Deployment, K-12

Here are just a few resources to help students:
Operation Military Kids Backpacks
These bookbags contain activities books to foster resiliency in Iowa students who have a loved one deployed or in the military. The books and activities will help students cope with separation issues, develop problem-solving skills, learn about other cultures and geographical regions, and build pride for their military family members. Reserve online or call reservations:
Grades Prek-K #255986
Grades 1-4 #255984
Grades 5-8 #255985
Grades 9-12 #255986

Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployments
This DVD will help young children and families understand that they are not alone as they experience separation. Features Sesame Street Characters. DVD #255979

Mr Poe and Friends Discuss Family Reunion After Deployment
This DVD helps families deal with deployment separation stress. It was written and performed by children and their parents who have experienced deployment and present common family scenarios. The DVD includes a 30 minute video, facilitator's guide with suggested discussion questions, and informational handouts. For ages 6-11. DVD #255980

Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy
This DVD will help adolescents understand that they are not alone as they experience family separation. It provides tools for students to begin to understand and cope with their feelings and emotions related to military deployment. DVD #255981

Children’s/Young Adult Books
Heartland has some excellent fiction and nonfiction books and picture books that may help students understand different cultures. Examples:
Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad
Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle
Midnight Tales: A Woman’s Journey Through the Middle East
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq
The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella
Count on Us: American Women in the Military
Children of War: Voices of Iraqi Refugees
Alia’s Mission: Saving the Books of Iraq (graphic novel)
14 Cows for America
Count Your Way Through Afghanistan
Life Under the Taliban
Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan
Parvana’s Journey
The Roses in My Carpets
Under the Persimmon Tree
Welcome Afghanistan
The Breadwinner
My Name Was Hussein
The White Nights of Ramadan
The Best Eid Ever
Coming to America: A Muslim Family’s Story