Childhood Trauma and Learning

1. Complex Trauma: The cumulation of traumatic experiences one experiences.

1.1. Experiencing neglect and abuse, witnessing violence, growing up in poverty or homelessness, being discredited for race/religion/identity.

2. Chronic stress/trauma causes biological changes in the brain.

2.1. This can cause poor health and cognitive development.

3. In school, students may perceive people and the environment as threats.

3.1. This causes poor performance.

3.2. This can also cause students to act out behaviorally.

4. Students may show poorer performance in language processing, concentration, memory, sequencing, and more.

5. Teachers can aid a child's brain's neuroplasticity along in how they respond to trauma-based behaviors.

5.1. Provide a safe environment.

5.2. Set high expectations for students.

5.3. Be trauma informed.