KINDERGARTEN TO SECOND GRADERS

At this age, the fears children had in preschool have decreased. Categorization of people into race and social status are not something that they fully understand. They will be very aware of what is going on with the tragedy. They also may have a lot of misinformation from friends at school.

Find out what they know and provide them with simple facts. Discuss their fears and let them know that the leaders in this country and other countries are working very hard to make sure this does not happen again. Let them know that you are there for them and that God is watching over us all.

Activities

  • Pray - Teach them the hymn, “Lord of the Powers” (a hymn from the service of Great Compline) to help them in times of difficulty. Get them an icon of the guardian angel. Explain to them that their guardian angel is sent by God to watch over them and keep them safe. 
     

  • Memorial Tree - Plant a tree in memory of those that we have lost to this tragedy. Have them help research what would be the best tree for where you live to pay tribute. They can help you dig the hole and put it into the ground. Decorate the tree with red, white and blue ribbons. Say a prayer with your child for all those we have lost to this tragedy. Read The Fall of Freddy the Leaf while sitting near your new tree. 
     

  • Making Friends - This is a wonderful art project for young children and an excellent way for them to send thought to children personally touched by this tragedy. Children make a paper doll with a message for a young person in crisis due to this tragedy. All the materials are online and it is free. The organization will deliver the “friend” to the child in need. Click here for more information. 
     

  • Lemonade Stand - Some children in New Jersey opened a lemonade stand to raise money for the relief effort. On the stand, was an American Flag and a sign that said “For all policemen and firemen, your lemonade is free!” People were lined up down the block to get the lemonade. What a beautiful way to teach young children to help out! Be it lemonade, cookies or popcorn let the young people make it themselves. It doesn’t matter if they raise $5 or $50, the lesson they are learning is invaluable. 
     

  • Make Memorial Ribbons – Have children make memorial ribbons in red white and blue for people to wear around. Have them pass them out at church, youth group or their school.

Suggested Reading

  • Life Doesn’t Frighten Me by Maya Angelou – This is a poem brought to life by wonderful illustrations. This book discusses common childhood fears. It is an excellent preface to discussing fears that children have. 
     

  • Today, I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis – This book explores emotions and the need to express them. The book lightly dances around all the different emotions people feel. It is a great way for young people to further explore the different emotions they feel. 
     

  • The Fall of Freddy the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia – A classic for all ages! This is a wonderful story of the seasons of life. This book has beautiful photographs about the life of a leaf. This will spark discussion of death and heaven.