Use trauma-informed practices
Trauma-informed practices are embedded into every aspect of school life and every interaction that takes place. They are not about targeting individuals.
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On this page:
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Go to top of current page: Use trauma-informed practices
Go to top of current page: Use trauma-informed practices
Go to top of current page: Use trauma-informed practices
Use school-wide approaches
Use school-wide approaches
Understand the impacts of trauma
Understand the impacts of trauma
Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as harmful or threatening and has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s physical, social, emotional, or spiritual wellbeing (Liberty, 2017).
It is important to recognise that most children recover well from traumatic experiences if they have access to:
- safe, inclusive environments
- responsive relationships that support understanding and problem solving around difficult times.
Understand what happens in the brain and body
Understand what happens in the brain and body
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Recognise the "Window of tolerance"
Recognise the "Window of tolerance"
The "Window of tolerance" describes a state where the nervous system is well regulated.
Some students may have a wide window that allows them to cope with high degrees of challenge and emotional intensity.
Other students, especially those who have experienced trauma, may have a narrow window of tolerance and may find it difficult to stay within the optimal zone for learning. Adverse experiences can narrow the window of tolerance and result in ākonga being overwhelmed more easily.
By understanding what ākonga may be experiencing in times of stress, staff can respond in ways that help ākonga to regulate.
Calm, thoughtful staff responses can prevent further trauma.
Discover insights into stress, trauma, and the brain
Discover insights into stress, trauma, and the brain
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Useful resources
Useful resources
Revelations in Education
Website with a range of resources related to neuroscience and it’s application in education.
Publisher: Revelations in Education
Trauma-informed practice in primary and secondary schools
An overview of the key elements of trauma informed practice.
Publisher: The Education Hub
Trauma Informed Educators NZ
This Facebook group is designed to provide support, connection and resources to NZ educators interested in developing trauma-informed practice in their schools and centres.
Publisher: Trauma Informed Educators NZ
K–12 trauma-informed resources for coping with tragedy and loss
This article includes a link to the research brief Best practices for trauma–informed instruction, which examines classroom-based strategies for identifying, supporting, and instructing students experiencing trauma.
Publisher: Hanover Research (US)
Policy and practice packs
This web page includes the guide Trauma informed early learning and school, which examines myths, facts and things to consider.
Publisher: Monash University
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Foster wellbeing and mental health”:
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Current page Use trauma-informed practices
Return to the guide “Behaviour and learning”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Behaviour and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Commit to whole-school approachesShow suggestions for Commit to whole-school approaches
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Foster relationships and partnershipsShow suggestions for Foster relationships and partnerships
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Design learning for allShow suggestions for Design learning for all
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Foster wellbeing and mental healthShow suggestions for Foster wellbeing and mental health
- Use trauma-informed practices
- Prioritise wellbeing
- Support mental health
- Teach relaxation techniques
- Teach coping strategies
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Embed social and emotional learningShow suggestions for Embed social and emotional learning
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Be proactiveShow suggestions for Be proactive
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Respond in challenging situationsShow suggestions for Respond in challenging situations
