EMOTIONAL HEALING
& REGULATION
SUPPORT LEARNING WITH SELF-REGULATION
Educators can better support the academic progress of their students by incorporating practices that exercise the child's attention and self-control. Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, so practices can improve the child's ability to focus. Practices can also be therapeutic for students who have experienced trauma outside of the classroom.
WHAT IS STRESS?
The Mental Health Foundation defines stress as "the degree to which you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope as a result of pressures that are unmanageable." Students often experience chronic stress from factors out of their control, which can affect the student's attention control, emotional regulation, coping skills, and empathy towards others.
WHAT IS TRAUMA?
According to the DSM-V, a trauma is any event in which someone experiences or witnesses “actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.” A single occurrence is referred to as a simple trauma, and repeated occurrences result in cases of complex trauma.
HOW DO THEY AFFECT LEARNING?
The body's response to trauma can sometimes be felt or referred to as "traumatic energy" which stays in the body until it can be released. The four clusters of symptoms include re-experiencing the event, heightened arousal, avoidance, and having negative thoughts or feelings. Chronic stress elicits a similar physiological response, and these symptoms can be disruptive to learning.
HOW CAN MINDFULNESS HELP?
Mindfulness is a state of self-awareness that allows students to be present in the moment. Therefore, they can practice focusing their attention, regulating their emotions, coping with negative interactions, and having more positive interactions in their everyday lives. By incorporating mindfulness into school, teachers can increase their students' capacity for both academic and social intelligence.
The Brain and Stress Explained:
For Kids!
Use videos and other visuals to show your class the basics of how the brain works, what stress is, and how to cope effectively.
WHAT IS TLS? HOW DOES IT WORK?
TLS stands for Transformative Life Skills, which is an evidence-based trauma-informed practice encompassing stress management, self-care, and emotional healing.
The science of TLS is centered around trauma research, which suggests that we must use the body in movement to dissolve stress and trauma held in our tissues.
The ABCs of TLS are Mindful
Action, Breathing, and Centering.
TLS can
Give students the tools to manage emotions and behaviors
Release stress so it doesn't build up in our bodies
Build and strengthen neurological pathways for self-regulation
Heal traumatic stress
WHAT IS TRAUMA-INFORMED LANGUAGE?
Trauma-informed language is infused with specific elements of speech and delivery to make teaching inclusive for students healing from trauma.
These elements include:
Be concrete and specific (but avoid distracting imagery)
Make it an invitation: Clearly communicate expectations of practice/behavior, but be flexible.
"When you're ready..."
"If it feels comfortable..."
"You might try..."
Provide options & opportunities to choose: Encourage participation within their comfort zone.
Be curious about sensations: Lead by mindful example, and encourage students to be present in the experience.
Have fun!
TLS Practice Video
Take your class through a guided practice session of mindful action, breathing, and centering.