Caldwell, ID: Divorce is part of trauma inflected by parents; schools provide safe environment

Jan 31, 2018, Idaho Ed News: Trauma-informed teaching changes culture in Caldwell https://www.idahoednews.org/features/trauma-informed-teaching-changes-culture-caldwell/ Abuse. Bullying. Divorce. Neglect. Some students bring these experiences to school from home, which they can’t get out of their brain and truly focus on their learning. Angela Layne is no stranger to working with students who have experienced trauma. The Lewis and Clark Elementary counselor is changing the way students’ express feelings at school. She introduced trauma-informed practices to Lewis and Clark Elementary staff and students five years ago. This involves understanding, recognizing and responding to the effects of all types of trauma within kids. “I want to build resiliency in the students by continuing to support and grow the positive culture and climate in the staff,” Layne said, a counselor at Lewis and Clark Elementary. “Trauma-informed is what’s right for students.”…. …. We need to create a safe emotional environment before we can even talk about academics.” Students are taking a moment to do breathing techniques by closing their eyes and using their hands for relaxation…. When students give the “flip the lid” hand signal they go to a calming place in the classroom. This area can include a yoga mat, glitter jar or artwork on the wall. This allows students to go into a calm mode and get back into a focused learning environment. …