time together. Plan an outing you believe might be suitable for a family. Take a look at your newspaper's Entertainment section or check out "The Oh! Zone" at www.nieworld.com and choose a listing from each of the following categories: Movies, Museums, Sports and Music or Dance. Discuss with your family the possibility of attending some of the events you selected. (Sunshine State Standards: HE.B.3.2.2, TH.E.1.2.1) A copy of Florida's Sunshine State Standards can be found at intech2000.miamisci.org. Check out these links to learn more Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers continue to play an active part in our recovery from the disaster sites at World Trade Center and the Pentagon. At a special FEMA Web site for kids, find out how you can take action to keep safe during and after a disaster. Visitors can also view other kids' stories and drawings about coping with disasters. www.fema.gov/kids
The News-Journal's Newspaper in Education Web site, NIEWorld, gives outstanding descriptions and discussions about the recent terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C. and New York. Click on Dealing with Tragedy to find articles and other information. www.nieworld.com A Web site from the ChildTrauma Academy lists specific ways kids can learn to cope with emotional shock. www.childtrauma.org/Traumatic_events_children.htm The Newspaper Association of America's web site contains links to many newspapers in the U.S. and around the world. Visit the site and check out a few of them by clicking on links. There is a wealth of information available on recovering from, and coping with, disasters. To access the newspapers at the Newspaper Association of America's site, click on the "Hot Links" button and then select a state. Click on the "Internationals" button to view choices from other countries. www.naa.org The Daytona Beach News-Journal NIE Program, published October 1, 2001 HICI Special Report — Terrorism Takes Its Toll: and the World Takes Charge… |
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