In this engaging episode of School Wellness, Amanda Hampton delves into the intricacies of creating a trauma-informed classroom with educator Katie Ostendorf. Katie shares her journey into teaching, fueled by a passion sparked during a high school mentoring experience. She describes her continued dedication to foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment. With a primary focus on ELA and the integration of social studies, Katie's approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional needs of students through trauma-informed practices and goal setting.

Listeners will gain valuable insight into how behavior communication can be harnessed to enhance teaching practices and support student growth. Katie discusses various strategies, including utilizing PAX GBG and creating calm spaces, to help students manage their emotions and behaviors effectively. These strategies not only create a positive school climate but also enable students to develop self-regulation skills critical in their academic and personal lives. The conversation underscores the necessity of a compassionate approach in education and the impact of continued professional development in areas such as mental health and trauma-informed teaching.

• Goal Setting for Growth: Katie emphasizes the importance of empowering students through goal setting, facilitating ownership over both academic and personal achievements.

• Behavior as Communication: Understanding student behavior as a form of communication and addressing underlying needs rather than just the symptoms is crucial in a trauma-informed classroom.

• Importance of SEL and Morning Meetings: Implementing morning meetings and social-emotional learning programs helps students develop the necessary skills for self-regulation and emotional expression.

• Effective Use of Calming Spaces: Creating dedicated spaces for students to decompress can significantly affect students' ability to manage stress and regain focus.

• Avoiding Power Struggles: Building a trauma-informed classroom involves avoiding personalizing student behavior, avoiding power struggles, and focusing on proactive support.

• "Behavior is communication...we can't take the behavior personally."

• "Start the school year with goal writing... give themselves ownership."

• "If that 15 minutes of morning meetings gets us that time back in the classroom, it's worth it."

• "Focus on those students who are engaging appropriately."

• "Don't take away their recess...recess is a time for them to navigate those behaviors."

• PAX Good Behavior Game (GBG): A behavioral intervention Katie finds effective in her classroom.

• Book: "Self-Regulation in the Classroom: Helping Students Learn How to Learn" by Richard M. Cash.

• Website: Centervention offers free resources for social-emotional learning and student reflection.

For a deep dive into these strategies and insights on enhancing educational practices through a trauma-informed lens, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more impactful content from School Wellness that connects you with foundational resources and support in education.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.