Thinking about the first week with your new class?
Consider these ideas for starting the new school year in a trauma sensitive way, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported and valued in the classroom.
1. Create a class charter/class rules. Ensure it’s truly collaborative, discussing together how each rule will help everyone with their learning. Refer to them regularly in the first weeks to ensure they are embedded quickly.
2. Establish clear classroom routines now. Eg. What happens when children enter the classroom at the beginning of the day and after a break? Consistently adhere to these to ensure they are embedded quickly.
3. Ensure there is always a check-in adult available to welcome children in the morning. Some children will need the opportunity to regulate, talk to an adult or do some colouring before entering the busy classroom.
4. Plan transition activities after a break. Five minute mindfulness activities work well to help regulate children after unstructured times.
5. Assign jobs to give children a sense of belonging and self-worth. For trauma experienced children, incorporating movement is important so consider tasks such as taking the register to the office or watering the plants.
6. Have mood cards available that children can display on their desk to communicate how they are feeling throughout the day. This means that you can easily spot anyone who needs your emotional or learning support.
7. Plan lots of teamwork activities in the first week to develop a sense of community, mutual support and belonging for every child.
Enjoy your first week, getting to know your class. Find at least one positive thing you love about every child by the end of the week!