As educators, we play a crucial role in shaping the learning environment for our children.
The increasing recognition of the impact of trauma on young children and its influence on their behaviour and learning outcomes is encouraging. This recognition has led to a beneficial change in educational approaches, focusing on trauma-informed care that prioritises empathy and support for every student.
When looking at a kindergarten environment from a childhood trauma perspective, educators can approach it in the following ways:
Recognising Triggers: Educators can learn to identify triggers that may cause distress in children who have experienced trauma. By being aware of these triggers, they can create a safe and nurturing environment that minimizes potential stressors.
Building Trusting Relationships: Developing strong and trusting relationships with students is crucial in supporting children with a history of trauma. Educators can provide consistency, predictability, and a sense of safety, which can help children feel secure and cared for.
Providing Empathy and Understanding: By providing empathy and understanding, educators can better connect with children who have experienced trauma. Showing compassion, patience, and a willingness to listen and be patient, even when childrens' behaviours are stressful, can help create a supportive environment where children feel heard and validated.
Using activities that activate the parasympathetic nervous system can significantly support children who have experienced trauma. Bubble blowing, singing, dinosaur roaring, guided imagery, gentle yoga, and storytelling not only promote calm and focus but also help build strong, trusting relationships. These activities create a supportive environment where children feel safe and connected, which is essential for their emotional healing and development.
6 Parasympathetic Nervous System Activities to Build Relationships with Trauma-Impacted Children
Children who have experienced trauma often have heightened stress responses, making it challenging for them to self-regulate and form trusting relationships.
Utilising activities that activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) can help create a calming environment where these children feel safe and connected.
Here are six PNS activities to build stronger relationships with trauma-impacted children.
1. Bubble Blowing
Why it works: Bubble blowing encourages deep, controlled breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This simple, playful activity can be very calming.
How to do it:
Materials: Bubble solution and wands.
Activity: Have the children take a deep breath and blow gently to create bubbles. Watching the bubbles float and pop is soothing and helps regulate breathing.
Interaction: Join in the fun by blowing bubbles with them and talking about the different shapes and sizes. This shared activity fosters a sense of connection and joy.
2. Singing Together
Why it works: Singing slowly and softly can help regulate breathing and heart rate, promoting a sense of calm and connection.
How to do it:
Choose Calming Songs: Select songs that are gentle and soothing.
Sing Along: Encourage the children to sing with you. Focus on the melody and words, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Positive Interaction: Singing together can create a shared joyful experience, strengthening the bond between you and the children.
3. Dinosaur Roaring
Why it works: Turning mindfulness into a playful activity like dinosaur roaring helps children release tension and practice breath control in a fun way.
How to do it:
Pretend Play: Have the children take a deep breath and then roar as loud as they can, like dinosaurs. Follow the roar with a deep breath and a quieter roar.
Guidance: Model the activity first, then join in with the children, making it a shared, playful experience.
Discussion: Talk about how roaring helps release energy and how taking deep breaths helps calm down afterward.
4. Guided Imagery
Why it works: Guided imagery helps children visualize peaceful scenes, promoting relaxation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
How to do it:
Find a Quiet Space: Sit or lie down comfortably.
Guide the Imagery: Slowly describe a calming scene, like walking on a beach or lying in a sunny meadow. Encourage the children to visualize the scene in their minds.
Interactive Elements: Ask questions like "What do you see?" or "Can you feel the warm sun on your skin?" to engage them in the imagery.
5. Gentle Yoga
Why it works: Gentle yoga combines movement with deep breathing, helping to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of safety and relaxation.
How to do it:
Simple Poses: Teach simple yoga poses like child's pose, cat-cow, and tree pose.
Breathing Focus: Encourage slow, deep breaths with each movement.
Participation: Do the poses with the children, creating a shared, calming experience.
6. Storytelling and Listening
Why it works: Storytelling can be a soothing activity that helps children feel connected and heard. It also provides an opportunity to discuss emotions and experiences in a safe environment.
How to do it:
Choose Calming Stories: Select stories that are gentle and reassuring.
Engage in Storytelling: Read aloud to the children or encourage them to tell their own stories.
Interactive Questions: Ask open-ended questions about the story to encourage discussion and deeper engagement.
At The Kindy Coach, we are dedicated to empowering educators worldwide through evidence based trauma professional development and coaching that focuses on trauma-informed practices. Our expertise in Autism, Communication, and trauma, enables us to support educators in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Through online coaching, professional development workshops, consultation services, and a community forum, we aim to provide educators with the resources and support they need to implement transformative trauma-informed practices in their classrooms.
Incorporating trauma-informed practices into education is not just a trend; it is a fundamental shift towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive learning environment for all children. By empowering educators with the knowledge and skills to support students who have experienced trauma, we can truly make a difference in their lives and help them reach their full potential.
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