Earthquakes
Developmental Explanation
How to Explain Earthquakes to Children
Be honest with children and keep explanations simple. Encourage children to ask questions and lead the discussion.
Earthquakes are the earth’s way of releasing stress and energy. The surface of the earth is covered in tectonic plates, these are like mismatched puzzle pieces that don’t fit together. When tectonic plates move past one another they can get stuck.The energy that it takes to unstick the tectonic plates creates an earthquake.
Preparation
Helping Children Prepare for Earthquakes
Encourage children to participate in planning as a family. Preparing for and talking about earthquakes helps children cope with fears and anxiety. Practicing the safety drill Drop, Cover and Hold On with children helps them feel prepared. Making it a game builds confidence to know how to respond in an emergency.
Coping
All Feelings Are Okay
Using the following ► Tools for Caregivers will help children to feel safe, calm and relaxed. Talking with children about family values/faith/love/traditions will help children feel connected and support healing. Encourage children to think about what helps them feel hopeful, who helps them feel hopeful and how to help others regain hope?
Play
Play Is The Best Way
Play is how children understand their world and learn to process difficult experiences.
Some children may want to “recreate” the event that has occurred. It is typical for children to build structures only to knock them down or bury toys and dolls to work through their anxiety and grief. Allow them the time, space and materials to do so.
Expressive Art
Express Yourself
Children need opportunities to express themselves. Encourage children to express emotions through movement, play, art or talking with a trusted adult.
Using broken dishes, cups, and other household items or even torn paper to create art encourages understanding that what is broken can be rebuilt as something new.
Printable Activity Sheets
General Activity Sheets
Individual Activity Sheets with Instruction
5 Essential Needs for Children Following Disasters
Need more resources? Don't forget to check out our 5 Essential Needs for Children Following Disasters page for more videos, handouts and tips based on the child's age.