Tips from our Trauma Informed Staff:

Coping with the Aftermath of Homecoming Week

After last week’s hectic schedule and high level of student excitement, most of us are ready to get back to business and jump right into our curriculum. However, it is important to remember that our students are not emotionally capable of putting thoughts of the dance or game to the side and instantly focusing on our content. Instead of fighting off the “Homecoming Hangover,” embrace it and try to learn more about your students in the process.

Ask Questions
Incorporate Homecoming-related questions into your daily greetings. Ask students that you know went to the dance: “Did you have a good time?” During “Good Things,” ask specifically for students to share good news from Homecoming week, the game, or the dance. Even better, ask students to reflect on the festivities in a quick write or some other way.

Allow students time to talk
Yes, we have already sacrificed precious moments of learning to assemblies, voting, and pep rallies, but giving students a few minutes to discuss the events of last week will do more good than harm. It will show that you respect their needs and are willing to meet them where they are developmentally. It doesn’t mean allowing a whole class period of Homecoming-focused talk. It means setting limits and parameters. For example, you can give them 5-10 minutes at the beginning, middle, or end of class. You could also hold a community circle allowing each student to share something memorable from Homecoming.

Don’t downplay student enthusiasm
Remember that each student has his or her own private logic - they may perceive Homecoming night as the greatest night of their life thus far, and that’s OK! It is not our job to give the students a reality check or remind them that “this will mean nothing to you in ten years.” Allow them to have their moment.

Remember that not all students went to the game or the dance. Some students, in fact, may have hated everything about last week. Don’t call attention to these students; send the message that there is nothing wrong with choosing to sit out school events.