Trauma-informed schools recognize that trauma and chronic stress affect all members of a community and the importance of support for all students. In implementing trauma-informed practices that serve all students, schools can create environments that help to increase student’s resiliency and abilities to thrive and learn. Schoolwide trauma-informed practices help increase students overall experience of wellbeing and connection to systems of support for students with higher levels of need.
SBHC Practices for Schoolwide Student Interventions
Starting every school day with “Mindful Moments” over the loudspeaker to help students and staff ground themselves and increase self-regulation.
Hosting “Wellness Wednesdays” at lunch, where staff set up tables with music, games, healthy snacks, and stress management activities such as making stress balls, deep breathing exercises, etc.
Holding classes for youth on yoga and mindfulness.
Training educators on how to create classroom space for nervous system regulation that can go by any name, i.e. “Calm Corners” or “Peace Corners.” This is a cool-down space within the school or classroom for students to go when they feel activated. These spaces promote self-awareness and self-regulation with items such as sensory toys (stress balls, squishy toys for helping students focus); mindfulness activities (helps with emotional regulation and calming); art supplies (helps with emotional regulation, calming and re-focusing); and the opportunity for students to check-in with their own bodies and feelings apart from peers and school staff.