Children often face real life fears through nightmares. The lost sleep and worry can impact learning. This 1^st grade teacher adapted a lesson to allow expression of fear and the design of a solution.

Classroom background

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Video clip setting

Teacher adapted a lesson on time frame words (yesterday, today, tomorrow) to open opportunity to talk with a few students who were reporting nightmares. While implementing the lesson, she had this conversation with one of the students. 

Strategies summary 

Moving to eye level with student

Asking open-ended questions

Acknowledging painful emotions

Guiding towards student designed solutions

Student behavior

Distracted, looking tired in class

Questions to consider 

What was the teacher trying to accomplish?

What could be happening with this child?

What do you need/want to know and watch for?

What might the teacher do in follow-up?

What alternative strategies do you propose?

What, if any, cues exist that indicate your contact with home or student services staff?

Classroom background

1st Grade, Regular Education Classroom, 32 students,  2 teachers, 90% Free or Reduced Lunch

See link above for more background.

Thank-you to:

The students and teachers of this classroom at Mitchell Street School of  Milwaukee Public Schools