What is Trauma?
The National Childhood Trauma Stress Network defines trauma as frightening, dangerous, or violent events that poses a threat to a child’s life.
Reactions to Trauma (According to the Center for Treatment for Anxiety Disorders):
- Anger
- Sadness/despair
- Flashbacks
- Unpredictable emotions
- Nausea and headaches
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of shame
- Isolation or hopelessness
“Assume all children are trauma-affected and need social and emotional learning instruction and support.” – Nonprofit Zero to Three
Practices and Tips
It is important to provide opportunities for staff to get trained on trauma-informed education. It is also important to acknowledge teacher trauma. When students are traumatized, teachers are, too.
A tip that will benefit families would be providing them with pamphlets, workshops, or even inviting parents to trauma-informed trainings to better educate the school community and build a trusting relationship with caregivers. Both teachers and caregivers should have a full understanding of school abuse policies.
Teachers can provide several spaces in the classroom to ensure that students have the opportunity to come to a peaceful mind. Examples include a Peace Corner/Safe Space and a Brave Space. A Peace Corner, often called a Safe Space, is a place where children can go to step away from the group when needed. Teachers can provide self care activities, such as stress balls, paper and coloring utensils for drawing, calm down kits, and even encourage meditation. A Brave Space encourages children to think about the actions, words, or behaviors that they do want to do or say rather than the things they should not do.