1 minute read
Safety
“COVID-19 has upended our world and we are all living a collective trauma. Additionally, the social justice movement is occurring [led] by Black Lives Matter. This period of time is uniquely transformative in many ways and this course provides a sort of framework to start to work through this experience. The principles described especially play and development of safe spaces is going to be so critical for our students and staff moving forward.”
– Occupational Therapist (TIRS)
“I feel like I am better prepared to address the needs of my students and staff during this difficult time… Being able to adequately define trauma, understand the ways trauma can occur for each individual, how to address our students[‘] need for safety will help all of us better serve our students.”
– Elementary School Counselor (TIRS)
“This course has helped me to prepare for my approach when my students return in the Fall following the COVID-19 pandemic because this has been a traumatic experience for a lot of students through losing their routines, their safe spaces to learn, contact [with] their friends and teacher. It will be beneficial to implement classroom meetings, safety procedures, play, and routines when students return to be trauma-informed and resilient focused.”
– Special Education Teacher (TIRS)
“This course helped me recognize…that the goal is to help move the children who have experienced trauma from “victim thinking” to “survivor thinking,” which leads to empowerment, choice, active involvement in their own healing process, and a renewed sense of safety and hope.”
– School Counselor (TIRS)
“This has allowed me to further develop my understanding of stress/trauma and the impacts it has on our youth…I feel our student’s social-emotional health and well being will be at the forefront when we return to school. Children and families have felt fear and many families have experienced traumatic events (lost job, illnesses, possibly death). Children may also feel less safe at home when they can’t go to school, if their parents lost a job and can’t put food on the table, if they can’t see friends, etc. This course will help me to better evaluate circumstances, ask the right questions, and understand the larger impact of these events.”
