40 Minute Lesson Plans

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What is Miss Susie?

Miss Susie had a Steamboat (also known as Hello Operator) is a schoolyard rhyme sung to the same tune as “Miss Lucy had a baby.” Taboo words were sung as part of the following verse (e.g., “hell” as part of “hello!,” “behind the ‘frigerator,” And “as[s]” as part of “ask”). The song was used for jump-rope rhyme and a clapping game. This song references the steam-powered boats which were popular in the 19th century. Some steamboats were large and included theaters, galleries, ballrooms, and saloons. They traveled up and down rivers bringing plays and music to river towns. But they also were accident prone, especially when the boilers exploded and caught fire.

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What is the Gun-Free School Zone Act?

The Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 is a Federal law that requires all elementary and secondary schools – public, faith-based, and private – to expel from the school for at least one year any student who possess a firearm or a weapon on school grounds or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the school. The purpose of this law is to support the growing efforts to protect schools from the tragedy of school shootings.

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What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia is a mental disorder often linked to distorted body image and emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression. Anorexic individuals restrict their amount of daily food intake. To further lose weight or avoid weight gain, they use vomiting or laxatives after eating. Most common symptoms of this disorder include lethargy, irregular or delay in onset of menstruation, yellowing of the skin, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, and constipation. This disorder can lead to failure of internal organs including the kidneys, liver, and heart. Psychological counseling can help reduce the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.  

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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that follows a traumatic event. It is characterized by re-experiencing of the event (for example, through nightmares and flashbacks); distressed caused by the mention of the event; depression or anxiety; and, physical symptoms such difficulty sleeping. The person does not need to have direct exposure to the event to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. It is sufficient to learn about the event through close others. Severe reactions to trauma are classified as a mental disorder if they linger for more than one month. Cognitive-behavioral interventions can counteract the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.   

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What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying using online platforms. Cyberbullying may include private text messages and emails or public humiliations, for example, through sharing of hurtful comments and images on social media. Some forms of cyberbullying constitute illegal behavior. According to information released by the US Department of Education, in 2015, 16% of high school students in the US were victims of cyberbullying.    

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What is Survivor’s Guilt?

Survivors of traumatic events, such as war, terrorist attacks, school shooting, and natural disasters may feel guilty for surviving when others did not.  While guilt is a common response, it is dysfunctional. Moral guilt is typically associated with the recognition of wrongdoing. However, in incomprehensible events that are outside one’s control, this emotion has no constructive purpose. Survivor’s guilt can hinder trauma recovery. Survivors need to acknowledge their helplessness in the traumatic event to overcome the feelings of guilt and continue with normal life.

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What To Do in Case of Active Shooting?

Immediate responses to active shooting may vary depending on the location and physical setting. If it is safe to do so individuals should run out of the building and until reaching a safe location. If escape is not feasible, individuals should hide in a location where the walls might be thicker and have fewer windows. In many cases, First Responders may arrive to the scene while the shooting is still active. All people on site should follow their instructions.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Healthy Students, Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans, Washington, DC, 2013.

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What is Sense of Purpose?

Sense of purpose is the motivation to work towards goals associated with life satisfaction and fulfilling one’s positive role in society. Sense of purpose is not associated with ability or socioeconomic status. Everyone can develop a strong sense of purpose. Lack of it can lead to depression and anxiety.

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What is Resilience?

Resilient individuals can respond to stress and trauma using effective coping strategies including seeking help and support from friends and finding a renewed meaning in life (e.g., supporting others who have suffered or helping prevent future traumatic events). Lack of resilience is associated with perceived stress, difficulty controlling thoughts about the event, distraction, and intense negative emotions. Supportive families and communities can help individuals improve their resilience and coping skills through caring and compassion, and helping trauma victims practice self-management of emotions and thoughts.

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What is a Sense of Community?

A sense of community is the perception of unity, togethernerness, and joint responsibility to support the well-being of members of the community. After traumatic events, a sense of community mobilizes the counseling, emotional support, and help  individuals need to better cope with their reactions to traumatic events. Community members can build on their knowledge and understanding of each other to encourage discussions about painful memories and help individuals manage their thoughts and emotions constructively.  

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