Student Dies, A School Mourns: Dealing With Death and Loss in the School Community

Rating:
Summary: Preparing for what you hope never happens.
Review: Littleton, Taber, Jonesboro, Padukah. Those of us who teach and work with teens, must stop thinking like teens, "That will never happen to us." Ralph Klicker of the Thanos Institute (Buffalo, NY) has done every educator and every adminstrator a superb service by compiling this book. I use the word "compiling" intentionally. This is a functional book that formulates a step-by-step approach to death and grief in a teen setting. With precise summary statements and proven methodologies, Klicker weaves together analysis and action. By being familiar with the information in this small book, schools can be prepared for what might happen. They can also reflect on how events involving death have previously been handled, and either be affirmed in their wise moves, or realize their mistakes and build a better approach. Topics of value include setting up a Crisis Response Team, suicide, traumatic/violent death, writing letters of condolencesand understanding the unique way teens grieve. Along the way there is helpful demythologizing of the grief experience (i.e., use the words "death," "died" rather than euphemisms). There is a wealth of information in this book. When it comes to helping teens cope with death, please do not assume we know it all! Even though it reads as a "how to" book, Klicker's ideas can be easily adapted to your unique setting. Why wait to experience it? This book should be availale in every school, camp, youth center and church. It should be must reading for the orientation of each staff member.

Rating:
Summary: Preparing for what you hope never happens.
Review: Littleton, Taber, Jonesboro, Padukah. Those of us who teach and work with teens, must stop thinking like teens, "That will never happen to us." Ralph Klicker of the Thanos Institute (Buffalo, NY) has done every educator and every adminstrator a superb service by compiling this book. I use the word "compiling" intentionally. This is a functional book that formulates a step-by-step approach to death and grief in a teen setting. With precise summary statements and proven methodologies, Klicker weaves together analysis and action. By being familiar with the information in this small book, schools can be prepared for what might happen. They can also reflect on how events involving death have previously been handled, and either be affirmed in their wise moves, or realize their mistakes and build a better approach. Topics of value include setting up a Crisis Response Team, suicide, traumatic/violent death, writing letters of condolencesand understanding the unique way teens grieve. Along the way there is helpful demythologizing of the grief experience (i.e., use the words "death," "died" rather than euphemisms). There is a wealth of information in this book. When it comes to helping teens cope with death, please do not assume we know it all! Even though it reads as a "how to" book, Klicker's ideas can be easily adapted to your unique setting. Why wait to experience it? This book should be availale in every school, camp, youth center and church. It should be must reading for the orientation of each staff member.