I have included all the resources given to complete the assignment, most are videos or short articles use as many or as few that are needed to complete the 4 questions. Outside sources can be used if needed. The answers can be numbered and don’t have to be in paragraph form.
A. Thomas lived with foster families while his parents were incarcerated for substance abuse. He was suspended from school for engaging in violent behaviors as a kindergartener. Watch how this elementary school in Washington is helping students like Thomas effectively cope with the trauma that follows them to school every day.
“The Calm Room: One School’s Radical Plan to Combat Childhood Trauma”
“The Calm Room: One School’s Radical Plan to Combat Childhood Trauma”
https://youtu.be/R-6Q6HFLY0g
B. This article, published by the National Association of School Psychologists, outlines trauma’s potential impact on education and provides tips for educators and parents on how to support students experiencing childhood trauma.
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/mental-health-resources/trauma/supporting-students-experiencing-childhood-trauma-tips-for-parents-and-educators
C. “Peace Corners,” check-in/check-out, goal-setting…find out how the staff at this elementary school in Nashville, TN makes their students feel safe, nurtured, and supported every day with a trauma-informed approach to education. (In Nashville, 60% of children have had an adverse childhood experience.)
https://youtu.be/iydalwamBtg
D. It’s no surprise that learning can be a struggle for students who have experienced trauma. In this article, “10 Things About Childhood Trauma Every Teacher Needs to Know,” Dr. Caelan Soma offers ways to help educators better empathize with and support students who have been through traumatic experiences.
https://www.weareteachers.com/teachers-help-childhood-trauma/
E. Divorce, death, bullying, foster care placement, teen pregnancy, homelessness, terminal diseases, sexual abuse, murder, natural disasters…What do we do or say when the unthinkable happens to one of our students? In this article, “Childhood Trauma: Expert Answers to Tough Questions from Real Teachers,” trauma expert, Dr. Caelan Soma addresses some of the most difficult issues students face and provides guidance for educators on how to support them.
https://www.weareteachers.com/childhood-trauma-expert-answers-to-tough-questions-from-real-teachers/
A. Poverty might seem like a daunting problem, but as educators you can take steps – small and big – to make a difference in the lives of your students. Start here with this 2-minute video to learn about the misconceptions associated with children and families living in poverty and how our perceptions can shape students’ educational experiences.
https://youtu.be/4ElwpkkBjh8
B. In this article, examine “7 Ways Poverty Affects Education” (and what can be done to overcome it).
https://moneywise.com/a/ways-poverty-affects-education
C. This comprehensive handbook, provided by the National Education Association (NEA), Teaching Children from Poverty and Trauma, provides information about the symptoms and risk factors associated with trauma as well as educational practices to enhance social, emotional, behavioral, and academic skills. Please download this document and save it for future reference.
For the purposes of this milestone, please review Section 6, which provides information about several “actionable strategies” to guide educators with the challenges of teaching students from poverty.
For the purposes of this milestone, please review Section 6, which provides information about several “actionable strategies” to guide educators with the challenges of teaching students from poverty.
https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/NEAPovertyTraumaHandbook.pdf
F. Have high expectations of students and encourage them to set short and long-term goals. The students in this video were invited to set “gaudy goals” – goals that inspired them to shoot for the stars!
https://youtu.be/jhPmENuXFRs
Reference the readings, videos, websites, and personal experiences when responding.
- Discuss how you and/or your school currently demonstrate awareness and understanding of the impact trauma has on students.
- What additional resources and strategies are necessary to effectively help students affected by trauma to feel safe and calm in school?
- Discuss the social, emotional, behavioral, and/or academic implications poverty has on students who you have worked with (or on students in general).
- Share strategies and activities that you are interested in implementing, which will encourage students to “aim high” and to break the cycle of poverty.