Young people bear witness to challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and our local communities. Their thoughts, feelings, and reactions enter school spaces whether we introduce conversations or not. We adults have a natural instinct to protect our children from harsh realities and yet prepare them to navigate this complex world - is it possible to do both? What are ways to talk about identity, difference, and justice in age appropriate ways? How do you reinforce school values without shutting down perspectives? How do you facilitate authentic and respectful dialogue across difference? Engage in these questions and more through this interactive session.
1. Hockaday School Faculty
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young People
About Heated Topics in Current Events
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
3. Agenda
Current Realities
Young People’s Experience
How to Talk to Youth
How to Facilitate Conversations
Questions and Answers
Resources
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
4. Current Realities
Election Rhetoric
Black Lives Matter
Olympics
Domestic and Foreign Terrorism
Transgender Laws
And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
5. Young People’s Experience
Increase in Anti-Muslim Sentiment
Increase in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
Increased Uncivil Discourse
Rise in Sadness and Fear
Increased Acting Out
And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
6. How to Talk to Young People
About Current Events
What have you heard?
How do you feel?
What questions do you have?
How can I support you?
What positive action can you take?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
7. How to Talk to Young People
About Hate and Extremism
Prepare Yourself
Be Alert
Listen
Reassure
Be Honest
Share Your Perceptions
Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
8. How to Talk to Young People After
Personal Incidents
“I want to help you feel strong.”
Affection, correction, protection
Emotions are always right; not all
action is always right
Avoid either/or thinking
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
9. Helping Young People Talk to One Another
Create Safety and Courage
Express Feelings
Generate Questions
Share Facts
Learn More
Complicate Thinking
Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
12. Sample Topic: Elections
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
What makes you nervous?
What makes you hopeful?
You have always taught civics during
election years. This year when you
introduce the unit, one student says, “Donald
Trump is going to make America great
again!” Another student says, “Donald
Trump is a racist!”
– How do you intervene?
– What do you need to keep in mind?
– What do you want to avoid doing?
13. Pick a Current Event Topic
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
What makes you nervous?
What makes you hopeful?
Devise a situation you anticipate might
happen. Describe who is involved, when it
happens, the context, etc.
– What could you say?
– What do you need to keep in mind as you
intervene?
– What do you want to avoid doing?
14. Takeaways
What did you learn today
that was new, helpful, or
thought provoking?
What are some goals or
strategies you would like to
apply with your students?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
16. Presenter Information
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
6th Faculty and
Professional Outreach
Seattle Girls’ School
2706 S Jackson Street
Seattle WA 98144
(206) 805-6562
rlee@seattlegirlsschool.org
http://tiny.cc/rosettalee
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)