Trauma-Informed Practices

This lesson focuses on helping students manage their responses to social and environmental triggers through cognitive exposure and practice. By using trauma-informed teaching, active learning, and project-based learning strategies, students will engage in activities that promote self-regulation and safe behavior responses. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, enabling students to navigate challenging situations effectively.

This lesson aims to provide middle school students with a supportive environment to process emotions after witnessing a traumatic event. It incorporates trauma-informed teaching strategies to help students feel safe and understood. The lesson includes a brief discussion, a reading, and a video to introduce coping mechanisms and emotional management.

In this 45-minute group session for high school teachers, participants will learn trauma-informed care principles and strategies to support student well-being. This lesson empowers staff to recognize and respond to trauma signs, fostering a safer classroom climate for grades 9–12 students.

This 50-minute, group-focused lesson equips counselors and interventionists with concrete strategies to recognize trauma signs and apply de-escalation scripts in real time. By the end, participants will have a ready-to-use trauma-informed toolkit for supporting students. Audience: Adult professionals. MTSS Tier: 2. Includes embedded practice and collaborative planning.

In this high school lesson, students will explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between what trauma is and what it is not, and learn how to apply trauma-informed practices while maintaining expectations. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in students, equipping them with the skills to support peers and themselves in a compassionate manner. The lesson will be conducted in one 45-minute session and is designed for a classroom-wide audience.

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers on the benefits of trauma-informed approaches in the classroom. By understanding and implementing these strategies, teachers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances student learning and well-being. This lesson will help teachers recognize the impact of trauma on students and equip them with practical tools to foster a positive classroom atmosphere.

This whole-class lesson explores how trauma affects behavior and learning, helping students recognize responses and build empathy. It's crucial for creating a trauma-informed classroom climate. Audience: 6th grade, 1 session (45 minutes).

In this 45-minute, whole-class Tier 1 workshop for 8th graders, students will explore common trauma triggers, learn practical coping strategies, and collaborate to co-create inclusive safe zones within their school. This trauma-informed lesson empowers students to recognize emotional needs, support their peers, and build a positive school climate.

This lesson aims to provide students with coping strategies and create clear channels for communication to help them process recent unsettling events. By engaging in a trauma-informed discussion and inquiry-based activities, students will learn to express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment. This lesson is crucial in helping students feel more secure and supported, both at school and at home.

This lesson aims to provide students with coping strategies and create clear channels for communication to help them process recent unsettling events. By engaging in a trauma-informed discussion and inquiry-based activities, students will learn to express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment. This lesson is crucial in helping students feel more secure and supported, both at school and at home.

A trauma-sensitive classroom session for 5th graders that introduces safety, trust, and community-building through guided activities. This lesson fosters emotional resilience and belonging in a supportive circle. (45-minute Tier 1 session)

This lesson aims to help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide practical strategies to manage it. Secondary trauma can significantly affect teacher well-being and their capacity to effectively support students. This brief discussion-focused lesson highlights the importance of self-care and peer support, promoting a supportive school environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 3 individual lesson, students will explore PTSD symptoms and coping strategies to build personal resilience. Understanding trauma responses and practicing grounding techniques is crucial for supporting emotional health and self-awareness.

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers about trauma-informed education, focusing on understanding trauma's impact on students and implementing supportive teaching strategies. Through discussion, experiential learning, and video segments, teachers will gain insights into creating a safe and supportive learning environment. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in educational settings, ultimately benefiting students who have experienced trauma.

In this 50-minute, single-session Tier 1 lesson for 5th graders, students will explore how resilience shapes our school climate and collaborate to build a strong, supportive community. Through interactive puzzles and reflection, they learn trauma-informed practices and develop personal strengths.

This lesson aims to help 7th-grade students understand trauma and develop coping strategies. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will engage in activities that promote trauma-informed awareness and collaborative learning. This lesson is crucial for fostering resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping students with tools to manage stress and trauma effectively.

In this small-group Tier 2 resource, 8th graders explore and map personal stress signals and trauma responses to build self-awareness and coping strategies. Over a 30-minute session, students identify physical and emotional cues, create individualized trauma maps, and practice sharing within a supportive group environment.

In this 45-minute Tier 2 lesson for undergraduate students, small groups of four students and a professor will collaboratively discuss a challenging trauma incident. Students will learn trauma-informed discussion strategies, practice active listening, and build trust through structured activities. This lesson equips participants with skills to navigate sensitive conversations safely and empathetically.

A collaborative session for school leadership teams to identify and chart existing supports and stressors within their building, increasing awareness of climate hotspots and informing trauma-informed strategies. This single 45-minute session equips adults with actionable insights to improve school climate.

In this one-session 45-minute workshop, high school teachers will explore how social connectedness and a positive school climate can bolster student mental health and prevent suicide. By understanding key research and practical strategies, educators will leave equipped to foster inclusive, supportive environments in their classrooms.

This lesson aims to equip adults with the skills to address and mitigate racism in student communications. Through experiential learning and trauma-informed teaching strategies, participants will engage in activities and discussions that foster understanding and empathy. This lesson is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students, promoting respectful and effective communication.

This lesson aims to provide social-emotional learning (SEL) support to high school students in the context of recent gun violence situations. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson will help students process their emotions, understand the importance of seeking help, and develop coping strategies. This lesson is crucial in fostering a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their feelings and learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to traumatic events.

Introduce 7th graders to individual counseling concepts and foster a classroom culture of trust, self-awareness, and open communication through interactive activities.

This lesson focuses on building resilience in students who have experienced trauma, providing them with tools to overcome challenges and setbacks. It's crucial for helping students develop coping strategies. Designed for a 7th-grade group, this 60-minute session is part of a Tier 2 support strategy.

This lesson will help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide strategies to manage it. By addressing secondary trauma, teachers can improve their well-being and efficacy in the classroom.

This lesson aims to help a 4th grade student with Autism understand how their behavior impacts others and to explore effective coping strategies when feeling upset. By using trauma-informed teaching, restorative practices, and active learning, the lesson will provide a safe and engaging environment for the student to learn and practice these skills. This lesson is important as it fosters emotional regulation and empathy, which are crucial for social interactions and personal well-being.

In this foundational professional development module, staff will explore key factors that shape school climate and learn trauma-informed de-escalation strategies. This 60-minute Tier 1 session builds shared language and empathy, equipping all staff with practical tools to support students and calm behavioral storms.

In this 20-minute Tier 2 group lesson for high schoolers, students will learn to recognize self-harm signs, understand healthy coping strategies, and practice peer support. By creating a safe space and offering practical tools, this lesson helps at-risk students build resilience and connect with resources.

Educating students on the nature of trauma and its effects on victims of child abuse.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 workshop, teachers learn key warning signs of student suicide risk, safe messaging practices, and referral protocols. This session equips educators with practical strategies to create a proactive, supportive classroom environment.

In this 15-minute Socratic discussion, 7th graders explore why respect, safety, and belonging matter in their daily school lives. This Tier 1 lesson builds critical thinking, empathy, and community connection, helping students articulate real-world school experiences and set a positive classroom tone.

In this 60-minute Tier 1 PD session for K-12 staff, participants will explore how data-driven decision-making can enhance PBIS and MTSS frameworks to foster a positive school environment. This collaborative session helps staff use data effectively to improve student outcomes and school climate.

In this 30-minute session, undergraduate students will learn foundational strategies for managing trauma, building resilience, and fostering emotional well-being. This Tier 1 lesson equips all students with practical tools to recognize trauma responses and apply healthy coping techniques in real-life scenarios.

This lesson aims to help adults understand their emotional triggers through trauma-informed teaching, experiential learning, and collaborative learning strategies. By exploring emotional triggers, participants can gain insights into their emotional responses and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional intelligence and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate their emotions more effectively in personal and professional settings.

This lesson focuses on helping a 4th-grade boy with trauma learn to manage his emotions through game-based learning and trauma-informed teaching. By using a video and interactive activities, the lesson aims to teach the student how to identify emotions, think about coping skills, and practice these skills in a supportive environment. This approach is crucial for building emotional resilience and providing the student with tools to handle challenging situations.

In this Tier 1 lesson for 5th graders, students will identify personal coping strategies and safe zones in their classroom using guided discussions and creative activities. Over one 30-minute session, learners will develop emotional self-awareness, map their “safe spaces,” and practice quick check-ins and closure rituals to support grief and loss coping skills.

In this 25-minute Tier 1 session, PK-12 staff will engage in a whole-staff reflection on key school climate indicators to inform proactive classroom management and active supervision strategies. This lesson helps educators identify and respond to climate signals effectively to foster a safer, more supportive learning environment.

This lesson is designed to support Grade 9 students returning from psychiatric hospitalizations by focusing on distress tolerance and reintegration into a school routine. Through trauma-informed teaching and inquiry-based learning, students will explore strategies to manage stress and anxiety, helping them transition smoothly back into their academic environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and confidence in students as they navigate their return to school.

In this one-on-one session, an 8th-grade student will learn healthy strategies to recognize self-harm triggers, practice coping skills, and build a personalized safety plan. This Tier 3 intervention empowers the student to manage difficult emotions and reduce self-harm urges—crucial for their well-being and resilience.

This lesson aims to provide a safe space for middle school students to express and process their emotions regarding political events, specifically if they feel upset or unsafe. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson will help students articulate their feelings and learn coping mechanisms. This is important to ensure students feel heard and supported, fostering a sense of safety and community in the classroom.

This lesson aims to help 12th graders understand PTSD responses in high school students, fostering empathy and understanding among peers. It's crucial for students to recognize and empathize with the challenges faced by those with PTSD, promoting a supportive school environment. The lesson will be conducted in one 40-minute session and includes a video, discussion, and activity, with considerations for ENL students.

A dynamic lesson to reinforce physical and emotional safety norms, helping the whole class feel secure and supported. This Tier 1 lesson for a 5th grade class consists of a 40-minute session focused on establishing safe space protocols and emotional check-ins. Students will engage in role-plays, create personal safety plans, and practice calming techniques to boost classroom climate.

Teaching 3rd-grade students about healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and trauma.

For grades 6-8, host a seminar working through scenarios fostering a resilient mindset. Students will gain skills in resilience through interactive modules and peer collaboration.

In this 30-minute lesson, 6th grade students will explore healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and learn how to support peers experiencing self-harm thoughts. This Tier 1 classroom lesson helps build resilience, emotional awareness, and a supportive community.

This lesson helps students prepare for the emotional impact of receiving their report cards. By using trauma-informed teaching and restorative practices, students will learn to identify and manage their emotions effectively. This lesson is crucial for fostering emotional resilience and promoting a healthy response to academic feedback.

This lesson introduces 6th-grade students to effective coping strategies for managing anxiety. Through experiential learning and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in activities that help them understand and practice these strategies in a supportive environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for students' overall well-being and academic success.

This lesson focuses on building resilience among 12th-grade students through trauma-informed teaching and experiential learning. Students will engage in activities that help them understand and develop resilience, an essential skill for overcoming challenges and thriving in various aspects of life. This lesson is important as it equips students with the tools to handle stress and adversity, promoting mental well-being and success in their future endeavors.

This session helps individual students develop strategies for managing difficult emotions through emotional intelligence training. It's crucial for personal development and emotional resilience, especially for 8th-grade students. The lesson is designed for a 30-minute individual session, focusing on Tier 3 support.

Educate students on identifying personal triggers and how they affect emotional responses.

This lesson focuses on understanding and addressing bullying through a trauma-informed approach, using video-based learning and interactive activities. It includes a video, a role-playing activity, and a discussion to reinforce the concepts of self-esteem, support networks, and seeking help. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the impact of bullying and equips them with strategies to handle such situations effectively.

This individualized support guide equips a 7th grade student with personalized coping strategies and crisis response steps to build resilience and emotional regulation. Through targeted coaching and self-reflection activities in one 20-minute session, the student will develop a practical toolkit for managing stress and anxiety

This lesson introduces 10th grade students to grounding practices that can help manage trauma-related stress and anxiety. Through experiential learning and inquiry-based activities, students will explore techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage emotional distress, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Strategies and techniques for students to manage and regulate their emotional responses during challenging times.

This lesson focuses on creating a safe and supportive classroom environment for 4th and 5th graders. It emphasizes the importance of respect, kindness, and collaboration among students. By engaging in project-based learning and restorative practices, students will learn how to contribute to a positive classroom culture. This lesson is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and safety, especially for students with a history of being bullied.

In this 30-minute, one-session lesson for 6th graders, students will learn to recognize self-harm signs, explore healthy coping strategies, and discover ways to seek help. This Tier 1 classroom session builds vital social-emotional skills and encourages an open, supportive environment.

A small-group, trauma-focused discussion framework for 7th graders that uses guided story sharing, active listening, and safe-ground rules to foster emotional processing and peer support. This Tier 2 lesson spans one 40-minute session and equips students with practical skills to share, listen, and connect in a structured, caring environment.

In this 45-minute session, 8th grade teachers will learn how to co-create a comprehensive staff safety plan to proactively address students’ mental health needs. This Tier 1 classroom lesson empowers educators with practical strategies and resources to support student well-being and foster a safe environment.

This lesson focuses on helping middle school students understand and develop resilience, which is essential for maintaining proper behavior in the classroom. By learning practical strategies from the 'On Resilience' video, students will be better equipped to handle difficult emotions and situations.

This lesson focuses on teaching middle school students strategies to build emotional resilience in the face of bullying. Through interactive exercises, students will learn to boost their self-esteem and develop effective coping mechanisms. This lesson is important as it empowers students to handle challenging social situations with confidence and emotional strength, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.

A Tier 3, one-on-one, 30-minute session for 6th graders to explore personal experiences with bullying, build emotional awareness, and develop strategies for self-advocacy and coping. This lesson is vital to support individual students struggling with bullying by creating a safe space for reflection and action planning.

In this one-on-one Tier 3 session, a 5th grader will learn to recognize signs of trauma and practice personalized coping strategies. This lesson helps students build emotional self-awareness and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

In this introductory SEL lesson, 7th graders will learn the importance of social-emotional learning and establish a trauma-informed, trusting classroom community. By setting norms and sharing personal reflections, students will feel safe and prepared for the year ahead.

Dive into identifying common triggers and practicing targeted coping tactics through interactive scenarios, paving the way for proactive behavior management in a one-on-one setting with a 6th grade student. This Tier 3 behavioral support lesson helps students recognize personal triggers and apply coping strategies, fostering self-awareness and goal-oriented behavior over a 55-minute session.

In this playful Tier 2 group lesson, Middle School Advisors will reinforce and practice trauma-informed de-escalation strategies through a collaborative bingo game. Over 30 minutes, participants will recall key moves, build confidence under pressure, and reflect on implementing these strategies in real scenarios.

An introductory whole-class session that helps 5th graders identify feelings and understand trauma’s impact, building trust and setting the tone for safe exploration.

This lesson introduces high school students to the concept of resilience, helping them understand its importance and how to cultivate it. Through engaging discussions and activities, students will explore strategies to bounce back from challenges, fostering a resilient mindset that can support their personal and academic growth.

A quick cool-down that helps the whole class reflect on their shared safe space and boosts trust as they head out the door. Important for reinforcing school climate, classroom management, and culturally responsive practices for 1st graders in a 10-minute Tier 1 session.

In this engaging two-session exploration, 5th graders will identify and discuss the factors that make their school environment safe, welcoming, and supportive. Students will collaborate, reflect, and create visual representations of school climate elements, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and ownership of their community.

A small-group program offering targeted tools and strategies for students who need extra support in de-escalating emotions during crisis moments. This 30-minute Tier 2 (group) session for 7th graders helps them identify triggers, practice de-escalation skills, and create personalized safety plans.

This lesson helps students understand and combat the winter blues by building emotional resilience. Students will explore mindfulness techniques and create a personal resilience toolkit. This lesson is important as it equips students with skills to manage stress and emotions, especially during challenging times like winter, fostering overall well-being and academic success.

Equip students with emotional coping skills for when they encounter personal challenges. They will learn practical strategies for immediate emotional support, fostering resilience and a positive mental health framework.

Equip students with strategies to build emotional resilience through engaging workshops that cover self-regulation techniques, positive self-talk, and problem-solving skills. These sessions will help students navigate stressors and build confidence in their ability to handle challenges.

This lesson aims to help 10th graders understand and manage anxiety through a combination of Trauma-Informed Teaching, Restorative Practices, and Project-Based Learning. By engaging in a reflective activity, participating in a guided discussion, and completing a worksheet, students will learn practical strategies to reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience. This lesson is important as it equips students with tools to handle stress, promoting mental well-being and academic success.

Individual reflection and support session helping an 8th grade student understand their emotions as valuable signals rather than problems, building self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This Tier 3 session is designed to be completed in one 20-minute one-on-one meeting.