Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1158290
2 Create calm, predictable transitions. Transitions between activities can easily trigger a student into survival mode. That feeling of "Uh-oh, what's going to happen next?" can be highly associated with a situation at home where a child's happy, loving daddy can, without warning, turn into a monster after he's had too much to drink. Some teachers will play music or ring a meditation bell or blow a har- monica to signal it's time to transition. The important thing is to build a routine around transitions so that children know what the transition is going to look like, what they're supposed to be doing, and what's next. 3 Praise publicly and criticize privately. For children who have experienced complex trauma, getting in trouble can sometimes mean either they or a parent will get hit. And for others, "I made a mistake" can mean "I'm entirely unlovable." Hence, teachers need to be particularly sensitive when reprimanding these students. 4 Adapt your classroom's mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a fabulous tool for counteracting the impact of trauma. However, it can also be threatening for children who have experienced trauma. Consider using these adaptations: Tell students that, if they wish, they can close their eyes at the begin- ning of the practice. Otherwise, they should look at a spot in front of them so no one feels stared at. Instead of focusing on how the body feels, have students focus on a ball or other object they're holding in their hands — what it feels like and looks like in their palm. Focus on the sounds in the room or of cars passing outside the class- room — something external to the body. 5 Take care of yourself. This actually should be number one! The metaphor of putting on your own oxygen mask first before putting it on the child is very true in this situation. See hearts.ucsf.edu for more about the HEARTS program. Adapted from Greater Good Magazine, 2013. UCSF's HEARTS program works with educators at school sites. 47 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 019 100% Online MA in Science Education ✓ Flexible course scheduling – no cohort ✓ Year-round classes, including summers ✓ Asynchronous classes ✓ No thesis, project, or teaching required ✓ 30 credits to MA degree completion WMU is one of the 10 Best Online Master's in Science Education www.wmich.edu/science/masters The Best Schools