https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr In this subtopic, I will delve into the problems associated with children that come from divorced homes, or may be actively experiencing a divorce in their household. Included are resources that teachers can use to encourage classwide conversations, one on one discussions with a child in need, resources to help teachers better understand divorce and its effects on children, as well as resources teachers can provide to classroom parents if needed. en-us 2017-05-06 20:04:15 UTC 2025-04-18 15:33:41 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Shakinghands.png hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326660 While a divorce may be okay with a child in the future, it is important to understand that it really stinks right now. This funny book discusses that it is okay and healthy for children to feel upset after a divorce.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS:
Heart One: Have students draw a heart on a blank sheet of paper. Inside the heart have the students write all of the negative emotions they are feeling in blue, and the positive emotions in pink.  Have a discussion with students about why they are feeling the way they are.  Each week, have students complete another heart. As time goes on have the students compare their hearts, and see how they are coping and becoming more positive.

Heart Two: Have students draw a hear on a blank sheet of paper. In yellow, have the students write words that describe how they are feeling before the divorce. In purple have them describe feelings they are experiencing during the divorce, and in pink how they are feeling after the divorce. This can be done over time, at the end of a divorce, or predictions at the beginning.

]]> 2017-05-06 20:09:02 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326660 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326810 This book can help all children understand that families do not necessarily live in one place. By reading Alex's story it can help children of divorce understand that two homes are okay, and that they are not loved any less because their parents are not together. It could also be read to the whole class to help others sympathize, and understand, a situation others are going through. Here are some discussion questions to help with the book

TO CHILDREN OF DIVORCE:
-What are some great things about each of your houses?
-What are some positive things about having two homes?
-Alex is loved by both her parents in both her homes. Do you feel the same way?

TO THE WHOLE CLASS:
-What would you do if you had two homes? What would be the challenges?
-How can you help a friend who lives in two different places?]]> 2017-05-06 20:12:37 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326810 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326826 While this book does not address divorce specifically, it discusses the endless love a parent has for their child. This could help young students who believe their parents love will change after a divorce, but the activity I chose will address a whole class, and assure them that no matter what happens their parents will always love them. This can be used preemptively, as well as teach about divorce in a more subtle way that does not call out a specific student.

ACTIVITY: This writing activity is completed at home and at school, as well as should be done with parents and students together. In class, give students a piece of paper. On the top students should write "What I love about my parents". Underneath students should write and illustrate their favorite traits about their parents/guardians (Words for younger children, paragraphs for older students). After this is completed, turn the page and have the children write "What I love about my child". For homework, have the students' parents complete the back. Share as a class the next day to reinforce the love between parents and children.]]> 2017-05-06 20:13:08 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326826 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326858 Some divorces do not end with a child living in two homes...some divorces happen because a parent abandons the family.  This story discusses what happens when a parent leaves, and how a child deals with the stress.

ACTIVITY: Have the child sit down and talk about the parent they are currently living with. Instead of focusing all the negative energy on a parent who abandoned them, put the emphasis on the parent they have. Instruct the student to write a story and the adventures the child and parent will have together. This will help them to appreciate the parent they still have, and help them to look forward to the future.]]> 2017-05-06 20:13:36 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326858 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326914 This is a wonderful article that breaks down the steps teachers should take when they have a student dealing with a big change. I have placed it on multiple boards throughout this project as it applies to many subtopics. Janelle Cox does a great job of illustrating what we as educators can do to help students going through a rough time at home. Steps include: provide consistency, be available, communicate, and reinforce student strengths. ]]> 2017-05-06 20:15:05 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170326914 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327021 This video can truly open your eyes to the problems being faced by children of divorce. It is a letter written and read by a child of divorce. Teachers and parents could use this video to see the situation from a child's perspective, while children struggling with divorce can relate to the contents, and realize they are not alone. Finally, children in the classroom (who are not experiencing this) can watch and understand what their peers may be going through, and hopefully help to make them more empathetic to the situation.]]> 2017-05-06 20:18:06 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327021 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327155 In this Ted Talk, Professor Tamara Afifi breaks down the effect divorce can have on children by using a combination of children's voices (she narrates the stories she has heard) and research. Hearing the kids' stories is incredibly powerful, as well as emotional, as you truly get their perspective of the situation. This is a great resource to help teachers understand how different children feel about the same issues, as well as for parents to help them with their children, or children close to them, who are struggling.]]> 2017-05-06 20:22:03 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327155 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327359    Attached are the lyrics to the song "Family Portrait" by P!NK.  This song discusses the dissolving of a family, and calling it "World War Three". It addresses themes of argument, money, sibling relationships, and having the child blame themselves for the situation they are currently in.  
   Have the students (grades 5 and up is recommended) listen to the song and read along with the lyrics. After they have finished reading have them pick one "big idea" or theme from the song and create a word web with their group or a neighbor.  These webs can be created on large paper. Hang the webs around the room and have students do a picture walk (walk around and observe the images). After the students have looked around, discuss the themes as a whole group.  Ask the big question: "How can music help us to learn or deal with family issues??]]> 2017-05-06 20:28:04 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327359 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327570 Below is the link to a activity workbook about divorce. This workbook is intended for a younger children (around grades 4 and below) and addresses the major concerns with children in divorce such as "what do you want to happen in the future", and "what does family mean to you". This is a great resource to give to a child, or provide for a parent to give to their child, in order to help them cope with divorce and all that comes with it.]]> 2017-05-06 20:34:58 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327570 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327651 This adorable video is produced by Sesame Street, and tackles the tough of children thinking divorce is their fault. Many children feel this way, and this resource can help children to see that the issues are not their fault. ]]> 2017-05-06 20:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327651 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327718 Another great video produced by Sesame Street that can be shown to children struggling with divorce. This one discusses how other children are also experiencing divorce, how multiple houses work, and that just because their are two parents in two houses it does not mean the child is loved any less.]]> 2017-05-06 20:39:47 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170327718 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328678 Sometimes children go through divorce and they do not want to talk about it. While this is common among students, it is important to encourage communication in other ways.  The young girl in this book talks about how she wants to "roar like a lion" or "fly away like a bird".

ACTIVITY:
-Have students complete a journal for their own personal use. Tell the children that this is just for them to discuss their feelings, and will not be looked at by the teacher unless the student gives them permission]]> 2017-05-06 21:05:09 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328678 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328802 Many schools have a "banana splits" program where children of divorce can come together to discuss their issues.  Teachers could start this in their classrooms, grade level, or even school wide. Below is an example advertisement.]]> 2017-05-06 21:08:54 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328802 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328839 Some students are not keen on discussing their feelings. It is important to discuss that some emotions can sometimes feel bigger than others, or build upon each other. Have students start with their biggest emotion or problem and place that at the bottom of their construction paper "sundae". Have them add layer by layer and investigate their emotions. Below is an example made by a student. (Credit: Cathy Stainbrook)]]> 2017-05-06 21:09:59 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170328839 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170332537 2017-05-06 23:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170332537 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170332547 2017-05-06 23:21:56 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170332547 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170396866 This picture book goes through "divorce definitions" and describes to a child what divorce is, why it is happening, and what comes next.  

ACTIVITY:
Sit down with the child and ask them if there are any details that they would like to add to the book. Encourage them to share their own personal experiences, and tell the child that their story can help someone else who is going through the same situation. Allow the child to draw a picture or write a story, whichever they are more comfortable with. Not only will this help the child process what is happening, but allows the adults to see what is going on in the child's head/world.]]> 2017-05-07 23:29:41 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170396866 hpgirl613 https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170397066 This book helps children to understand what divorce is, as well as discusses the concept that divorce is not the child's fault. The theme of friendship is stressed heavily throughout the novel, so the activity is discussion based, with the intention of helping the child realize the support system they have around them.

Discussion Questions:
-Why do you think it is important to be friends with somebody?
-What do you look for in a friend?
-Do you have close friends who can help you?
-Are you comfortable talking to your friends about your parents divorce?
-Why do you think having good friends to talk to will help you feel better?

]]> 2017-05-07 23:33:11 UTC https://padlet.com/hpgirl613/c76oyreuvtdr/wish/170397066