Natural disasters and man-made disasters seem to be occurring more and more frequently recently. Students are interested and often concerned about these events. When natural disasters occur, they can be used to teach students about earth changes and events, as well as helping students understand the importance of compassion and reaching out to those effected by the disaster. Our school uses Core Knowledge curriculum which covers weather and other disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes. The students are exposed to historical events of each type of disaster and can see the effects of those disasters on civilization. However, learning about a current natural disaster is much more relevant to them. Students can learn what causes these natural phenomenon through watching simulations, researching and communicating their findings and watching appropriate footage of the disaster.
Our school is already very culturally aware and compassionate to those in need. Since my own children have been attending the school, they have participated in activities to raise money to help those less fortunate in our own community but also to send aid to those affected by the Japanese tsunami and Joplin tornado last spring.
