Article

In the Wake of Orlando: Helping Students Heal

TT’s Teaching and Learning Specialist Jarah Botello offers some classroom discussion prompts and activities that can help students process the horrific tragedy in Orlando and move toward healing.

On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. They were spouses, partners, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and colleagues. The effects of this tragedy will be felt in Orlando and across the country for years, especially in the LGBT and Latino communities (many of the victims were Latino).  

How can we help ourselves and our students heal from the loss of these 49 individuals? And how do we help communities that are hurting? 

First, it is important to speak up about the incident in your classroom and allow students to talk about the tragedy. Even if you’re out for the summer now, have the conversation when school resumes in the fall.

Second, teachers can help students identify the effects of trauma and provide tools to handle emotional repercussions they are experiencing. In a recent interview with CBS Evening News, Alicia Homrich, a graduate professor of counseling, discusses an approach to trauma therapy called Psychological First Aid, used in the aftermath of serious crises. She encourages people affected by crises such as the Orlando tragedy to monitor their own reactions to traumatic experiences. As teachers, we can encourage students to notice when they are having reactions that are not typical for them. If they are reacting with anger or anxiety, students should talk to a friend or counselor.

Finally, as educators, we must provide opportunities for our students to heal. Homrich suggests that coping mechanisms such as drawing, artwork, writing, journaling and poetry can help restore emotional and psychological health. Carving out time for students to participate in these activities can play a huge role in helping them heal.

Here are some classroom discussion prompts and activities that can help students process the tragedy in Orlando and move toward healing.  

Grades K-5

  1. Tell students, “Something sad happened in Orlando. A lot of people died and were hurt because of who they are.” Some students may already know about the shooting. If they wish to talk about what they know, allow them to do so, but guide the discussion to avoid details that might be disturbing to young children. If anti-LGBT comments arise, address them using one of our Speak Up at School strategies.

  2. Ask students how the tragedy in Orlando makes them feel, and give them a chance to respond either through discussion or journal writing. Ensure students that their journal entries are private and will only be shared voluntarily.

  3. Ask students, “Even though it makes us feel sad, what are some things we can do to honor those who lost their lives and to help the people in Orlando feel better?”  Allow students to respond and use their suggestions to do something for Orlando. Here are some ideas:
     
    • Create a bulletin board with posters, letters and notes to the victims and families.
    • Draw pictures for the families who lost loved ones in the shooting.
    • Make get-well cards for people who were injured in the shooting.
    • Make a pledge to stand up against hate and intolerance:
      • Go over the Speak Up at School guide with students and have them create pocket guides. (A sample pocket guide can be found here.)
      • Create a wall of tolerance in your classroom or school for students to sign as they commit to speak up against hate and bias. Invite members of the school and community to sign the wall, too.

      •  

Grades 6-12

  1. Ask students if they are aware of what happened in Orlando. Inform students that 49 people were killed and over 50 people were injured at Pulse, a gay nightclub. Many students may already know about the shooting. If students wish to talk about what they know, allow them to do so, but guide the discussion to avoid details that might be disturbing to students. If anti-LGBT comments arise, address them using one of our Speak Up at School strategies.

  2. Ask students how the Orlando massacre makes them feel, and give them a chance to respond either through discussion or journal writing. Ensure students that their journal entries are private and will only be shared voluntarily.

  3. Engage students in hands-on, coping activities. Here are two examples:
     
    • Remembering the Fallen: Show this video of the names and photos of the Orlando victims. Have students choose one victim and read that person’s biography. Students can write a poem, draw a picture or compose a journal entry about that person.

    • Posters for Healing: In the days following the shooting in Orlando, hundreds of people left signs, balloons, flowers and notes at the site of the shooting to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. Have students draw posters or write letters and create a bulletin board memorial in your classroom or hallway. Allow families and other members of the school community to contribute.

    •  
  4. Ask students to brainstorm ideas about what they could do to help the people in Orlando. Here are some suggestions:
     
    • Plan and facilitate a fundraiser and make a donation to an LGBT organization in honor of the Orlando victims.
    • Sign an online vigil honoring Orlando and share it on social media.
    • Pledge to stand up against hate and intolerance:
      • Go over the Speak Up at School guide with students and have them create pocket guides. (A sample pocket guide can be found here.)
      • Create a wall of tolerance in your classroom or school for students to sign as they commit to speak up against hate and bias. Invite members of the school and community to sign the wall, too.  

  5.  

Botello is a teaching and learning specialist with Teaching Tolerance

x
Illustration of person holding and looking at laptop.

New Virtual Workshops Are Available Now!

Registrations are now open for our 90-minute virtual open enrollment workshops. Explore the schedule, and register today—space is limited!

Sign Up!