5 Examples of Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools for Supporting Students

Creating Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools for Supporting Students

Trauma is an event or experience that overwhelms an individual’s coping mechanisms. The traumatic experience can result in negative impacts on their physical, emotional, and social well-being. For children, traumatic experiences can occur at any time, and it may affect their academic performance, social interaction, and emotional regulation in school.

Schools are an essential setting to support children who have experienced trauma. A trauma-informed school is a place where staff is trained to understand and support students who have gone through adversity. Adopting trauma-informed practices in schools can make a significant difference in helping students heal and providing them with the tools they need to perform well in school. Here are five examples of trauma-informed practices in schools to support students:

1. Sensory Rooms

Sensory rooms are spaces specially designed to calm and soothe students who are experiencing emotional distress. The rooms are equipped with sensory tools such as weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and comfortable furniture, which help students self-regulate. Sensory rooms provide students with a safe space where they can collect their thoughts, calm their emotions, and return to class refreshed and ready to learn.

2. Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices focus on teaching students to pay attention to their feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations without judgment. These practices help students recognize the signs of distress, and learn how to regulate their emotions. Daily mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises and meditation, help students learn how to manage their stress and anxiety, leading to improved academic performance, positive social interaction, and better emotional health.

3. Trauma Sensitive Classroom Management

Trauma-sensitive classroom management involves understanding the impact of trauma on students’ academic performance and behavior and creating an environment that is sensitive to their needs. Teachers who receive training in trauma-sensitive classroom management understand that behaviors exhibited by students may be part of a coping mechanism to help them deal with trauma. Teachers can provide support by providing alternative coping strategies, such as writing or drawing, and validating the student’s emotions and experiences.

4. Collaborative Problem-Solving

Collaborative problem-solving is a method that helps students solve conflicts, build relationships, and feel empowered. Students are encouraged to solve problems collaboratively with teachers or peers by talking through the issues, brainstorming solutions, and coming up with a resolution. Collaborative problem-solving can help students feel a sense of control, become more resilient, and build positive relationships with their teachers and peers.

5. Trauma-Informed Professional Development for Teachers

Trauma-informed professional development for teachers is essential to creating a trauma-informed school environment. Teachers must understand the effects of trauma on students’ academic performance and behavior and learn effective teaching strategies to support students who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed professional development may include topics such as trauma-responsive teaching practices, identifying and responding to trauma, and building relationships with students who have experienced adversity.

In conclusion, adopting trauma-informed practices in schools is crucial for supporting students who have experienced trauma. Sensory rooms, mindfulness practices, trauma-sensitive classroom management, collaborative problem-solving, and trauma-informed professional development are five examples of practices that schools can adopt to provide a safe and supportive environment for students who have gone through trauma. By doing so, schools can create an environment where students feel seen, validated, and supported.