Re: [ncte-middle] The Current Tragedies

[Melissa Cooper <mmcooper@alumni.utexas.net>]

We spent a lot of time just talking. I answered questions that I had answers
for, described the enormity of such large buildings collapsing, and
dispelled rumors. Then I encouraged them to write about their
feelings--write a news report, a journal, etc. I had two students writing
the president's speech, similar to "the day that will live in infamy"
speech. They seemed to do pretty well, since I acknowledged their fears and
concerns, answered their questions honestly, and let them have time to
reflect.

I had the TV on for a while, then the principal asked us to turn them off so
we wouldn't saturate the kids with coverage all day. I turned it on the last
5 minutes of every class, for updates.

Melissa