The physical environment of a classroom has a powerful impact on learning and well-being—especially for students who have experienced trauma. Part of an essential new series of laminated quick guides for educators, this is your concise, practical introduction to creating a safe and supportive physical environment using a trauma-informed lens.
Authors Jen Alexander and Anna Paravano, experienced educators, and experts on trauma-sensitive schools, guide you through this critical topic in a friendly, warm, and personal style. Together, they’ll show you how to create a physical classroom environment that strengthens felt safety and security for everyone, decreases behavior problems, diminishes the load on the body’s stress response systems, and focuses attention—improving readiness for both teaching and learning. You’ll learn how to develop a trauma-sensitive environment by:
- Setting up classroom spaces that are inviting, predictable yet flexible, and encourage choice and developmentally appropriate agency
- Establishing safe places that each student (and staff member) can call their own
- Using color as a tool to foster regulation and readiness for learning
- Defining focal points that engage students without overwhelming them
- Incorporating touchstones that help everyone feel anchored and be connected
PRACTICAL DOWNLOADS INCLUDED! 8 downloads expand on the tips in this quick guide and help you take action. With these interactive printables, you’ll answer guided questions about setup in your school space, outline a solid plan for improving your learning environment, record specific ideas about your furniture and lighting, and more!
About the Series: Quick Guides for Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Practical, friendly, and immediately useful, this series of laminated quick guides addresses the essentials of building trauma-sensitive schools—safety, connection, regulation, and learning. Jen Alexander has collaborated with experts around the globe to bring educators tips, strategies, and activities they can apply right away in their classroom and school. Each guide in the series also includes downloadable lesson plans and exercises that educators can use to take action. Equally useful for experienced trauma-sensitive educators or those just getting started, these quick guides will help school staff create environments that support every person’s well-being and learning.
