I could start by saying, "at times like these," but there have been no times like these. Never before in my lifetime have I had to manage the emotions that come with personal isolation due to a global pandemic coupled with the deep reflection that comes with sustained global civil unrest.
Just a few months ago, via Netflix, Marie Kondo had us all cleaning our physical houses. We were to take stock of what "sparked joy" and purge what did not.
Now, while in the throes of both COVID-19 and wide-spread protests inspired by a horrific act of brutality, we are tasked with cleaning our psycho-spiritual houses. We must take stock of what we believe and value. It is no longer about what we own but who we are.
All this inventorying of self affects children.
So, how do we help kids manage? How do we answer their questions? How do we teach them? How do we give them voice?
I would venture to say that we use the same tools we always use, which are listening, empathy, honesty and love.
Just as we learned to fold our shirts a new way to make more space in our drawers (and to see how many unworn clothes we have), we can learn to use our social-emotional tools more profoundly. We can listen more deeply, understand one another's perspective more earnestly, truly espouse empathy and engage in tangible and lasting acts of love.
With regard to LAUSD's guidance to staff and families, they created this resource.
The District also encourages the following:
When teaching:
- Check in: "How are you today?"
- Offer focus: "What are your goals today?"
- Offer support: "How may I assist you?"
When facilitating discussions:
- Set ground rules, promote civility and guide students in meaningful discussions and interaction
- Create space for the expression of feelings
- Demonstrate respect and validation of each person's feelings even if we don't share them
- Strive to utilize instructional time for content (after check-in, focus on instruction)
- With young kids, don't venture into conversations that the students may not be ready for and/or that their parents may not have had yet. Let parents be the first person to teach students about a potentially traumatic topic (I added this one).
- Students have a right to freedom of speech and may participate in free-speech activities, including political or religious speech
- Students may distribute literature reflective of their views and opinions
- Students may participate in virtual peaceful demonstrations during non-instructional time (e.g., a self-moderated web conference session in a controlled environment)
- Students may exercise these rights as long as their speech, expression of conduct is not obscene, lewd, libelous or slanderous; does not incite students to destroy property or inflict injury upon any person; and/or does not cause a substantial disruption to school operations
- While many schools had planned to be open for essential closing procedures this and next week, it is not recommended to allow any students on campus for any demonstrations, as schools are still closed other than for essential business
Or email me at andrea.kittelson1@lausd.net, or call or text my cell at (323) 363-1934.
Thank you, stay strong, may your hearts be filled with peace, and may we all -- as people, as a nation and as a world -- find ways to purge what does not serve us.
