

Nearly a third of teenagers had experienced trauma before the pandemic. The pandemic has increased mental health strain on our children from isolation, to losing loved ones, and decrease in support and routine.
1. Recognize your own feelings first. It’s easier to understand others when we create an ability to recognize our own feelings. What do you need to fill
your cup?
2. Create a sense of stability with flexibility in the
classroom.
3. Listen and validate honestly. Trauma informed care
is based on resiliency, trust and transparency.
Sometimes they just want to be heard.
4. Encourage students to ask for help. Students may be
struggling and feeling hopeless and helpless and
may need an extra nudge to find support. Use other
resources to help where you can’t (counseling, law
enforcement, etc.)
5. Set appropriate expectations. Have a clear understanding of each students barriers and ability before
setting expectations. Where can the child excel?
Remember children with trauma want to be good at
something.
6. Remind them they are not alone. Research has
shown that individuals who have shared adverse
experiences, are more resilient and has an increased
ability to cope.
7. Use a personalized approach. All students learn differently and at various pace. Students may need
extra social-emotional support or counseling to increase their ability to learn.
7 Key Principles Teachers can do to Address
Students with Trauma
7 things teachers can do to address student trauma –
especially during distance learning | EdSource
“Trauma isn’t just the bad stuff that happened. It’s also the good stuff that never happened.”
– Dr. Heidi Green
1. Reaching & Teaching Children Who Hurt by Dr.
Susan Craig
2. Teachers’ Guide to Trauma by Melissa Sadin &
Nathen Levy
3. Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools by Jen Alexander.
4. Lost at School by Dr. Ross Greene
5. The Trauma Informed School by Jim Sporleder &
Heather Forbes
Dreamy Kid– Ages 3 to 17. Mindfulness and meditation tools. Access through web browser or mobile
application. Unique aspect, diverse categories that range from supporting ADD, ADHD, and anxiety,
healing activities and guided journeys for teens.
Calm—This app offers online mindfulness resources focused on stress management, resilience, and selfcare.
A unique feature of the Calm app is the 30 Days of Mindfulness in the Classroom. There is also a Self-Care Guide for Teachers.
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame– This app is geared towards younger learners and designed to help children de-stress. Activities are offered in both English and Spanish.
Headspace– This app offers a series of sleep, meditation and mindfulness resources and activities. Headspace offers free access for K-12 teachers and
supporting staff members. Resources for how to care for yourself as a teacher, as well as mindfulness
tools for your students.
Smiling Mind– A nonprofit based in Australia that offers a mindfulness app developed by educators and psychologist. The app has strategies that support
students social and emotional well-being.
“Being trauma-informed is not what we do, but who we are.”
– Jim Sporleder
Trauma Informed Care initiative in Scioto County is being provided by a partnership between Shawnee Family Health Center and ADAMHS Board of Adams, Lawrence & Scioto Counties. ext.