The hardest part about our society’s current living situation is discussing the topic of a pandemic with students so they are well informed. This is obviously easier for high school teachers but it’s harder to explain to younger students as they are not as aware as the older students. I explored the WeTeachers module on pandemic informed resources.

This module provided resources to explain pandemic-related trauma in the past and present. Under this section of the module WeTeachers provides information for teachers to read and understand before addressing the needs of their students during this pandemic. This section describes aspects of the pandemic like social distancing, self isolation, and quarantining. Additionally, this section provides the definition of what the COVID-19 pandemic is in terms of the strain and how it forms in the body.

Section two of this module or document provides teachers with the benefits of a trauma-informed approach to the pandemic. This section provides tools for teachers to use to start conversations with their students regarding their emotions during this difficult time. The end of this section also provides additional websites for more information regarding how to approach students and their emotions with the pandemic. Section three backs up this approach and provides videos and other informative resources for teachers to use to start conversations in the classroom. Section four also backs off of sections two and three by explaining in more detail how to approach the feelings of students during this time by breaking it down to each part of the students. It provides activities to nurture the mind body and soul during this difficult time.

I cannot wait to implement portions of this trauma-informed approach in the classroom someday. I understand the pandemic may subside when I begin teaching but this resource provides many good ideas on how to approach student’s feelings in the classroom.