https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz Articles from 2017 to 2021 en-us 2022-01-07 17:50:06 UTC 2025-11-29 03:47:45 UTC hello@padlet.com epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981097583 This article on Racial Trauma from Today.com describes what racial trauma is and looks like, how children are being affected, and how to cope with this trauma. The article gives examples of the recent events of the death of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor causing trauma for Black individuals. Many individuals are scared of the police or to leave their homes. Racial trauma looks similar to PTSD. Individuals are experiencing low self-esteem, poor concentration, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and anxiety and depression. The article explains children can also experience race-based stress and how the idea of police officers in schools is a form of trauma in that children feel they are being policed in their learning environment. Therapists have been busy helping individuals cope with racial trauma. This article of trauma reminds teachers that it is necessary to teach children cultural awareness and bring diversity into the classroom. When teaching PK-4th Grade classrooms, teachers must advocate for all students and be aware of student's mental health. Understanding racial trauma can help teachers create a safe and welcoming class as well as become aware to look for signs of racial trauma to which they will know how to help the student in response. ]]> 2022-01-07 19:39:05 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981097583 epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981160714 This article on Gender & Sexual Identity from CNN News describes the negative effects that media has on a child's view their sexual identity and gender stereotypes. The article explains research shows that gender stereotypes in movies, TV, and other forms of media are effective in teaching children what culture expects of boys and girls. The article gives examples of how preschoolers (who are just beginning to identify as boys or girls) may see typical boy/girl stenotypes on TV. Young children will absorb these ideas of how a boy or girl should look or act and may make false assumptions or harmful conclusions about gender and sexual identity. The article further explains that these views can affect kids' career choices, self-worth, relationships, and the ability to achieve their full potential. Parents are concerned about these issues and many believe the media has had an influence on their child. In the PK-4th Grade classrooms teachers can help students explore and learn about gender and sexual identity in a positive way. Teachers can model gender inclusive language and behavior. Teachers should break gender stereotypes in their classrooms and support students on their journey of gender and sexual identity by maintaining an open mind that gender identity is complex and each student's identity is unique. Understanding gender and sexual identity is important for teachers so that they are aware of the affects of media on gender norms and can address this topic when teaching. ]]> 2022-01-07 20:33:25 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981160714 epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981967974 This article on Death/Grief/Loss from ABC News describes the grief and loss the many families are feeling this recent holiday season as they experienced the death in the family due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The article shares multiple families' stories, specifically children who have lost a parent or caregiver. Good Morning America spoke to one family, the Dawkins, who lost their mother (Cindy Dawkins) due to Covid-19. Cindy Dawkins was a single mother with four children. This article also explains that it is estimated that for every four deaths due to Covid-19, one child loses a parent. Overall, more than 167,000 children under 18 have lost a parent or caregiver due to Covid-19 in the U.S. A point from a CDC study was also mentioned, stating that almost every school in the county has at least one student who lost a parent or caregiver during the pandemic. This article on Death/Grief/Loss reminds me that it is necessary for teachers to get to know their students and their backgrounds. Specifically, teachers in 2022 may have more students that have experienced the loss of a loved one (Due to Covid-19) and it is important for teachers to be aware and show patience, kindness, and love during these hard times. Understanding the points made in this article can help teachers prepare to help students who may be coping from loss. ]]> 2022-01-09 00:36:23 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981967974 epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981975834 This article on Physical Activity from CNN News focuses on how students can benefit from physical activity, using screens to get kids moving, and how it validates what teachers know. The article explains research shows there are positive benefits of using physical activity in the classroom. Creating physical activity breaks throughout the school day can create better learners. This is because of the impact movement has on the brain. Essentially, physical activity can lead to better cognitive function, which will lead to better results academically. Using the screen can promote physical activity in the classroom in different ways, for example, playing dance videos to get students active. In the PK-4th Grade classrooms teachers can implement physical activity throughout the school days whether it is for a break time or part of an instructional activity. I believe it is important for teachers to create time for students to be active so they stay interested and experience different fun activities in the classroom. ]]> 2022-01-09 01:00:28 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1981975834 epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1982493130 This article on Intentional Injury & Violence from the Washington Post explains how doctors are seeing more severe cases of sexual and physical child abuse with children staying home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The article explains the number of reported cases of child abuse has plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Doctors are worried by the low number of children they are seeing. The article concluded reports to CPS in Maryland and Virginia from school staff have fallen by 94 percent. Doctors are expressing that the stress of unemployment and financial insecurity is putting a serious toll on relationships with parents/caregivers and children. The closure of schools forces children to stay home with adults who may not be safe. This also leads to less children being able to speak out for help. The article also shared many stories of warning signs educators have witnessed in the classroom and gives examples of the more severe cases that have been reported within the past year. In the PK-4th Grade classrooms it is important for teachers to be aware of the warning signs of child abuse so they can catch it early and get the student help. Teachers must prepare themselves to possibly witness signs of child abuse and must use their voice to report to CPS any signs of abuse. Understanding how to have conversations with children about sexual or physical abuse is also important so teachers can react appropriately during these types of situations. ]]> 2022-01-09 17:06:00 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1982493130 epilley747 https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1982530582 This article on Healthy Eating from CNN News explains children are eating more poorly, specifically more fast food due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The article describes about 20% of parents said their family has gotten fast food more often. Reports of children eating fast food at least twice a week were seen more common in families with lower incomes. This article states parents with lower incomes were more likely to say their child is overweight than families with higher incomes. The article shares examples on tips for choosing better foods and cooking more. When teaching in the PK-4th Grade classrooms, it is important for teachers to promote healthy eating. The teacher can guide students to make healthy choices when it comes to eating and can also explain the harms of unhealthy eating and obesity. Understanding the effects of unhealthy eating and obesity is important so teachers can better support students who may be struggling with these issues. Teachers can also provide parents/caregivers with low incomes with websites, research, and tips for healthy eating and cooking with a budget. ]]> 2022-01-09 17:55:40 UTC https://padlet.com/epilley747/nwpdo1ddkhf5hvrz/wish/1982530582