Resources for speaking to children about disasters and traumatic events
After the recent fires that have directly affected a number of our HPS families and schools, we know that families, staff and students are having frequent conversations about fire safety and preparing for disasters. We have compiled a useful list of resources and links that we hope are helpful to guide these conversations with our children.
FOR EDUCATORS:
After the Fire program by Prevention First
- 3 teaching modules
- Reading list of books in English and Spanish
- Household safety checklists
The National Fire Protection Association
- Lesson Plans
- Learn Not to Burn Pre-K to 2nd Grade Curriculum
FOR FAMILIES:
Be Burn Aware prevention campaign, by Shriners Hospital for Children
The National Fire Prevention Association
FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – SAMHSA: “Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events”
National Association for the Education of Young Children – Resource Page on Coping with Disasters
The National Fire Prevention Association
After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope, by Cathy Grace and Elizabeth Shores
STORYBOOKS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN:
Disney’s Digital Activity Books about disaster preparedness, in collaboration with the Red Cross: English | Español
A Chair for My Mother, by Vera B. Williams
The Fire, by Annette Griessman
The Healing Book: Facing the Death and Celebrating the Life of Someone You Love, by Ellen Sabin
We appreciate the collaboration of our community partners for their assistance in compiling this resource list:
- Maritza Martínez, CFCE (Coordinated Family & Community Engagement, a Head Start program)
- Mia Kortebein, Holyoke Program Manager, Raising a Reader Massachusetts
