Trigger Talk Circles Discussion Guide

Purpose:
Provide a structured, trauma-informed space for students to explore the concept of trauma triggers, share personal experiences in a respectful way, and learn from peers’ coping strategies.

Group Setup & Roles (4–5 students per circle)

• Timekeeper – Keeps track of time and signals when it’s time to move on.

• Speaker – Shares first when it’s their turn and models “I” statements.

• Listener – Practices active listening; reflects back key points without judgment.

• Respect Monitor – Gently reminds peers of norms if conversation drifts off track.

Community Norms

1. Speak from personal experience (no “you always…”).
   
2. Use “I” statements (“I feel…,” “I notice…”).
   
3. Listen actively (no interruptions; focus on understanding).
   
4. Confidentiality: What’s shared in the circle stays in the circle.

Discussion Prompts & Follow-Ups

1. What is a “trigger”?
   
   • Follow-up: “Can you share an example of something that has felt like a trigger for you (big or small)?”
   
   • Follow-up: “How did it affect your thoughts or body?”
   
   
   

2. How do you notice a trigger in your body or mind?
   
   • Follow-up: “What physical sensations or thoughts show up?”
   
   • Follow-up: “What emotions come up first?”
   
   
   

3. Which coping strategies have you tried?
   
   • Follow-up: “What worked well?”
   
   • Follow-up: “Is there something you’d like to try in the future?”
   
   
   

4. What would make our school calm corner(s) a helpful safe zone?
   
   • Follow-up: “Think about your own triggers—what items or design features would help you?”
   
   • Follow-up: “How can we make sure everyone feels welcome there?”

Teacher Facilitation Notes

• Circulate among circles, listening for misunderstandings or distress. Offer gentle support or redirect to norms if needed.
• Validate each student’s experience: “Thank you for sharing. That’s very brave.”
• Model “I” statements and active listening whenever you join a circle.
• If a student becomes upset: guide them to request a brief break or invite a peer buddy to step aside and use a grounding strategy from Safe Zone Builder.

After 8 minutes, bring everyone back together and invite one representative from each circle to share a key insight or idea for the Calm Corner Co-Design activity.

Calm Corner Co-Design

Purpose:
Students collaborate to imagine and sketch a dedicated calm corner in the school, choosing design features and resources that support emotional safety and well-being.

Setup & Materials (per group)

• Large chart paper or poster board
• Markers and colored pencils
• Sticky notes
• Ruler (for sketching layout)
• Optional: magazine images for inspiration
• Personal Safety Journal (for reference)


## Group Formation (4–5 students)

Assign each group a work area with one sheet of chart paper and materials.

Activity Steps

1. Brief Inspiration (1 minute)
   • Recall your Trigger Talk Circles: what items or features would help you feel calm?
   • Flip through your Personal Safety Journal for favorite strategies.

2. Brainstorm & Note (2 minutes)
   • On sticky notes, list 3–5 items or design ideas (e.g., soft seating, low lighting, fidget tools).
   • Stick them on the top of your poster; group similar ideas together.

3. Sketch & Label (3 minutes)
   • Use the template below to plan your calm corner layout.
   • Draw a simple floor plan of the corner and label where each resource goes.

   Feature / Item	Purpose / Benefit	Placement in Corner

4. Circle Share & Select (1 minute)
   • Choose one standout feature from your design to share with the class.
   • Write that feature on a new sticky note and place it on the classroom’s master Calm Corner Map (prepared by the teacher).

Guiding Questions

• What common triggers should our calm corner address?
• Which sensory supports (colors, textures, sounds) help everyone feel welcome?
• How can we make maintenance and access easy for all students?
• What simple signage or instructions will guide peers to use the space respectfully?

Time: 7 minutes total
Next: Groups present their selected feature; the teacher compiles ideas into a final design plan for the school calm corner.

Personal Safety Journal

Use this journal to reflect on your emotions, coping strategies, and ideas for creating safe spaces.

1. Identifying Your Triggers

Think about sounds, words, situations, or environments that make you feel anxious, upset, or uncomfortable. Describe at least two triggers and how they affect your thoughts or body.

2. Coping Strategies Reflection

From the Safe Zone Builder slide deck, which strategy resonated most with you? Describe one technique you practiced today and how it made you feel.

3. Learning from Peers

In your Trigger Talk Circles, what new coping idea or perspective did you hear? How might you adapt this idea for yourself?

4. Calm Corner Design Ideas

Based on the group activity, sketch or list three features or items you would include in a calm corner. For each, explain how it supports emotional safety and well-being.

5. Key Takeaways & Next Steps

Write one concrete action step you will take to practice your chosen coping strategy or to share your calm corner idea with a friend, teacher, or family member.