Understanding Trauma by

The Brain

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:38:45 UTC

The video "Understanding Trauma: Learning Brain vs. Survival Brain" really highlights how trauma impacts a child’s ability to learn. When kids are in survival mode due to stress or past trauma, their brains are focused on getting through the moment, not on learning new things.

As leaders, it's essential to understand that our role goes beyond teaching—we need to ensure that both students and staff feel genuinely safe and supported, keeping in mind that everyone's perception of safety can vary.

Ethically, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where students can transition out of survival mode into a state where learning can happen. This involves training staff to recognize trauma responses, respond with empathy, and use strategies that help regulate and connect with students. It’s also important to provide our teachers with the tools and resources they need to regulate themselves.

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:41:06 UTC

We must make sure our schools feel safe to ALL and have supportive environments. What can we add to our discipline policies to ensure this is being met?

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:42:10 UTC

What are some signs that a student or staff member might be stuck in survival mode, and what steps can we take to help them feel safe and calm, allowing them to shift back into their learning brain?

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:43:48 UTC

In what ways can we involve families and caregivers in understanding and supporting the transition from survival brain to learning brain at home?

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:45:00 UTC

What are some specific changes we can make to our daily routines or classroom environments that would help students feel more safe and regulated?

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:46:27 UTC

What are some additional training or resources teachers need to better support students who are frequently in survival mode?

KarlaSaldivar1 — 2024-09-04 16:49:10 UTC

Ham, J. (2017, July 25). Understanding trauma: Learning brain vs survival brain [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoqaUANGvpA