Module 2: Supporting Military Connected Children in Our Classrooms
On average, military-connected students relocate approximately every three years. These geographic relocations may be related to a permanent change of stations (PCS) or military-related parental absence, ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Students experiencing these geographic transitions and parental absences may face social, emotional, behavioral, and/or academic challenges. As educators, your role is crucial in recognizing the ways that students may grieve and responding accordingly in these situations to effectively provide support.
Military children possess great strength and resiliency. Their unique experience can provide valuable insight into content and classroom discussions.
This module was designed to increase educators' awareness of the various transitions and situations military-connected students experience and how to address their unique needs. This section will also provide an overview of how to utilize those strengths and navigate the unique challenges highly mobile students face in the classroom.
Think
- What experience do you have with military-connected students?
- How does military culture impact a child's educational experience?
- What unique needs do military-connected children have?
- What resources are you aware of to help you assist military families?
