We hope to never have to deal with one, but it's best to be prepared when a crisis arises.  Check out these resources to help our students and ourselves to cope with crises.

 

Crisis Caregivers: Taking Care of Ourselves - National Association of School Psychologists - Teachers are so good at taking care of others, they often forget to take care of themselves! This handout offers great tips on how to take care yourself during a school crisis. 

 

Death: Dealing with Crisis at School, Practical Tips for Educators - National Association of School Psychologists - gives some practical tips on what to do if there is a death of a student or faculty member of your school. 

 

Helping Children Cope After a Disaster - Penn State Children's Hospital - This is a great booklet that gives practical tips and strategies for helping children after they've exprienced a trauma. 

 

Help Your Child Cope During Difficult Times - Terri Sisson - I wrote this article in response to one of the school shootings.  It works for any crisis situation that may be causing children stress, either at home or at school.  It lets parents know about resources that can help at school.  

 

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Educators - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services - a FREE downloadable toolkit that helps educators with suicide prevention. 

 

Talking with Kids About Tough Issues: TV News - Children Now - Discusses when it's developmentally appropriate to let your child watch the news, as well as discussion topics if you watch the news together. I found this helpful to send to parents when there is a national disaster, such as 9/11.