Trauma is when something harmful impacts the daily life of a person. It includes both physical and mental harm. The effects of trauma can be long lasting and vary by trauma type and person.

Trauma can impact a person's emotions, thought processes, outlook on the world, stress responses, relationships and physical and mental health. These effects can be immediate, delayed, and/or on going. Each of these changes can effect how a student participates and learns at school.

Specifically trauma can impact problem solving skills, language learning, concentration, overall academic achievement, sleep, responses to stress, worry, self-esteem, friendship building, impulse control, risk taking, and self regulation. A child who has trouble concentrating, sleeping, well, making friends or with self control will have a harder time in school than one who isn't facing those obstacles. As educators and parents we can be mindful of how trauma can cause changes in behavior, thinking, and learning. Patience, consistency, and responding with calm care can be essential to assisting a student or adult experiencing trauma.