NPR

After Wildfires Destroyed Their Homes, Students Find Healing Help At School

Experiencing a natural disaster can traumatize children. After a devastating wildfire in California, some educators are using an unusual assignment to help students find comfort.
Clark Howe, 12, and his family lost their Santa Rosa, Calif., home and nearly all their possessions to the Tubbs Fire. While he found it hard to talk about the fire, it's also been really helpful to do so, and he can't believe the support he has received from his community.

With wildfires still raging across parts of Southern California, dozens of schools have been closed. Many will stay that way till the new year. That gives educators valuable time to think about what they can do, when school resumes, to help students who have been traumatized by these fires.

One answer can be found a few hundred miles north, in Santa Rosa. In late October, students there returned to class after three.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
A U.S. Doctor In Gaza Wants President Biden To Know 'We Are Not Safe'
Dr. Adam Hamawy is a former U.S. Army combat surgeon currently in Gaza. He said he's treating primarily civilians, rather than combatants: "mostly children, many women, many elderly."
NPR5 min read
Pete McCloskey's Life Reminds Us How Politics Long In The Past Live On In The Present
McCloskey's story has both deep roots and burgeoning relevance. He died this month at 96 and had long been out of the limelight, but the issues he had been willing to champion are as salient as ever.
NPR2 min read
What's Making Us Happy: A Guide To Your Weekend Viewing And Listening
Each week, Pop Culture Happy Hour guests and hosts share what's bringing them joy. This week: Sophie Truax's puppets and songs, Tyler Joseph Ellis' videos, and the new Tiny Desk Contest winner.

Related