By Julia Matson
The problem many students face in the classroom is that the education curriculum doesn’t account for the two-thirds of children who have reported experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16. This is a significant number of students that are affected within the K–12 public school system.
Trauma refers to an emotional, psychological, or physical response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing or harmful. In children, trauma can result from experiences such as abuse, neglect, loss, or witnessing violence, and it may significantly impact their emotional development, behavior, and overall well-being. Children who experience trauma may struggle with anxiety, difficulty forming relationships, and trouble regulating emotions.
Research has shown that trauma “especially at an early age, [can] disrupt young people’s ability to relate to others and manage emotions. Without healthy coping skills, this often leads to poor in-class behavior, which can reduce learning time and increase suspension and expulsion rates.” Given this, it stands to reason that teachers should be incorporating trauma-informed practices into the classroom. These practices can be used daily, by any teacher, and can set the tone for the entire school year.
Utilizing trauma-informed practices can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows students to feel comfortable and valued, laying the groundwork for exceptional learning experiences. This can be life-changing for those who have experienced childhood trauma. Succeeding in an educational setting is an accomplishment that carries more weight for these children because, for them, school either confirms that the world is filled with unresponsive, threatening adults and peers, or it provides an opportunity to learn that there are places that can be safe, stimulating, and even fun.
A Healing Learning Environment
Working within a community significantly impacted by trauma has deeply shaped my own understanding of its far-reaching effects. The challenges my students encounter are often rooted in the complexities of their environments and past experiences. I have observed firsthand how trauma affects their cognitive abilities and overall well-being, often hindering their academic progress and personal growth.
These experiences motivated me to pursue a Master’s degree focused on trauma, with the intent of equipping myself with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a supportive and healing environment for my students. Over the past five years, I have integrated trauma-informed practices into my approach, leading to a marked improvement in student engagement, emotional resilience, and academic performance. The impact has been profound, reaffirming the importance of creating spaces that prioritize both learning and healing.
5 Practices to Adopt in Your Classroom
To support students who have been affected by trauma, teachers can employ a range of trauma-informed practices that are accessible and adaptable for any classroom setting. These strategies are not only designed to address the immediate needs of students who have experienced trauma, but also to foster a nurturing and stable environment for all learners. Here are a few that I like to use, which can be easily incorporated into your own classroom:
1. Happy Surprises
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given was to get rid of the “everything must be earned” mindset. Sometimes you can give out treats and do fun activities just because you want to! Spontaneously deciding to give your class extra recess or surprising them with a little treat are incredible ways to build relationships and show that you care about your students as people.
This is especially important for students who have traumatic backgrounds. They need to be reminded that they deserve good things. Often, students who have been affected by trauma will act out to test adults’ willingness to continue building relationships with them. Challenging students usually have trust and self-esteem issues, and they will test you by exhibiting negative behaviors to see if you genuinely like them and if you will place limits on them—something they desperately need and want. By providing a “happy” surprise, you are building a relationship, while simultaneously showing that you care about more than just student behavior.
2. Community Circles
Start the day with a community circle where students can introduce themselves and share personal anecdotes in a safe and supportive environment. Emphasize active listening and respectful communication during these circles, in order to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
In elementary school this could look like a circle on the carpet. In secondary school it could be students putting their desks in a circle. This is a fantastic opportunity to have fun with students, ask silly questions, get to know them personally, and have deeper, meaningful conversations.
3. Call to Learning
Create a clear and calm call to learning. Loud noises, yelling, sudden movements, or chaotic environments can be startling and cause stress or anxiety for students who have experienced trauma. Maintaining a calm atmosphere minimizes potential triggers and creates a more predictable and soothing environment for everyone.
A great strategy could be counting down from ten in a normal classroom voice. Students that hear you can continue the countdown as well. The rest of the class will then start to hear others around them counting, signaling that it’s time to settle down without you having to yell.
4. Routines, Routines, Routines
Students affected by trauma live in an unpredictable world, and are constantly in survival defense mode. Clear and consistent classroom routines can help provide the stability they need. If students have a good handle on the classroom expectations and get consistent responses to their behavior, then they can start to better control their actions and even begin to let go of their fears around adult interactions.
To create routines in your classroom, start by thinking about what a typical day for your students looks like, from the moment they walk through the door until the final bell rings. Design your routines around this, and make sure that students know the steps of every part of the day.
5. Rethink Brain Breaks
Brain breaks are an incredibly great strategy to give students a rest from hard learning; however, often these breaks can lead to chaos and unpredictability in the classroom. Instead, try incorporating mindfulness activities into the day to help students regulate their emotions and stay present in the moment. Simple breathing exercises or guided relaxation can be effective tools.
Trauma-informed practices are transformative, creating a safe and supportive environment where all students can truly thrive. By building trust, offering stability, and prioritizing relationships, teachers have the power to change lives and help their students feel seen, valued, and capable of success—both in the classroom and beyond. In the end, trauma-informed classrooms are not just about teaching lessons; they are about nurturing healing, trust, and the possibility of a brighter future.
Julia Matson is a Washington state educator with an MA in Instruction, with a concentration in trauma-informed practices. Passionate about fostering growth inside and outside the classroom, she spends her free time running, traveling, and snowboarding.
