The document discusses how to effectively talk to young people about current events, including sensitive topics like elections, hate, and extremism. It offers strategies for educators to facilitate conversations by preparing themselves, listening, and creating a safe environment for discussion. Additionally, it addresses the emotional experiences of youth in response to societal issues and encourages positive action.

1. Hockaday School Faculty
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young People
About Heated Topics in Current Events
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

2. About Seattle Girls’ School
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3. Agenda
 Current Realities
 Young People’s Experience
 How to Talk to Youth
 How to Facilitate Conversations
 Questions and Answers
 Resources
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

4. Current Realities
 Election Rhetoric
 Black Lives Matter
 Olympics
 Domestic and Foreign Terrorism
 Transgender Laws
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

5. Young People’s Experience
 Increase in Anti-Muslim Sentiment
 Increase in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
 Increased Uncivil Discourse
 Rise in Sadness and Fear
 Increased Acting Out
 And More…
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

6. How to Talk to Young People
About Current Events
 What have you heard?
 How do you feel?
 What questions do you have?
 How can I support you?
 What positive action can you take?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

7. How to Talk to Young People
About Hate and Extremism
 Prepare Yourself
 Be Alert
 Listen
 Reassure
 Be Honest
 Share Your Perceptions
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

8. How to Talk to Young People After
Personal Incidents
 “I want to help you feel strong.”
 Affection, correction, protection
 Emotions are always right; not all
action is always right
 Avoid either/or thinking
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

9. Helping Young People Talk to One Another
 Create Safety and Courage
 Express Feelings
 Generate Questions
 Share Facts
 Learn More
 Complicate Thinking
 Take Action
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

10. Break
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11. Practice Makes
Less Anxiety-Inducing
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12. Sample Topic: Elections
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 What makes you nervous?
 What makes you hopeful?
 You have always taught civics during
election years. This year when you
introduce the unit, one student says, “Donald
Trump is going to make America great
again!” Another student says, “Donald
Trump is a racist!”
– How do you intervene?
– What do you need to keep in mind?
– What do you want to avoid doing?

13. Pick a Current Event Topic
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
 What makes you nervous?
 What makes you hopeful?
 Devise a situation you anticipate might
happen. Describe who is involved, when it
happens, the context, etc.
– What could you say?
– What do you need to keep in mind as you
intervene?
– What do you want to avoid doing?

14. Takeaways
 What did you learn today
that was new, helpful, or
thought provoking?
 What are some goals or
strategies you would like to
apply with your students?
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)

15. Questions and Comments
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16. Presenter Information
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
6th Faculty and
Professional Outreach
Seattle Girls’ School
2706 S Jackson Street
Seattle WA 98144
(206) 805-6562
rlee@seattlegirlsschool.org
http://tiny.cc/rosettalee
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)