Traumatic Events and Children How Early Childhood Educators Can Help

Journey to Solla Sollew: Teacher Candidates, Resiliency, and Children's Literature

“…Through classroom activities, such as children's literature, teachers can promote resiliency, which Patterson and Kirkland (2007) explain as specific mechanisms for coping that one uses to recover from life's setbacks. While we recognize that children who experience significant trauma may require help from a professional counselor, psychologist, or therapist, we concur with Alat (2002) that teachers have a responsibility to intercede as well-by understanding what a child has experienced and offering activities that facilitate positive responses to negative circumstances.…”

Using a Trauma-Sensitive Lens to Support Children with Diverse Experiences

“…The most meaningful opportunity that teachers can provide for children is play (Alat, 2002). Play is the primary means by which children reinterpret their experiences and imagine new possibilities (Edwards & Cutter-Mackenzie, 2013).…”

African American and Latino Youth and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome

“…The goal is to create a sense of security and regularity in the classroom. Although students who exhibit symptoms of PTSD often drain a teacher of their patience, being consistent when enforcing rules, creating routines, structure, and providing immediate feedback all help children who have experienced trauma feel more secure (Alat, 2002).…”

“…Storytelling or other writing assignments, such as a letter to a family member, a police officer, or a rescue worker, can be therapeutic. Using books can also universalize the experience by revealing to students others who have experienced similar trauma, the coping strategies they used to persevere, and other alternative strategies (Alat, 2002). Finally, it is important to remember that not all children will be able to positively work within the classroom and grow from these interventions.…”