Responding to Crisis

Students might read diaries about how to respond to crisis written by young people going through extraordinary circumstances, such as The Diary of Anne Frank, or Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life in Wartime Sarajevo.

The Diary of Anne Frank was written by a young Jewish girl hiding in an attic during World War II and the Holocaust. The diary addresses the normal thoughts of an adolescent girl pondering romance, frustration with parents, and sadness and hope about the world outside her hidden confines. Readers will find it easy to relate to the day-to-day musings of the protagonist, as well as her fears and misgivings about adulthood and the evils of war.

Similar to Anne Frank’s diary, Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life in Wartime Sarajevo is a day-to-day account of an adolescent girl’s life during the Yugoslav wars in the early 1990s. Unlike Anne Frank, Zlata survived the horrors of war, demonstrating that not even war lasts forever, and hope is just over the horizon.

The Diary of Petr Ginz is the account of a 14-year-old boy living in Prague during World War II. The diary tells stories of boyhood pranks at school, while also chronicling the gradually dawning horrors of the Holocaust. The diary ends with Petr being relocated to Thereisenstadt, where he spearheaded an underground newspaper. Like Anne, Petr died in a concentration camp before ever reaching adulthood. Boys especially will relate to Petr’s joys and sorrows.

After reading these diaries, students can keep their own journals about life during the COVID-19 pandemic. These could be published on the web or simply kept for their own sake, helping them to process their feelings about their “new normal”.

Cultivate Adaptability and Resilience 

A classic coming-of-age story about a group of boys called the “Greasers”, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, explores the lives of boys growing up on the fringes of society in 1960s Oklahoma. The boys learn to depend on each other to adapt to a world that seems to have forgotten them, or worse, look at them as worthless. When a rivalry with the Socs gets out of control, Ponyboy and his friends must demonstrate mental and physical toughness to survive, while learning that the Socs don’t have it as good as it seems. Readers will relate to Ponyboy’s feelings of confusion and anger, as well as his budding romance with a Soc named Cherry, while admiring his ability to thrive despite obstacles in his way.

Homecoming, by Cynthia Voight, is the first book in a series about the Tillerman family. Left in a parking lot by their mother, Dicey and her siblings must make their way to Aunt Cilla’s where they hope to make a home. Dicey’s independence and problem-solving skills show that with a clear head, even kids can survive tough situations and find love in a family of their choosing.

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas, tells the story of Starr Carter stuck between two worlds: the fancy prep school she attends with mostly white students, and the poor, black neighborhood where she lives. These two worlds collide when her childhood best friend is shot before her eyes in a traffic stop. Readers will relate to Starr’s struggle with her own identity and what it means in the context of social justice and activism.

Embracing Laughter and Hope

Sometimes, it’s important to remember that kids are still kids, and sometimes enjoying a little bit of romance and humor is just the remedy to the mental strain of a global pandemic.

The first in a series, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han, is a romance with hilarious beginnings. Lara Jean loves writing love letters. In fact, she has written one to every boy she has ever loved, with no intention of ever sending them. One day, Lara Jean is humiliated to find out that someone has sent those love letters—every single one of them! Hilarity, romance, and intrigue ensue in this story of modern teen love. It’s a fun, but not silly, escape from everyday troubles.

If you’re looking for good satire, the classic A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, combines science fiction with social commentary. Rescued from planet Earth just before it is destroyed to make room for an intergalactic highway, Arthur Dent embarks on a journey through space with Ford Perfect, an alien writing the titular guide to the galaxy. An escape from Earth right now may be just the vacation young readers need.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, by Mackenzi Lee, is a strange combination of historical fiction, action-packed mystery, and raunchy comedy. 17-year-old English aristrocrat Henry Montagu goes on a grand tour of England with his best friend and secret crush, Percy, along for the trip, as well as his sister, Felicity, who is to be dropped off at boarding school in the South of France. It’s a funny, escapist story that also shows the importance of accepting yourself as you are.

Delve into Dystopian Novels

Dystopian literature offers both escapism and the opportunity to reflect on the dangers of violence, fascism, and economic injustice.

The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Katniss Everdeen lives in the dystopian future country of Panem, where children from poverty-stricken districts are forced to fight each other to their deaths in a televised battle for the edification of viewers in the wealthy Capitol district. The novel follows Katniss through her struggle to win the games and fight for the end of the Capitol’s tyranny over Panem. It’s an action-packed read, with romance and social commentary that make it thought-provoking and timely.

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is the first novel in a quartet that examines the implications of a government that dictates its citizens’ professions, murders the disabled, suppresses memories, and eradicates the ability to see color. As a Receiver of memories, Jonas rebels against the society that raised him and embarks for a new world and a new life. His story will encourage readers to find their own path and challenge the status quo.

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Provide Accurate Information in a Calm and Reassuring Manner

Adults hear a lot of information, and some can be misleading and a lot can be overwhelming. It is human nature to then share the message and discuss the concerns. However, this type of “water-cooler” banter must not take place in the presence of students, especially those who may not be able to fully separate the fact from opinion. When talking about COVID-19 in the presence of students, it is important to provide accurate information, in a way that is understandable to them. It is also important to present yourself in a calm and reassuring manner, even if you personally have questions or concerns on the subject. Students of any age feed off of their teacher’s energy. If a teacher appears stressed and anxious, then students will often react in the same way. However, if the teacher appears to be rational and peaceful, then students will be more relaxed as well.

It is okay to let high school students know that this is a new strand of a virus that has been around for nearly 60 years. Older students will be able to grasp how new strands may develop and it takes time to build immunity, find cures, and create vaccines. A good history lesson that might lessen their fears would be to share how we have overcome previous medical concerns such as polio and discovered medicines such as penicillin through similar trials in our past.

Avoid Using Language that Blames Others or Leads to Stigma

No matter the age of the students, this is not the time to be sharing political views or placing blame on those believed by some to be responsible for this pandemic. Keeping a positive message for students is best, such as reminding students that there are scientists all over the world currently working on vaccines and medications to help.

Create an Open Dialogue

Allow students time to ask questions, share concerns, and relay things they have heard in order to help validate their feelings and lessen their fears. This is a time to be honest but limited in information. Be prepared to answer questions with facts, and make sure to keep answers on an age-appropriate level. When students are sharing things they have heard, it is important to correct misinformation in a reassuring way. Be careful not to spread panic. To get the most up-to-date information, teachers and students can visit the Center for Disease Control website.

Likewise, if students know of someone who has contracted the virus, it is best to be reassuring that medical staff can provide support and quarantining can help stop the spread of the virus. Do not go into details about mortality rates at this time. If students ask about the possibility of death, place emphasis on chances of recovery and allow parents to dive deeper into that conversation as they choose.

It might be added that it is best to keep these discussions brief, as children, like adults, can become consumed by the “what-ifs” and inundated with constant talk of COVID-19. Teachers can address questions as they arise or set aside a few minutes to address questions and concerns. Keep the main focus of the day the intentional lesson of the class.

Show Students Everyday Actions to Reduce Spread

Emotions are high for everyone, especially when a sneeze or cough is heard across the classroom. Remind students to cough or sneeze in the way your school or district has determined most appropriate. Some ways include coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into the bend of the elbow; but this can still spread some droplets, so have sanitizer nearby. Handwashing is another very important activity to encourage frequently. While hand-sanitizer may be adequate, students should be allowed time to wash with soap and water that is warm several times throughout the day.

This is a great time to teach about health and communicable diseases and how they spread, again at an age-appropriate level. Let students take part in experiments demonstrating how germs are spread from person to person by using flour or baby powder and watching how it spreads across the room as someone touches varies items. For those who are ready to understand, have conversations about the need for social distancing and how this is effective in flattening the curve so that our medical facilities can care for all the patients in need.

It is also a good time to talk about other healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and getting exercise and appropriate amounts of rest required to restore the body. Share with students that these are important ways to help your body prepare for an illness so that it can recover more quickly and be less affected by any type of illness. Use this time to focus on what is truly important, like good hygiene and preventive measures.

Messages for Students as Schools Close

More schools are beginning to close in an effort to provide safer alternatives to gathering in classrooms. This is the time to assure students that things will be different for a little while, but they will get back to normal. Provide fun, engaging activities they can do at home to stay busy and be creative. Encourage students to take advantage of free educational sites that help them sharpen their skills while they are home. Remember the teacher is there to educate and provide facts. Keep in touch through online sites used by the school, and continue to share positive, calm messages to reassure students in this unusual time.

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