February 1, 2023
Violent attacks that target people because of their identities are happening around the world with disturbing frequency. What can educators do to help students reflect on and understand these attacks?
This Teaching Idea from Facing History & Ourselves is a guide for teachers to navigate conversations with their students after news of a mass shooting, terrorist attack, or other violent event. Teachers are encouraged to coordinate with colleagues and ensure that students have space to emotionally process the events. Afterward they may want to help students explore the nature and impact of hate crimes and consider ways that communities respond to hate and violence. Teachers can also tap Facing History’s recommendations to help students engage with ongoing news coverage in a responsible way.
Plus: To help teachers discuss these events with young people, Facing History offers a strategy that uses reflection prompts to help students consider a complex or emotional topic through the lenses of head, heart, and ethics.