In the Fall of 2005 , Hurricanes Katrina and Rita slammed into the Gulf Coast states. They were two of the most powerful hurricanes in recorded history. Many lost their homes and businesses. Others experienced emotional or physical injuries, and some lost their lives. Thousands need shelter, food, water, and medical supplies.

Special Project: Stories to be Told

Giving Students Impacted by the Hurricanes a Voice

The MindOH! Foundation would like to invite your students to tell their stories about the impact that Hurricane Katrina (or Rita) has had on their lives. Click on the appropriate link below in Stories to be Told, to launch a lesson plan that will give you more information on how to submit your stories.

As victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita slowly pick their way through the rubble of their lives, people across America and the world have been reaching out to help. The degree of devastation caused by this natural disaster is unprecedented in America. So has the response to those in need. There are thousands of stories to be told. Stories have always been a way that human beings communicate and connect with one another. They humanize and personalize the events of our lives. They have the potential to help us focus on what connects us rather than on what divides us.

For young people, stories can help increase their willingness to communicate their thoughts and feelings. And the sharing of stories can help them empathize with unfamiliar people, places, and experiences. Thousands of young people have been touched by Hurricane Katrina, whether they were directly or indirectly impacted by this disaster. Many lost loved ones, pets, homes, and entire communities. Their worlds have been shattered. Many others from far distances away have made sacrifices, some great and some small, to help strangers in need. This disaster provides a teachable moment when we can learn from one another by giving students a voice.

The MindOH! Foundation would like to invite your students to tell their stories about the impact that Hurricane Katrina (or Rita) has had on their lives. Click below for more information.

Stories to be Told

Lower Elementary Level

Upper Elementary Level

Secondary Level

Thought-Provoking Activities for Young People

The MindOH! Foundation has created lesson plans and activities that can be used in classrooms, youth groups and families. These tools will help young people explore topics ranging from finding the good that can come from a bad situation, to the importance of putting good character into action by serving those in need.

Courage in the Face of Disaster

This activity allows those young people who have been negatively impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to explore the good that can come from this terrible situation, and will encourage them to be courageous in the face of a disaster.

Learning from Mistakes

Many people are dismayed by the human suffering and the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. Many are also concerned about whether or not local, state, and federal governments prepared for and/or responded to the situation effectively. This has sparked investigations and heated debate. Moving forward, it will be important to examine all aspects of this disaster – from preparedness to response to rebuilding – so we can learn from mistakes and the human suffering those mistakes caused. This activity raises some questions about how governments need to function.

Helping Hands

This lesson plan helps kids who may not be directly impacted by Hurricane Katrina or Rita understand that real success lies not in what we have, but on what we do. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others. Students explore the concept of meaningful success and how it applies to citizenship in the face of the Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita disaster.

Help Anyone?

John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Too often we’re concerned with what we can get and not what we can give. With this lesson plan, young people explore the idea that volunteerism (at home, at school or in the community) plays a vital role in keeping our nation and our world safe, free, and prosperous.

Thinking It Through – Opportunities for Kids to Journal

These simple, but effective writing exercises give kids an opportunity to reflect on their thoughts and feelings and put them down on paper. These tools also serve as an excellent springboard for discussion.

Coping With Natural Disasters

Dealing With the Death of a Loved One

Dealing With the Loss of Your Home

Dealing With the Loss of Your Neighborhood or Community

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

I Wonder – An Opportunity for Kids to Connect With an Adult

What Can I Do to Make a Difference

Broadcast Messages

Disasters provide an opportunity for young people to put good character into action by reaching out to help victims. The following messages (donated by Project Wisdom) are intended to encourage both the victims of the hurricane and the giving to relief organizations. These can be read over your school's in-house public announcement system or television system.

Facing A Disaster - Elementary and Secondary
Facing a disaster is never easy, but with time we can turn a tragedy into an opportunity to let go of the past and start anew.

No Contribution Too Small
There are many ways young people can contribute to hurricane victims. This is also a reminder to be grateful for everyday blessings.

The Power of Many
There is an awesome force for good that comes when human beings come together with open minds and hearts and do the right thing.

From The President
The task ahead is enormous and we have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast.

Helping the Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita - Elementary and Secondary
As members of the human family, we have much in common with the victims. Everyone needs to know that someone cares.

Overcoming Obstacles- For Hurricane Victims - Elementary and Secondary
After experiencing a great loss, we may have to rebuild our lives brick by brick, hour by hour.

 

Talking Tips For Meaningful Conversations With Kids

Difficult situations such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita challenge parents and teachers to speak to children and teens about the tragic events unfolding before them. Childbuilders, an organization that provides innovative services, programs, education, and collaboration to promote healthy child and family development, has donated an article titled "Tender Topics: Talking with children about serious matters" to help facilitate meaningful conversations during this difficult time.

Feel free to pass this Web page along to your colleagues or anyone else who could benefit from these resources. Please email us at info@mindohfoundation.org if you have any questions.