Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom: Strategies & Activities to Reduce Challenging Behavior, Improve Learning Outcomes, and Increase Student Engagement

by Jennifer Bashant

Overview

Meeting your students’ social and emotional needs in the classroom is foundational to effective learning. It’s a difficult job among typical learners, let alone with students who have a trauma history and more demanding mental health or behavioral challenges.

Mental health expert Jennifer Bashant details how using a trauma-informed approach will greatly reduce, even eliminate, challenging behavior in your classroom. Using her practical, easy-to-use strategies based on the latest research, every educator can create a classroom where all students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.

• Understand the impact of trauma on learning and behavior
• Tools to connect with all students, and foster intrinsic motivation
• Learn how to move away from points and stickers
• Strategies to build resilience and instill hope in your students
• 27 downloadable worksheets and exercises

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683732754
Publisher:	PESI Publishing & Media
Publication date:	10/16/2020
Pages:	98
Sales rank:	404,380
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Jennifer L. Bashant, Ph.D., LMSW, has a mission to provide educators with evidence-based strategies to reduce challenging behavior in the classroom and create a positive impact on learning. Her approach is trauma-sensitive and strengths-based and she seeks to foster collaborative relationships between educators and students as they work together as partners in learning. Jennifer incorporates collaborative problem solving, restorative practices, and mindfulness in her work with students ages kindergarten through grade 12.

Jennifer is a certified trainer in DiSC Work and Communication Styles, EQi 2.0 Emotional Intelligence, mindfulness, and restorative practices. As a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience, she shares her knowledge and expertise in a way that is heart-centered, practical, and relevant on the ground and in the trenches.

Table of Contents

About the Author v

Introduction vii

Part I Understanding TrauMa and Its Impact on Students

Chapter 1 Childhood Trauma Forms Cracks in the Foundation 3

What Is an Emotional Foundation and Why Is It Important? 4

Teacher Worksheet: Current Self-Regulation Strategies 5

What Causes Cracks in the Emotional Foundation? 6

Teacher Worksheet: What are the Potential Effects of Three ACEs 7

Chapter 2 Withstanding the Elements During a Storm 9

Wired for Fear 9

Teacher Worksheet: What Stress Response(s) Does the Student Experience? 11

Student Worksheet: My Body's Response to Stress 14

Chapter 3 Rebuilding the Structure with New Tools, Skills, and Experiences 17

Neuroplasticity 17

The Importance of Developing Intrinsic Motivation 18

Teacher Worksheet: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation 20

Trauma-Compassionate Responses to Challenging Behavior 21

Teacher Worksheet: Crisis Plan 23

Part II Compassionate Classrooms Are Conducive to Healing

Chapter 4 Building a Solid Structure with a Collaborative Classroom 27

Your Mindset Determines Your Response 27

Collaborative Versus Punitive Discipline 28

Strengths-Based Versus Problem-Focused 28

Student Worksheet: Mindful Communication 30

Restorative Practices 31

Teacher Worksheet: Today's Morning Meeting 32

What Does a Collaborative Classroom Look Like? 33

Teacher Worksheet: Qualities of a Collaborative Classroom 34

Chapter 5 Connection Is the Cement That Builds Sturdy Walls 37

Strategies for Forming a Positive Relationship 37

Student Worksheet: My Favorite Teacher EVER 38

Student Worksheet: Getting to Know You Survey 40

Student Worksheet: Interest Survey 42

Teacher and student Worksheet: Relationship Plan 46

Connecting with the Family 47

Teacher Worksheet: Six Questions to Ask During Home Visits 48

Caregiver Worksheet: Home/School Collaboration Tool 49

Chapter 6 Triggers Are Windows to See Beyond the Behavior 51

Teacher Worksheet: Identifying Triggers 52

Teacher Worksheet: Trigger Inventory 53

Teacher Worksheet: improving Behavior by Planning for Triggers 55

Part III Encouraging Personal Growth and a Positive Vision for the Future

Chapter 7 Resilience Is the Insurance Policy for Future Storms 59

Showcase Gifts and Talents 59

Teacher, Caregiver, or Student Worksheet: Neurodiversity Strengths 60

Teacher Worksheet: Action Plan for Showcasing Strengths 67

Teaching the Practice of Gratitude 68

Chapter 8 Instilling Hope Is the Promise of Unlimited Potential 69

Strategies for Instilling Hope 72

Chapter 9 Activities That Pave the Road to Success 77

Student Worksheet: Noticing My Breath 78

Student Activity: A Radical Act of Kindness 80

Student Worksheet: Labeling Feelings 83

Student Activity: Feeling Your Strong Feelings 84

Student Activity: Compassion for Yourself 87

Student Worksheet: My Personal Calming Strategies 89

Empowerment Through Self-Soothing 90

Student Worksheet: My Personal Mantras 91

Chapter 10 Final Thoughts 93

Recommended Resources 95

References 97