Two of its wheels roll across the floor. The three children proceed to rescue the imaginary driver who is deftly removed from the wreckage, placed in the awaiting ambulance and sent off to the nearest hospital. On the contrary, the teachers encourage this behaviour as a way of helping the youngsters work out their feelings after a tornado swept through their town, leaving 12 people dead and hundreds of others homeless. Children are permitted to make their own interpretations during play activities, but teachers are available for conversation if the children want to talk. This is just one of many ways to help children cope with the aftermath of disaster.
Techniques also vary depending on the age group.
This isn't always easy as young children frequently express themselves in non-verbal ways. Dealing with an anxious child can be especially difficult if the parents have just gone through the same disaster. To ignore Jimmy's clinging and screaming now would be a mistake, as the behaviour is likely to persist until he gets the reassurance he needs. What Jimmy needs now is to be cuddled and reassured that his parents are not going to leave him. He will derive further reassurance if allowed to accompany his parents as they proceed with recovery activities, including shopping and cleanup chores.