Supportive strategies and important ideas for learners in poverty

 

Trauma can affect students' lives for many years.  Dealing with trauma for long periods of time can lead to issues impacting the student’s education.  Schools can offer these students extra support by creating an environment where they can feel safe and welcomed.  Many students see school as a positive outlet and look forward to coming everyday.  When life becomes challenging for these students they rely on their teachers and school to be an outlet away from the problems or issues occurring in their lives.  

Educators can be prepared to support students living in trauma by doing several things that promote a positive classroom environment for every learner in their classroom.  I have attached a short video discussing how schools can take action in order to support all their students, from all different backgrounds.  https://youtu.be/TxL5Jw0TcDY

The need for more trauma informed training is needed in most schools.  According to Jaycox (2009), schools are a great place to introduce programs to students because they spend much of their time being there.  Unfortunately there are few mental health programs available in schools despite being aware of this advantage.  Another disadvantage is most programs are designed for mental health clinicians instead of teachers. Below are a few strategies educators can keep in mind when catering to all learners needs in the classroom.  

• Break stations stations can be a great quiet place for students to take a break from learning or frustrating situations.  Students should be aware of what this can be used for and be able to use it when needed.  Having this safe spot can make a huge difference in creating that safe environment in the classroom. Take a look at this “Calm down corner” https://youtu.be/oc5xhhZ3YNI
• Routines can provide students a sense of relief because they know what is expected to come next.  This also decreases stress and can give students practice with time management or organization.   

https://www.classroomcheckup.org/teaching-classroom-routines/

• School based supports can offer students additional health services with professionals who are trained in these areas such as counselors, behaviorists, psychologists and support teams.  Trauma-sensitive teams are aware of the outside influences children are dealing with when coming to school.  Their job is to reduce and provide help to resolve student stressors and trauma.  Students need access to counselors and other health professionals whenever it is needed, including emergencies and unexpected events.  Working proactively ensures the school has a safe and positive school culture (Alexandar, 2009, p.137). 
• Teachers should practice cultural humility and responsiveness.  As educators we should get to know our students and embrace their differences and cultures.  Representation matters and shows our students that we care for them and respect who they are.  Teachers should be aware of what we decide to include in our curriculum.  Pay attention to the books we chose, the information we present to our students, and make sure we always remember diversity in our classroom.  According to Koslouski (2021), teachers who realized they were cultural beings knew changes may need to be made in order to build relationships with parents and students.  Teachers made changes in their own lives to become more aware of what their students backgrounds were, and what cultural experiences they have been a part of. This can make teachers more aware of what to include in their everyday teaching in order to represent all learners.
• Keep parents informed and provide them with resources that support their students.  Remaining positive and sharing positive information can encourage the parent to become more involved.  Oftentimes trauma leads to mistrust.  Many children who live in trauma have parents who also endured similar experiences.  Creating that bond and trust is important in order to provide parents with important information to support their child beyond the classroom.  Additional reading over parent support: How Can High-Poverty Schools Engage Families and the Community? https://www.edutopia.org/blog/high-poverty-schools-engage-families-community-william-parrett-kathleen-budge

Citations:

Alexander, J. (2019). Building trauma-sensitive schools : Your guide to creating safe, supportive learning environments for all students. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.lib.ou.edu

Jaycox, Lisa H, Langley, Audra K, Stein, Bradley D, Wong, Marleen, Sharma, Priya, Scott, Molly, & Schonlau, Matthias. (2009). Support for Students Exposed to Trauma: A Pilot Study. School Mental Health, 1(2), 49-60.

Koslouski, Jessica B, & Stark, Kristabel. (2021). Promoting Learning for Students Experiencing Adversity and Trauma. The Elementary School Journal, 121(3), 430-453.