Should the issue of death be discussed in the elementary school classroom?

Question

If you were going to discuss it, would you use a novel such as Bridge to Terabithia to introduce it, or some other method? Why or why not?

Answer 1

When my daughter was in pre-school, the teacher talked about death and dying in a way that was appropriate for 3- and 4-year-olds. I thought it was done very well and was very helpful to me as my mother was dying at the time. The teacher showed the children that everything dies. They found dead leaves, dead plants, dead insects in the playground.

I think that it is a fine subject for children -- but one that our society shies away from. But it is a natural part of life and can be discussed in a way that isn't frightening to children. Kids see it when their goldfish or other pet dies. It's just that we don't talk about it when the opportunity arises.

The only area I would avoid is what happens after death (leave that to parents and religious leaders).

Answer 2

If someone in the class brings it up, I would discuss it very generally and then try to contact parents of the group to get and ok to discuss such a sensitive issue--also maybe contact the school psychologist and/or counselor in order for age appropriate materials. If the subject is coming up because someone involved in the class or close to the entire class was involved, I still advise the same, although the school psych and/or counselor would probably already be involved.

Answer 3

Sesame street did a show where one of the characters passed away, and the adults explained it to Big Bird. After that episode aired they received a lot of thank you letters from parents.

If it's done properly, it could help both children and their parents.

The main drawback is that children are going to ask what happens after death, and an appropriate answer should be decided upon before discussing death to elementary school kids.

Answer 4

We made those embellished containers & did a pleasing pastime. We did no longer have any rule approximately giving each and every classmate a card, yet a lot of human beings did. We additionally made some specific enjoying cards. i think of many of the field adorning & specific card making replaced into finished at residing house with paper, doilies, & hearts protecting the field & a mailbox slot shrink in it. I in basic terms vaguely bear in mind eating cupcakes, so i think of each and every social gathering took up at maximum an hour. It replaced into relaxing. i think of each and every physique rec'd a minimum of a few enjoying cards & for that reason doubt if everybody went residing house feeling completely devastated, even nevertheless some little ones probably rec'd lots extra effective than others. i replaced into probably contained in direction of the popularity selection, neither astonishing nor backside. a pair of circumstances there have been boys I seen boyfriends or had a weigh down on. candy.

Answer 5

Death is a very common thing and not a bad thing to discuss.
Kids have their own misconception when they see some one dies may be some relative or in some movies.
Its better to clear their misconception at early stages.
This should be taught as part of moral science in elementary school.

Answer 6

Death is a fact of life no matter what age you are.
My brother in law recently passed away and there were other family members that chose not to bring their children, which is totally fine, but I thought my 4 year old was old enough to go to the funeral. She loved her uncle, and though she might not understand death, she knows that he is with his heavenly father, and she was totally fine with it. I also wanted her to have the chance to say goodbye to him one last time.
I think it is a delicate issue, but it is a fact of life.

Answer 7

I wouldn't make it an issue of discussion unless a student brought it up. Then I would keep it very general.

You don't know the parents/guardians ideas on it, they could be quite different to your own.

Answer 8

Don't use death on class room untill they become age above 12. they will become negative people in society. but you can make understand about all are unsteady, by exampling cartoon, stroy, etc

Answer 9

I would maybe, in grade six or seven [canada], but you would have to use a method that wouldn't scare everyone.