How do you create a trauma-informed classroom that promotes regulation and learning?

Abstract

PurposeIf schools can effectively implement trauma-informed learning environments, then they are on the path to creating communities that are responsive to the needs of all students. Trauma-informed learning environments promote the development of emotional regulation capacities, implementation of trauma-informed approaches to discipline and prioritising relationships that promote connection.Design/methodology/approachThe substantive foci of this paper draws on an autoethnographic journal as a school principal in an alternative educational setting supporting students who have who have identified experiences of trauma. Whilst the experiences drawn upon in this paper are related to students that have disengaged from mainstream schooling, I advocate for trauma-informed frameworks to be engaged in all educational systems.FindingsThe emergence of the key themes of; establishing trauma-informed school policies and procedures; addressing the challenges of an alternative education environment; understanding the impact of well-being of educators and establishing a school-wide trauma-informed framework of practice are presented in this article.Originality/valueThe model that is written in this paper is original and the first time it has been published. The model is based on literature that is peer-reviewed and has a substantial evidence base.