Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools

Book excerpt: Stop trauma in its tracks, address disruptive behaviors, and create a safe and nurturing school environment with a neuroscience-based approach in your classroom. "Here we are given a gift that will keep on giving for generations to come."—Daniel J. Siegel, MD, New York Times best-selling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and Parenting from the Inside Out More than 32 million children in the US suffer from trauma symptoms. Some have had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), like neglect, abuse, violence, and loss, or have experienced distress from medical trauma and social injustice. Toxic traumatic stress shapes the structure and function of both brain and body, which can lead to anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, shutting down, and acting out--emotions and behaviors that hinder learning and create classroom chaos. Maggie Kline, a family therapist, trauma specialist, school psychologist, and former teacher, gives you whole-brain, heart-centered tools to identify and reverse trauma-driven behaviors so students feel supported and safe. Her unique roadmap will empower you to facilitate positive school-wide outcomes as you learn: How trauma alters kids' brains causing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges Evidence-based somatic, relational, and mindfulness interventions to rewire reactivity How to manage Pre-K-12 classrooms to promote empathy, cooperation, and belonging Social equity practices so kids from all backgrounds feel safe, valued, and joyful Concrete steps to restore resilience following natural and man-made catastrophes