What would you think if

[mamaley]

your child's Kindergarten teacher talked to the class about Hurricane Katrina?

Ds told us that he learned about it in school, about how houses are boarded up and people have to leave the city. They had a food drive in his class too, and while I'm all for teaching him that people help other people...well...part of me isn't crazy about exposing him to disasters if he doesn't have to be.

Which probably sounds horrible and priveledged since children are living this right now.

I'm honestly not sure what my opinion is about this in general. In this situation it is ok because he didn't seem too bothered (which, I keep reminding myself...he's only 5...) but I'm curious to hear where other moms stand when it comes to things like this.

Oh yeah, I'm on heavy medication right now so excuse me if there are typos, etc.

[alegna]

as long as it was done in an age-appropriate way I think it's a good thing. When I taught in a 3-6yr old class we'd discuss happenings like this. We always made sure the parents knew we were talking about it though.

-Angela

[BusyMommy]

:

[Britishmum]

Hmm. My dd doesnt go to school, but she knows there was a storm and some houses were damaged and that people need help with donations. But that's it, even though her grandmother is one of those people.

I like to handle these issues myself, but its hard for teachers as sometimes the children themselves bring up the subject.

[lauren]

When my children were k-garten age I think I was more sensitive to what they heard or learned in school. Sept. 11 was an example. I was glad on that day that the school made a point not to tell them anything but let the parents handle it. Of course on the 12th, 13th, etc. it was in conversation, but age appropriate and what each grade could handle.

Our school is doing a lot of collecting items for the hurricane area, and my children (now 7 and 10) are really into that.

I guess I wouldn't have wanted my child to hear about Katrina at school first, but follow up would be o.k. with me.

[dziejen]

I agree with a PP that as long as the explanations are age-appropriate it is good to discuss major events with children as they tend to be very perceptive and if NOT informed what they imagine or talk about amongst themselves can be more upsetting to them than a concrete explanation. We don't usually let our children watch the news as it can be very horrifying and sensational but we do discuss it with them at their own levels and occasionally dh and I will let dd (she's 9) see footage so that she gets a better picture of what is going on. Sounds like your teacher did ok.