I just completed my first lockdown drill with my kindergarten class, and it was quite the experience! As a first-year teacher, explaining the importance of the drill while assuring them it was just practice was a challenge. To help ease their minds, I read a book quietly during the drill. One of my students even asked if we were hiding from a skunk, which caught me off guard! Many of them seemed confused, and some looked genuinely scared.
At just 21, I still carry my own memories of lockdowns from my childhood, and I can understand how traumatic they can be. It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea that anyone would want to harm my students or me.
I’m reaching out for advice: how can I make lockdown drills more manageable for my little ones? What tips do you have to help ease their anxiety while still ensuring we’re well-prepared? Thank you!
First of all, you’re doing a great job by prioritizing the safety of your students while also being sensitive to their feelings. It’s understandable that these drills can be confusing and frightening for young children. Here are some tips to help make lockdowns more manageable for your kindergarteners:
Use Simple Language: When explaining the drill, use age-appropriate language. You can say something like, “We’re practicing staying very quiet and safe, just like superheroes.”
Storytime Approach: Incorporate books or stories about safety in a fun and engaging way. You might look for books that talk about staying safe during different scenarios, while keeping the tone light.
Positive Reinforcement: After the drill, praise your students for their behavior. Celebrate their ability to stay quiet and follow directions, which can help them feel proud rather than scared.
Reassure Them: Let them know that this is just practice and that they are safe. Reinforce the idea that these drills help keep everyone safe and that you’re there to take care of them.
Role Play: Transform the drill into a game or role-play. Kids love to play pretend, so you might introduce a fun scenario where they’re “hiding from monsters” or similar imaginative threats.
Routine Check-In: After the drill, hold a short circle time where they can express their feelings. Encourage them to talk about what they liked or found confusing, and reassure them that feelings are okay.
Create a Safe Space: Work together to create a “safe corner” in your classroom where they can go if they ever feel scared. You can decorate it with calming colors or soft pillows.
Communicate with Parents: Keep parents in the loop about the drills and how they’re conducted. This can help them provide reassurance at home.
Follow-Up Activities: After the drill, engage them in a fun activity that helps divert their minds, such as drawing or crafting, which allows them to express any anxieties they might have.
Remember, the goal is to prepare them while minimizing stress. Your compassion and understanding will go a long way in helping them feel safe. You’re already making a difference by being a caring and thoughtful teacher!