It is important to be aware of what students in your class have experienced trauma. For students who have experienced trauma, it can sometimes be more difficult for them to learn because they may not be having their basic needs met, or they may be searching for a feeling of love and safety. It is the schools job to try and provide this sense of safety and structure to students while they are at school so that they can learn.
Truama informed is difficult for me because I have not had a traumatic childhood and a majority of my classmates in grade school did not either. Even when I went to high school, very few students experienced trauma, but I could tell how the ones who had did differently in school. Having such little experience with it personally, I am worried about how I will be able to recognize it and help my students, especially the ones who are more reserved about it.
At my current clinical placement, I have a class of lower level students. When talking to them and the teacher I have discovered that many of them have experienced trauma in their lives. When trying to help them with their math, I first make sure that I introduce myself to them and use positive words. They already do not think they are capable of math and often times do not ask questions, so I make a point to thank them for trying and asking me questions. A majority of the students now come up to me and ask me questions before they will ask the teacher. I hope that forming this relationship with them will help them form relationships with other math teachers and make them more open to learning.
Miss Wieberg 