The Power of Play-Based Learning: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Engaging Young Learners
Play-based learning is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, social-emotional growth, and engagement in the classroom. This article explores movement-based, group, sensory, imaginative, and role-playing activities that help students develop communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. By integrating play into learning, educators can create trauma-informed environments that support diverse learning styles, enhance brain development, and build strong classroom communities.
The Essential Role of Paraprofessionals in Trauma-Informed Classrooms
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in under-resourced schools, providing academic, emotional, and physical support to students. Beyond assisting teachers, they build trust, help regulate student emotions, and recognize trauma-related stress responses. By accommodating diverse learning styles, paraprofessionals help all students engage meaningfully with their curriculum. As liaisons between students, teachers, and families, they foster communication and advocacy, making schools more inclusive and supportive.
Talking to Kids About Hard Things: A Trauma-Informed Guide for Teachers and Caregivers
For generations, adults could more easily shield children from the hardest parts of the world. Difficult conversations—about grief, violence, discrimination, world events, or personal struggles—were often delayed until children were “old enough” to understand. But in today’s fast-moving, hyper-connected world, young people are exposed to tough topics earlier than ever before. This guide offers strategies and prompts for teachers and caregivers to help discuss hard, challenging topics with an intention to connect through honesty, humility, and validation.
Building Confidence and Self-Worth in the Classroom: A Trauma-Informed Guide
Building students’ confidence and self-worth in the classroom requires intentional language, inclusive practices, and trauma-informed support. Teachers play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging by acknowledging each student’s unique background, celebrating cultural identity, and providing opportunities for growth through academics, peer connections, and extracurricular activities. By creating a safe, affirming environment, educators empower students to develop resilience, embrace their strengths, and navigate challenges with confidence.
Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers
An Educational Book Series from Resilient Futures
[July 2022] Co-edited by Resilient Futures founder Megan Brennan, this volume of the series Contemporary Perspectives on Developing Trauma-Informed Teachers provides reflections, examples, and implementation guidance for the innovative and important ways educators develop and implement trauma-informed practices across their programs, instituting broader curricular shifts to incorporate trauma-informed practices.
[January 2023] Co-edited by Resilient Futures founder Megan Brennan, this volume of the series was driven by a deep desire to ensure that teacher candidates are thoughtfully prepared to more fully address students’ needs and create classroom environments that are safe for students and teachers.
Childhood Trauma:
An event(s) that a child finds overwhelmingly distressing or emotionally painful, often resulting in lasting mental and physical effects.
Many think of trauma as a single life-changing event, but more commonly trauma manifests as a series of events or patterns of abusive or neglectful behaviors that compound over time.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
In the Press
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