By: Rasha Halat & Tina Rafidi
November 17, 2024
Ghassan Kanafani once said, “You have something in this world, so stand for it.” Let these words echo in your mind as you face today’s challenges and crises. Whether living amidst wars or experiencing the ripple effects of nearby conflicts, the situation demands strength, compassion, and courage. Every morning, we wake up, rise, and step into our classrooms with a quiet determination to make a difference. But are we merely showing up, or are we fully present—alive to the needs of our students and to our own needs? In a world that often feels uncertain, how can we as teachers resist the tide of helplessness? How can we rediscover that inner spark and use it to bring hope and resilience to our students?
Fighting Helplessness on a Personal Level
If you have felt the weight of worry, the pangs of helplessness, and a sense of fatigue as you stand before your students, know that you are not alone. These are not ordinary teaching conditions; the crises, both visible and unseen, weigh on you and your students alike. Teaching here is about more than academic lessons—it is about breathing life into each day, finding meaning in even the smallest gestures. Kanafani’s words remind us that we all have something to stand for, even when it feels challenging.
But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” To be the steady, resilient presence your students need, you must also prioritize your well-being. Self-care is not selfish; it is essential. Ground yourself each day by asking, “How do I feel today?” or “Why am I here?” These simple reflections help you reclaim purpose, especially when the world feels so fragile. Moments of mindfulness or journaling can calm you, making you more prepared to support your students. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to offer guidance, empathy, and hope to your students.
Building Resilience and Connection in the Classroom
Once you’re grounded, you can turn your focus to building resilience within your classroom. Your students, many of whom may be dealing with their own experiences of crisis, need more than lessons. They need ways to process and express what they’re going through. Introducing creative expression—through storytelling, art, music, or moments of quiet reflection—gives them an outlet for their emotions and creates a sense of safety. The following activities are designed to help both you and your students find connection, hope, and strength in the face of hardship.
- Simple Questions, Profound Impact: Start each morning with questions like, “How do you feel today?” and “Why are you here?” These are more than just routines; they allow students to pause and acknowledge their emotions. In a world where they often feel powerless, these moments remind them that their voices matter, fostering self-awareness and emotional resilience.
- The Bridge to Resilience: Engage your students with the “Bridge to Resilience” activity. In small groups, give them an envelope with limited materials—pencils, newspaper, erasers, spaghetti. Their task: to build a bridge using only these items. This exercise is a metaphor for resilience, showing that even with limited resources, they can create something strong and meaningful. Working together, they learn the value of teamwork, problem-solving, and trust.
- Planting Seeds of Hope: Hope can be as small as a planted seed. Planting seeds can take on both literal and metaphorical meanings. Literally, planting seeds in class becomes a powerful, hands-on activity—a reminder of rebirth, growth, and the enduring cycle of life. Watching the seeds sprout and flourish reinforces the idea that with care and attention, positive change is always possible. Metaphorically, invite students to reflect on the “flowers” in their lives—the people, experiences, or small joys that provide comfort and positivity even in the midst of hardship. These “flowers” symbolize the sources of hope, support, and meaning that help us endure challenging times. Encourage students to identify and nurture these positive influences, acknowledging that, even in the darkest moments, there is beauty and strength to be found.
- A Paper and a Dot: Hand each student a blank paper with a single black dot in the center. Ask them what they see. Some may focus on the dot, while others will notice the vast white space around it. This simple activity illustrates that while difficulties (the black dot) are present, there is also a broader, brighter perspective to embrace. It’s a gentle reminder that hardship does not define their entire world.
- Expressing Strength Through Art and Storytelling: Art, poetry, music, and storytelling offer powerful means of expression, especially in times of crisis. Use cultural icons like Fayrouz or the symbolic art of Naji Ali to introduce themes of resilience and identity. Encourage students to share their own stories, whether through drawing, writing, or speaking. These practices don’t just build empathy; they also empower students, helping them reimagine and reclaim their narratives.
- Repurposing Broken Materials: Students in crisis-laden environments often encounter loss and damage. The act of repurposing and creating something new from broken materials gets them to see beyond the break; it teaches them that even fragments have value. By transforming damaged objects into meaningful creations, they reclaim agency over their experiences, finding beauty in what remains. A tossed piece of paper can be transformed into an origami swan, a broken glass can become a mosaic, and wood pieces can be put together to form a flower bed.
- Personal Narratives: Invite students to share their personal stories in class, creating a space for empathy and understanding. Knowing that others have similar fears, hopes, and dreams fosters a sense of unity and resilience. By encouraging open sharing, you help build a classroom community where everyone supports each other in facing challenges together.
- Practicing Mindfulness in the Midst of Adversity: Teach students the value of being present, noticing the small moments of beauty around them, even in hardship. Mindfulness exercises and short reminders to breathe, observe, and pause can provide them with tools to manage their emotions and find inner peace amid chaos. Invite students to share how being present in the moment affects their whole mind-set and shifts their perspective.
Final Reflections
Teaching in a war-stricken or crisis-laden environment is not easy, yet these are the moments when your role as a teacher becomes most profound. By standing firm in the face of adversity, you are more than a teacher; you become a guide, a source of hope and resilience. Integrating these small yet meaningful practices can transform your classroom into a sanctuary where healing and growth are possible. In doing so, you embody Kanafani’s words: you do have something in this world, something that matters deeply to you and your students. Stand for it, and let it guide you through even the toughest of times.