Trauma's Impact on Learning
School has resumed. Back to school advertisements and school supply lists have consumed parents, teachers and children for the past few weeks. For most this is an exciting time. For others, those who have difficulty in school, it can be quite stressful. After exposure to a traumatic experience many children remain in a heightened state of arousal (stress). This is especially true when a child is exposed to chronic or repeated trauma such as domestic violence, abuse or homelessness. When that arousal does not decrease to normal levels there is a significant impact on a child’s ability to perform in the classroom. Many of the processes required for successful learning become impaired as a result of this increased and persistent stress. Some of these include difficulty focusing, remembering information, and articulating what has been learned, sitting still long enough to complete a worksheet and even having the ability to work on projects with peers.
Knowing this, our first goal has to be to make children feel safe in the classroom. Despite what is going on at home, we have the opportunity to greet them with a smile, ask them if they have had breakfast and offer additional support if needed. When a traumatized child feels safe and has an opportunity to relax, even for a few moments, their ability to learn will improve. After repeated safe experiences in a classroom, even a traumatized child can view that setting as their safe place. Remember that it is in everyday moments and day-to-day interactions that we create a new (safer) experience for children.
School has resumed. Back to school advertisements and school supply lists have consumed parents, teachers and children for the past few weeks. For most this is an exciting time. For others, those who have difficulty in school, it can be quite stressful. After exposure to a traumatic experience many children remain in a heightened state of arousal (stress). This is especially true when a child is exposed to chronic or repeated trauma such as domestic violence, abuse or homelessness. When that arousal does not decrease to normal levels there is a significant impact on a child’s ability to perform in the classroom. Many of the processes required for successful learning become impaired as a result of this increased and persistent stress. Some of these include difficulty focusing, remembering information, and articulating what has been learned, sitting still long enough to complete a worksheet and even having the ability to work on projects with peers.
Knowing this, our first goal has to be to make children feel safe in the classroom. Despite what is going on at home, we have the opportunity to greet them with a smile, ask them if they have had breakfast and offer additional support if needed. When a traumatized child feels safe and has an opportunity to relax, even for a few moments, their ability to learn will improve. After repeated safe experiences in a classroom, even a traumatized child can view that setting as their safe place. Remember that it is in everyday moments and day-to-day interactions that we create a new (safer) experience for children.
From TLC Director Caelan Kuban at ckuban@tlcinst.org.
(See the original article at Trauma's Impact on Learning)
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