Trauma-Informed Teaching: Supporting Students during the Holidays
The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many children, it can be a period of increased stress and emotional upheaval. Students from dysfunctional or trauma-impacted homes may experience amplified feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or instability, making it difficult to focus or thrive in school. For educators, employing trauma-informed teaching practices during the holidays can foster a sense of safety, inclusion, and community, offering much-needed support to students who may lack this at home.
At Resilient Futures, our trauma-informed framework—Relate, Reflect, Renew, Restore—is designed to help educators create spaces where students feel valued, included, and understood, even during challenging times. By recognizing the unique challenges of the holiday season, we can equip educators with tools to not only support students at school but also positively impact their lives outside the classroom.
The Holidays and Increased Stress for Students
Stress and Dysfunction at Home
Research consistently shows that the holiday season can exacerbate challenges in families already struggling with poverty, mental health issues, or substance abuse. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 64% of individuals with mental health conditions experience worsened symptoms during the holidays. For children, this can translate into heightened exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving.
Students may bring these experiences into the classroom, exhibiting trauma responses such as emotional dysregulation, avoidance behaviors, or inappropriate social interactions. These responses are not defiance but rather expressions of stress, fear, or unmet needs. Educators are often the first to witness these signs and have the opportunity to respond in ways that promote stability and healing.
The Brain Science of Holiday Stress
For students with trauma histories, the heightened stimuli of the holiday season—unpredictable schedules, social pressures, and increased family conflict—can activate the "fight, flight, or freeze" response. The amygdala becomes hyperactive, perceiving threats even in safe environments, while the prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and emotional regulation, remains underactive.
Trauma-informed practices grounded in brain science are critical during this time. By creating safe, predictable environments and responding with empathy, educators can help students regulate their emotions, improving their ability to learn and connect.
Trauma-Informed Strategies for the Holiday Season
1. Build Meaningful Relationships
Relationships are at the heart of Resilient Futures’ Relate pillar. Positive, consistent interactions with students can act as protective factors against trauma. During the holidays:
Daily Connection Rituals: Start each day with a simple ritual, such as a "Holiday Gratitude Circle," where students share something they’re grateful for or looking forward to.
Personalized Check-Ins: Use holiday-themed prompts to check in with students individually. For example, “What’s one thing you’d like to share about your holiday traditions, or one thing you wish for this season?”
2. Recognize and Validate Trauma Responses
Educators must recognize that heightened emotional responses or withdrawal during the holidays may be trauma-related. Resilient Futures emphasizes Reflect, encouraging educators to understand behavior as communication.
Validate Feelings: If a student seems upset, respond with empathy. For example: “It looks like you’re feeling overwhelmed. Do you want to take a moment to regroup?”
Use Neutral Language: Avoid holiday-specific assumptions like “What gifts are you getting?” which can inadvertently exclude students in difficult circumstances.
3. Create Stability Through Routine
Routine fosters safety, especially for students in unpredictable home environments. In alignment with Resilient Futures’ Renew pillar, establish predictable classroom practices:
Holiday Countdown Calendar: Create a visual countdown with inclusive, non-material activities, such as "Community Kindness Day" or "Winter Art Showcase."
Consistent Transitions: Use clear signals for transitions, such as a calming chime or mindfulness exercise, to maintain stability during this high-stimulation time.
Inclusive Holiday Activities to Promote Connection
Celebrate Universal Themes
Rather than focusing on specific holidays, design activities around universal values like kindness, gratitude, and community. Examples include:
Kindness Chain: Have students write acts of kindness on paper links to create a classroom chain symbolizing collective care.
Gratitude Tree: Provide paper ornaments where students can write or draw things they’re grateful for and hang them on a classroom tree.
Explore Global Traditions
Introduce students to diverse cultural celebrations to foster inclusivity:
Cultural Show-and-Tell: Invite students to share a family tradition, story, or artifact related to their heritage.
Learning Stations: Set up stations highlighting global holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year with crafts or storytelling.
Offer Flexible Participation
Not all students will feel comfortable with holiday activities. Provide alternative options, such as:
A quiet space for independent activities like journaling or drawing.
A creative project focusing on winter themes rather than holidays.
Proactively Supporting Students During the Holidays
Identify and Support Students in Need
Work with counselors and support staff to identify students who may face challenges during the holidays. Offer small-group sessions or one-on-one check-ins for additional support.
Create Safe Spaces
Designate a calming area in the classroom with sensory tools, mindfulness prompts, or reflective activities. Encourage students to try different techniques, such as breathing exercises or using tactile objects, to discover what helps them regulate their emotions.
Engage Families with Cultural Humility
Resilient Futures’ Restore pillar emphasizes culturally responsive practices. When communicating with families:
Share local resources for holiday meals, mental health support, or financial aid with sensitivity and respect.
Frame messages as opportunities rather than assumptions about need.
Why Trauma-Informed Practices Matter During the Holidays
For many children, the support they receive at school may be the most stable they experience during the holiday season. By adopting trauma-informed practices rooted in Relate, Reflect, Renew, and Restore, educators can create classrooms where all students feel valued, included, and supported.
This approach not only helps students navigate the holidays but also lays the foundation for stronger relationships and better outcomes year-round. At Resilient Futures, we’re committed to equipping educators with the tools and knowledge they need to transform lives through trauma-informed, equity-centered practices.
As we celebrate the season, let’s focus on understanding, empathy, and inclusion, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and supported.