Building a Trauma-Sensitive Environment

Traumatic events are common and can have long-lasting effects on children and youth who experience them. The right intervention from a mental health professional, however, makes it possible not only to move forward from trauma but also to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

It is important that educators understand that children and youth who have experienced trauma have difficulty regulating their emotions and often express their feelings in a variety of ways, including avoidance and shutting down. It’s difficult for them to learn if they don’t feel they are in a safe environment. In a trauma-sensitive environment, students will feel more comfortable and supported by their teachers and peers. By incorporating trauma-sensitive strategies in your classroom/school it will ensure that all students are able to learn.

What a trauma-sensitive teacher or principal would say:

1. In our school, we don’t do ___________________ because____________________.
2. How can we work this out together?
3. I think that would upset you if someone did that to you.
4. I know it’s hard to accept me saying no about that; I’m here to help you through it.
5. I know it’s hard to stop, but it’s time to stop so we can keep learning.

What a trauma-sensitive classroom would look like:

1. Uncluttered and organized to create a sense of calm
2. Posted schedule
3. Classroom rules with well-established expectations
4. Advance warning for transitions
5. Safe place in the classroom where students can self-regulate
6. Flexible seating

Strategies for addressing childhood trauma:

1. Journaling
2. Deep breathing exercises
3. Praying
4. Cognitive behavior therapy (by a trained professional)
5. Counseling

General Resources

• Best Practices for Trauma-informed Instruction, Hanover Research
• Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools, Jen Alexander
• Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom, Kristin Souers
• Creating Trauma Sensitive Classrooms, NAEYC – Presenter Katie Statman-Weil, LCSW, MS Webinar (ECE)
• Getting Started with Trauma-Informed Practices, Edutopia (3 minute video clip)
• Social & Emotional Development in Early Childhood – Presenter Bruce D. Perry, Video (1 hour 27 seconds)

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