THIS

WEEK

IN CLASS

The West School

Madison, CT
Newsletter Date
Volume 1, Issue 13

Ms. Scherrs Classroom Newsletter

Hello Parents!
This week I am providing a curriculum on families that includes
information about family conflict and domestic violence. We will read an
age-appropriate book that depicts family abuse. Your child may be
upset to learn about this social problem, and may want to talk with you
afterward. This week will be a time for your child to learn and grow in a
topic they may not be familiar with! I encourage you as parents to use
this opportunity to discuss your values with your children!

What is Domestic Violence?

7 tips on talking to children about violence:
Domestic violence is a pattern of
abusive behavior in any relationship
1. Reassure children that they are safe.
that is used by one partner to gain or
Make sure they know when at school
maintain power and control over
they are safe and explain that all
another intimate partner. Domestic
feelings are okay.
violence can be physical, sexual,
2. Make time to talk. Be patient. Some
emotional, economic, or psychological
children may prefer other methods
actions or threats of actions that
besides talking about it, such as
influence another person. This includes
drawing a picture or listening to music.
any behaviors that intimidate,
3. Keep your explanations
manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten,
developmentally appropriate.
terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt,
4. Review safety procedures.
injure, or wound someone.
5. Observe the childs emotional state.
Some children could be at risk for more
intense reactions so keep your eye on
the child.
6. Limit television viewing of these events.
Limit the childs exposure to hateful
comments that could be misunderstood
or taken out of context.
7. Maintain a normal routine. Keep a
regular schedule.

Ms. Scherrs Classroom Newsletter Page 2

Books We Will Read This Week:
1. A Place for Starr by Howard Schor Monday
we areas
learning
a. This story follows a brave girl and Today
her family
they about dinosaurs.
break the cycle of violence.
Tuesday

2. Healing the Bruises by Lori MorganToday we are learning about pets.

a. This book makes the experience ofWednesday

searching for and
Today
restoring peace in a troubled family bothwe are learning about the solar
system.
understandable and positive.

3. Hear my Roar by Gillian Watts

Thursday
Today we are going on a field trip to the zoo.

a. Papa bear is mean to Mama and Orsa, but with the

Friday
help of friends they try to break the
cycle of violence.

Today we have a special guest from the fire

department to tell us about fire safety.

Reminders to Students

Bring money for field trip lunch

Bring umbrella in case it rains
Think of a supplementary text

to share with the class about

domestic/family violence.

Methods I will use to teach this

curriculum:
o Students will read supplementary
text.

For example, lyrics from popular

music such as Goodbye Earl.

o Students will read multiple texts.

For example, we will do literature

circles in class. Students will read 4
different books all about domestic
violence but each book has different
viewpoints and characters.

o Students will read from a resistant

perspective.
Reminders to Parents

Your child will need to do or bring

the following this week:
1. Backpack
2. Reading folder
3. Sign off on the progress report
4. Lunch box
5. Talk to your child about
domestic violence and their
feelings towards it.

They will confront stereotypes

written in a text and deconstruct
value being privileged.

o Students will produce counter texts.

They will create multi-media

presentations from the voices that
are marginalized or silenced.