Classrooms are important communities for our students and trauma sensitive classroom practices address student needs around safety, relationships, social skills and academic success. 

• Self-Awareness Tool Kit 

  • Daily Journal 

  • Second step, Zones, (other curriculum) 

  • “We are aware” bulletin board 

  • Prompts to complete (“I like myself because…”) 

  • Self-Rate on listed areas 

• Transition skills 

  • 3 deep breaths 

  • Classical music 

  • Brain gym 

• Mood Meter (color, etc.)/Zones 

  • Visual 

  • For each student 

• Sensory tool chest (see OT  ) 

• Visual/non-verbal language Materials 

  • Feelings 

  • Cues 

  • Greetings 

  • Requests 

• Beginning and end of day transitions 

  • Appropriate greetings?  

  • Set up day schedule, etc. 

  • Appropriate goodbyes   

  • Tie up loose ends, set stage for the morning, preview tomorrow’s schedule-points of note 

• Morning meeting 

• Peace sign 

• Peace Area 

• Calming corner/peace corner 

• Yoga, sensory Integration, brain gym 

• Flower Power (pass, daisy, garden): First day of school activity-Center of flower is student name and each petal is a like or competence of the student-post on wall and find others with similar likes/competencies-creates connection and community 

• Concern box  Small decorated shoe box that students can write out concerns and deposit in the box 

• Multiple Desks:   provide active students with more than one work station/Stand up desk can work well 

• Post it Class wide compliments-For the whole class and helps create sense of community 

Resources:

Create your own toolbox

Know your style

1.     Creating Safe Predictable Classrooms

2.     Connecting to all students

3.     Developing Executive Functions

4.     Teaching Social -Emotional Skills

5.     Trauma sensitive pedagogy

6.     Partnering with Parents