Expect the Unexpected
All students are unpredictable, and traumatized students can be even more so; they can go from laughing one moment to crying the next. You should try to focus on and understand the triggers for these mood shifts, and learn how to anticipate and mediate them.
"One way to understand these reactions is to think of the student as a soda can, and events that may trigger their trauma stress as shaking that can. We can't tell by looking if the can was recently shaken, but if it was, opening the can results in an unexpected explosive, messy reaction. If a student is triggered and experiencing heightened emotion... [it] could result in an "explosion" that the teacher never saw coming" (Minahan 2019).
Restorative Approach to Discipline
Restorative justice gives students the chance to reflect on their own actions and to decide how to make things right. Teachers take on a guiding role in the discipline, rather than playing disciplinarian.
"Restorative discipline can take many shapes. For example, for younger students, teachers can create 'fairness committees.' These committees, made up of students and teachers, let students explain themselves when they’ve done something wrong. Then, instead of doling out a punishment, the committee helps students make amends...
To complement restorative discipline, educators can implement other important restorative strategies, such as meditation, counseling, and team-building exercises. These activities augment students’ abilities to reflect on their behaviors, self-regulate, and build trust" (American University 2021).
Opportunities to Build Self-Efficacy and Using "Islands of Competence"
Find ways to help the students discover their inner power and ability. Students should have the opportunity to feel proud of themselves, and to feel like they have control over what they do and the outcome from it.
"Islands of Competence" are built by asking students who are proficient in one area to help another student who might be struggling (Minahan 2019). This can further be enhanced if the student is helping the teacher with a task.
Predictability and Consistency
The importance of a predictable and consistent classroom is paramount for any successful teacher. Students need to know what to expect wehen they come into the room to reduce interruptions and confusion.
Predictable environments build safe environments. Many students have no idea what to expect when they get home, which is a jarring experience that naturally triggers fight-or-flight responses in anyone-- but especially in children who are still learning about the unpredictable world that lies beyond their home and school. Ensuring that your classroom has the element of predictability allows students to find comfort and security while they're there.
Teaching is an art, and a certain amount of fluidity is required; however, you should still be conscious about keeping classroom management and interactions consistent across the board. If the classroom lacks consistency, a sense of lawlessness could errupt.
Consciously Work to Reduce Negative Thinking
"Traumatized students often engage in inaccurate thinking, tending to focus on the negative" (Minahan 2019).
Instead of sending students out of the classroom or putting them in time out, consider more active side activities for self-regulation. Madlibs, "I Spy" activities, trivia questions, saying the alphabet backwards, and finding all the objects in the room that are a specific color are all effective strategies for active self-regulation. This prevents the student from having too much time to ruminate because their mind is continuously occupied.
Use supportive feedback. A common method is the "sandwich" method; you comment on one strength, note an error, then finish with another strength or an overall statement of success.
Feelings of Safety in the Classroom
Students must feel safe in the classroom so there isn't anything holding them back from learning, and so they can focus on the learning.
"When it comes to student trauma, there is much that is beyond educators' power, but there is also a great deal they can do to build a supportive and sensitive environment where students feel safe, comfortable, take risks, learn, and even heal" (Minahan 2019).
Be Aware of Your Behavior as an Educator
Limit exclusionary practices. "Common teacher practices such as ignoring inappropriate behavior, sending students to the office, or sending younger kids to sit alone at a back table or in the hallway can unintentionally trigger students who have experienced abandonment or neglect...
We need to remember that when some of our students were young and cried, no one came. Ignoring them can trigger a trauma response and make them feel the teacher doesn't like them or is even happy that they are upset" (Minahan 2019).
Incorporate cultural awareness and appreciation into the classroom.
Avoid any activities or structures that would put minority students at risk of isolation or being singled out.