January 4, 2016
Early Childhood & Elementary 
Talking to Children about Traumatic Events
In 2015, the news brought many scary events and disturbing images into our homes: plane crashes in Taiwan, Germany and Egypt; earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters; attacks by religious extremists in the U.S. and abroad; the refugee crisis; police shootings; and rioting in U.S. cities.

If these stories and images are difficult for adults to comprehend and discuss, what effect do they have on the children in our lives? How do we talk to them about what they're seeing and hearing without further traumatizing them?

Avoiding the questions that children have is not the answer, according to Child Mind Institute's Jamie M. Howard, PhD. The director of the Stress and Resilience Program, Dr. Howard believes, "When a traumatic event happens, parents and trusted adults should be the ones to explain the situation to children, not the media or other children." (See Helping Kids Cope with Trauma and Stress.)

Talking with Kids About News also offers parents and caregivers some strategies on discussing distressing headlines with children.

And Mr. Rogers offers a gentle but effective example on how to talk to children about violence in this video clip.
IPTV Educational Specialist Spotlight
Abby Brown
Abby Brown recently celebrated 10 years at Iowa Public Television (IPTV.) Brown conducts outreach for IPTV Educational Services -- leading students in hands-on activities, giving presentations, and sharing PBS classroom resources at conferences and in schools.

She enjoys being with children and their families, especially in a school setting. "Schools are amazingly sophisticated communities, and I get excited going into a school and witnessing the relationships and experiencing that energy," said Brown. "And I'm thankful when a school spends its most valuable resource -- time -- to meet with me to learn about what PBS has to offer."

(See our Featured Resources section below for some of the resources Brown shares  during outreach.)

Brown has a background in early childhood special education, and she taught preschool before coming to IPTV. 
Featured Resources
Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program was developed to accompany the Martha Speaks television series. It's an innovative cross-age reading program for kindergarten and upper-level elementary students to increase their vocabulary, develop their self-esteem and social skills, and enhance their love of books and reading.
Daniel Tiger is one of the most important shows PBS offers, according to IPTV's Abby Brown, because it teaches social-emotional skills.
Curious George is another PBS resource Brown shares because, she says, curiosity is the most important ingredient in learning.
Questions & Answers
Q: Where can I find links to some of the great resources mentioned by IPTV educational specialists?

A: Start your search at Iowa Public Television. You can also go directly to PBS LearningMedia, PBS KIDS, and PBS Parents for lots of great resources to use in the classroom or at home.

Questions about Ready for School? Email them to mary.czech@iptv.org.
Out 'n' About with IPTV Education Specialists
1/5/2016  Trista -- Library Corner Launch -- Fairfield Head Start , Fairfield
 1/6/2016  Stacie -- IPTV Resources -- Spencer Community School District, Spencer
 1/13/2015  Trista -- Library Corner Launch -- Humeston Public Library, Humeston
 1/19/2015  Abby -- Elementary/Secondary resources -- Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School, Waterloo
How are you using Ready for School ( RFS) resources in your organization? Email mary.czech@iptv.org with any stories of how you have used RFS resources or how the resources have benefited your community. We may feature your story in a future Early Childhood & Elementary newsletter!
IPTV is dedicated to providing quality innovative media services that educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans.

Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.