If you look in the newspaper or watch the news, it seems that natural disasters are always happening and being discussed. Hundreds and thousands of lives are directly or indirectly affected by these tragedies. Flooding, Snow/Ice storms, Hurricanes, Tornados, or even the most recent Tsunami in Japan has been the center of the news. I can't help but think that my students in particular do not fully understand the damage these disasters create because they do not understand the actual disaster.
When the tragic Tsunami hit Japan, I took that time to show them videos from the internet of the actual event occurring and the news reports as they happened. My students have never seen anything like it. It really generated questions and a great conversation and discussion of this particular event and other events.
I really think that students are not exposed to enough of the "real story" of natural disasters. They really only see what the media puts together. I feel it is my job as a teacher to really teach them about natural disasters, teach them how to prepare and get through a natural disaster and I feel like it is important to find real life examples. Also, to show them real examples of the devastation that could happen.
After showing them the devestions I do not want them to leave my classroom with hopelessness feelings. I want to show them what they can do to help. Whether it is donating clothing they do not wear anymore to creating food and money drives for donation. I really think getting students invovled is the best lesson because they may not have expereinced the natural disaster, but they can still be a part of it, and be a part of the recovery. 
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI also shared this with another student in your group, but please check out:
http://www.dosomething.org/
My son's school recently folded paper cranes to help Japan, and I like how you can select the projects based on the criterion you set forth. I think that is is a great idea for getting students involved, and I think that the site itself does a decent job of presenting background information as well. Amy
Reference:
Do Something. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.dosomething.org/
Natalie-
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you were able to show them a news clip of the Japan tsunami. So many students' parents do not watch the news and are really not well informed at to what is going on around the world. Next year the teachers are going to be able to link to YouTube, etc.
mj