5 Examples of Trauma Informed Practices in Schools That Can Change Lives
As educators, it’s crucial that teachers and school staff alike are well-equipped to support students who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed practices in schools have gained prominence in recent years as schools have recognized the need to create a culture of safety and trust within the classroom. In this article, we will discuss five examples of trauma-informed practices in schools that can change lives.
Practice 1: Building Protective Factors
Protective factors are a set of characteristics or conditions that can buffer the negative effects of trauma. In schools, protective factors can include meaningful relationships between students and teachers, social-emotional learning curriculum, and trauma-informed policies and procedures. By focusing on building protective factors, schools can create an environment that helps students feel safe, secure, and valued.
Practice 2: Prioritizing Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to modulate and manage one’s emotions. Students who have experienced trauma often struggle with emotional regulation, and it’s critical that schools prioritize this skill to help students achieve academic success. Trauma-informed practices that can help support emotional regulation include mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and positive self-talk.
Practice 3: Practicing Responsive, Not Reactive, Disciplinary Techniques
Traditional disciplinary techniques can often retrigger a student who has experienced trauma, so it’s essential to adopt an approach that is responsive, not reactive. Trauma-informed discipline techniques prioritize understanding the root cause of a student’s behavior and having a plan in place to help them address it in a healthy, positive way.
Practice 4: Utilizing Strength-Based Approaches
Trauma-informed educators know that every student has unique strengths and abilities, and it’s crucial to highlight and capitalize on these strengths in the classroom. Strength-based approaches can include creating opportunities for students to share positive traits or skills with others, emphasizing their achievements, and providing opportunities for students to take on leadership roles.
Practice 5: Fostering a Trauma-Informed Culture
Creating a culture of safety and trust in the classroom can go a long way in helping students who have experienced trauma. Teachers and staff can foster this culture by creating consistent routines, modeling healthy relationships, and prioritizing self-care. When students feel safe and supported, they are better equipped to learn and succeed academically.
In conclusion, trauma-informed practices in schools can change lives. By building protective factors, prioritizing emotional regulation, practicing responsive disciplinary techniques, utilizing strength-based approaches, and fostering a trauma-informed culture, schools can create a safe and supportive environment for all students. It’s crucial that educators take the time to understand and implement these practices to support the well-being and success of their students.
