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Trauma-Informed Toolbox

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Brianne

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Toolbox Training Plan

Participants will learn to identify common trauma responses in students and practice scripted de-escalation techniques, then build a personalized trauma-informed toolkit.

Equipping counselors with trauma-informed de-escalation skills enhances school climate, reduces crisis incidents, and supports student resilience. This lesson ensures interventionists can respond quickly and compassionately to stressed students.

Audience

Counselors and Interventionists

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive slides, role-plays, and worksheet collaboration.

Materials

  • Understanding Trauma Responses Slide Deck, and * Trauma-Informed Strategy Builder Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials and Setup

10 minutes

  • Open and review the Understanding Trauma Responses Slide Deck and Trauma-Informed Strategy Builder Worksheet.
  • Familiarize yourself with de-escalation scripts on slides 5–8.
  • Prepare a whiteboard or chart paper for group notes.
  • Test projector or screen-sharing tools for the slide deck presentation.

Step 1

Welcome and Objectives

5 minutes

  • Greet participants and set a supportive tone.
  • Review session objectives and agenda.
  • Establish group norms (confidentiality, respect, active listening).

Step 2

Trauma Responses Overview

10 minutes

  • Present definition and impact of trauma using the slide deck.
  • Highlight common signs (fight, flight, freeze, fawn).
  • Facilitate a brief discussion: "What trauma responses have you observed?" and capture key points on the board.

Step 3

De-escalation Scripts Demonstration

10 minutes

  • Navigate to slides 5–8 to introduce scripted language for de-escalation.
  • Model a de-escalation conversation with a volunteer or co-facilitator.
  • Emphasize tone, pacing, and empathetic phrasing.

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

15 minutes

  • Divide participants into pairs and assign them scenario cards from the slide deck.
  • In each pair, one practices the script while the other provides feedback.
  • After 7 minutes, switch roles.
  • Reconvene and ask each pair to share one insight or challenge.

Step 5

Strategy Builder Worksheet

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Trauma-Informed Strategy Builder Worksheet.
  • Instruct participants to complete sections: personal triggers, preferred scripts, and support resources.
  • Encourage noting any adaptations for their school context.

Step 6

Reflection and Next Steps

2 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share one key takeaway.
  • Outline follow-up: implement one strategy this week and reconvene to discuss outcomes.
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Slide Deck

Understanding Trauma Responses

A 50-minute interactive session for counselors and interventionists to recognize signs of trauma and practice de-escalation scripts.

Welcome participants, set a supportive tone, and outline the flow: definitions, signs, scripts, practice, and next steps.

Session Objectives

• Identify common trauma responses in students
• Observe behavioral indicators of stress and trauma
• Practice scripted, trauma-informed de-escalation language
• Develop a personalized trauma-informed toolkit

Read each objective aloud, invite participants to nod if they’re familiar or raise questions. Emphasize practical application.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.
• Can be acute or chronic
• Impacts brain development, regulation, and learning
• May be invisible but deeply affect behavior

Define trauma. Share a brief example of a student who’s experienced trauma to illustrate lasting impacts.

Common Trauma Responses

Fight: aggression or challenge authority
Flight: escape, avoidance, withdrawal
Freeze: dissociation, stillness, shutdown
Fawn: people-pleasing, compliance at all costs

Explain the four F’s. Use hand gestures to represent each (e.g., fists for fight, running motion for flight).

Indicators of Trauma in Students

• Sudden mood shifts or emotional outbursts
• Agitation, irritability, or aggression
• Withdrawal, isolation, or blank stare
• Difficulty concentrating or hypervigilance

Ask participants to share one behavior they’ve seen that wasn’t on the list. Capture on board.

Principles of Trauma-Informed De-escalation

• Empathy: validate feelings without judgment
• Calm Presence: slow pace, soft tone
• Simple, Clear Language: avoid jargon
• Offer Choices: restore a sense of control

Highlight why each principle matters. Encourage participants to reflect on their own tone and body language.

Sample De-escalation Scripts

“I can see you’re feeling overwhelmed right now. It’s okay to take a breath. Let me know how I can support you.”

“I’m here to help and keep you safe. Would you prefer to talk here or step aside for a moment?”

Read scripts aloud. Invite participants to note phrasing and pacing. Model tone and body language.

Role-Play Scenarios

Scenario A: Student slams book and refuses to speak.
Scenario B: Student sits alone, rocking back and forth.
Scenario C: Student yells at a peer, then freezes when approached.

Introduce scenarios. Explain that participants will role-play using the sample scripts.

Role-Play Practice Instructions

• Pair up and choose one scenario
• One plays counselor, one plays student
• Practice de-escalation script for 7 minutes, then switch
• Reconvene to share one insight or challenge

Explain logistics: pairs, 7 minutes practice, switch roles, then share insights. Circulate to observe and coach.

Strategy Builder Worksheet

Complete your trauma-informed toolkit:
• Identify personal triggers and responses
• Select and adapt preferred scripts
• Note support resources in your school

Download: Trauma-Informed Strategy Builder Worksheet

Direct participants to the worksheet link. Emphasize personalization for their context.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Share one key takeaway
• Choose one script or strategy to try this week
• Schedule a brief follow-up to discuss outcomes

Invite volunteers to name a key takeaway. Remind them to implement one strategy this week and to reconvene for a check-in.

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Worksheet

Trauma-Informed Strategy Builder Worksheet

Instructions

  • Complete each section based on today’s training.
  • Reflect on your own experiences and context.
  • Use the sample scripts in the Understanding Trauma Responses Slide Deck as a guide.

1. Recognizing Personal Triggers

Reflect on recent interactions with students where you noticed signs of stress or trauma. Identify at least three personal triggers (specific behaviors, tones, or settings) that tend to evoke a strong response in you.

  1. Trigger 1:






  2. Trigger 2:






  3. Trigger 3:






2. Observed Trauma Responses

Describe three instances where you observed a student exhibiting a trauma response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn). For each, note what you observed and your immediate reaction.

  • Instance 1:











  • Instance 2:











  • Instance 3:











3. Script Customization

Review the sample de-escalation scripts in the Understanding Trauma Responses Slide Deck. For each example below, write your own adapted version that fits your tone and style.

Script Example 1 (Original):
“I can see you’re feeling overwhelmed right now. It’s okay to take a breath. Let me know how I can support you.”

Adapted Version:






Script Example 2 (Original):
“I’m here to help and keep you safe. Would you prefer to talk here or step aside for a moment?”

Adapted Version:






4. Mapping Support Resources

List internal and external resources you can draw on when supporting students in distress. Include names, roles, contact methods, and where materials or spaces are located.

  1. Resource 1:






  2. Resource 2:






  3. Resource 3:






5. Implementation Plan

Choose one de-escalation script or strategy to implement this week. Describe:

  • When and where you will use it
  • Which student(s) you will try it with
  • How you will follow up or reflect on its effectiveness

Plan Outline:






Next Steps: After implementing, reconvene with your team to discuss outcomes and any needed adaptations. Good luck building your trauma-informed toolbox!

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