Trauma can significantly influence a child's emotional, physical, and psychological development. Understanding the complex effects of early traumatic experiences is crucial for educators, as these can alter the way children perceive the world and interact with others.
Discover how trauma impacts development and outlines actionable steps educators can take to effectively support children.
Actionable Steps for Educators with Play-Based Sensory Strategies
Step 1: Educate Your Team on Trauma-Informed Practices
Strategy: Sensory Bins Encourage your team to create and use sensory bins filled with items like sand, rice, or water beads. While exploring these sensory bins, children can engage in calming, focused play that reduces anxiety and helps regulate their emotions. Educators can introduce these during a dedicated session after enrolling in our online trauma class to better understand how such activities support children who have experienced trauma. Sign up for the course here.
Step 2: Foster a Supportive and Stable Learning Environment
Strategy: Quiet Corners with Soft Textures Set up a quiet corner in the classroom filled with soft pillows, blankets, and plush toys. This area should serve as a safe space where children can go to feel secure and calm down when overwhelmed. The tactile comfort from the soft materials can significantly soothe a child, helping them feel more grounded and secure in the classroom environment.
Step 3: Implement Individualised Support and Interventions
Strategy: Therapeutic Play Dough Activities Provide children with therapeutic play dough, which can be infused with calming scents like lavender or chamomile. Encourage children to manipulate the dough as they wish—squeezing, rolling, or shaping it. This activity helps in fine motor development and serves as a sensory tool to assist in emotional regulation, allowing children to express their feelings through the tactile experience.
Learn more in our upcoming trauma class by clicking the book now button below.
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