Play as an Antidote to Violence

"We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Will Rogers

PLAY AS AN ANTIDOTE TO VIOLENCE

In the second edition of her book, Teaching Young Children in Violent Times:  Building a Peaceable Classroom (Washington, DC:  NAEYC, 2003; www.naeyc.org), Diane Levin offers these guidelines for helping children use play to work out violent and disturbing content they have viewed on television:

*  Watch children as they play to learn more about what they know, what worries them, and what they are struggling to understand.

*  Remember that for many children it is normal and helpful to bring into their play graphic aspects of what they have seen and heard.

*  If the play gets scary or dangerous, gently intervene and redirect it.  

*  Help them come up with ways for extending the play.  Try to follow the children's lead in the roles that you take rather than taking over.

*  After the play, talk to children about what they played.  Reassure their safety.  Answer questions simply.  Clear up confusions.

*  Try to teach alternatives to the harmful lessons children may be learning from the volence they bring to their play.  

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