Escalations in West Asia have triggered uncertainty in global dynamics, and our children are hearing about this on the news, discussing it among themselves, and exploring it in their own ways. Many of our children also have family in these areas who may have witnessed the violence.
Today, in the respective classes across all grades from 1st to 8th, we created space to talk about what they have heard and how they are feeling. They shared emotions ranging from anxiousness, fear, and worry to curiosity and eagerness about their families, about what is happening, and about the people of these countries.
As they tried to make sense of the situation, some spoke about trust issues between nations, conflict over resources, broken agreements, power struggles, and the role of global bodies. Others reflected on the consequences they see unfolding, such as loss of life, destruction of cities, displacement of people becoming refugees, loss of dignity and heritage, and even the fear of a larger global war.
Children’s lived realities need to be taken into account in today’s education, especially when real-life conflicts are discussed and explored. This academic year, we have worked extensively across learning areas to address conflict thoughtfully and weave it into the curriculum, guiding children toward an understanding of co-existence. In today’s discussion, we followed a similar approach by beginning with what they have heard and then looking at it through the lenses of empathy and multiple perspectives.
Looking at this scenario with empathy is imperative. No global issue is black and white, and when children understand this, they are better equipped to find ways to coexist in a conflict-ridden world. We will continue to hold these conversations with them, encouraging them to think like change-makers and helping to allay anxiety through perspective.
If you hear your child speaking about this, we encourage you to explore with them why countries make the choices they do rather than focusing only on who is right or wrong. Discuss both the humanitarian and economic impacts. Make room for difficult questions, as such moments are powerful learning opportunities.
To check out how this exploration will go further from here, stay tuned.
#sparklingmindzglobalschool
#progressiveschool
#contextuallearning
#empathybasedlearning
#schoolasasafespace
Today, in the respective classes across all grades from 1st to 8th, we created space to talk about what they have heard and how they are feeling. They shared emotions ranging from anxiousness, fear, and worry to curiosity and eagerness about their families, about what is happening, and about the people of these countries.
As they tried to make sense of the situation, some spoke about trust issues between nations, conflict over resources, broken agreements, power struggles, and the role of global bodies. Others reflected on the consequences they see unfolding, such as loss of life, destruction of cities, displacement of people becoming refugees, loss of dignity and heritage, and even the fear of a larger global war.
Children’s lived realities need to be taken into account in today’s education, especially when real-life conflicts are discussed and explored. This academic year, we have worked extensively across learning areas to address conflict thoughtfully and weave it into the curriculum, guiding children toward an understanding of co-existence. In today’s discussion, we followed a similar approach by beginning with what they have heard and then looking at it through the lenses of empathy and multiple perspectives.
Looking at this scenario with empathy is imperative. No global issue is black and white, and when children understand this, they are better equipped to find ways to coexist in a conflict-ridden world. We will continue to hold these conversations with them, encouraging them to think like change-makers and helping to allay anxiety through perspective.
If you hear your child speaking about this, we encourage you to explore with them why countries make the choices they do rather than focusing only on who is right or wrong. Discuss both the humanitarian and economic impacts. Make room for difficult questions, as such moments are powerful learning opportunities.
To check out how this exploration will go further from here, stay tuned.
#sparklingmindzglobalschool
#progressiveschool
#contextuallearning
#empathybasedlearning
#schoolasasafespace
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