The Iceberg of Trauma Includes Oppression
I wrote an earlier version of this post about oppression as trauma in 2019 and revised it in 2020. That’s when I added the resources for learning more at the bottom. It’s important to keep learning as well as acting for growth and change. Often, trauma is described as an iceberg, meaning the signs we […]
Mindful Minutes in Your Classroom
Daily trauma-sensitive mindfulness practice at school can help youth and adults get regulated. When I introduce the concept of mindfulness to students of any age, I describe it as practicing a calm body, caring heart, and focused mind. When I introduce the concept of mindfulness to students of any age, I describe it as practicing […]
The River of Feelings Improves Regulation
Thanks so much to everyone who joined my webinar with Brookes Publishing this week. I enjoyed teaching you about the River of Feelings, which is a visual from my new book Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools: Your Guide to Creating Safe, Supportive Learning Environments for All Students. Participants shared excellent questions and gave positive feedback. You truly warmed […]
Pre-Order Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
I’m excited to announce that my new book is available for pre-order on the Brookes Publishing website. Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools: Your Guide to Creating Safe, Supportive Learning Environments for All Students details how trauma impacts youth at school and is available now. Read it to learn exactly what school teams can do about the effects […]
Ms. Jen’s Two Cents Will Help You Help Kids
Educators often tell me that short videos where you could hear me explaining how I might communicate with youth would help you help kids. I listened to you and am excited to roll out something new! Check out the very first episode of Ms. Jen’s Two Cents! In these short videos, I will share tips about […]
Grounding Technique for Students and Staff
It’s nearly back to school time for many of us as educators! It’s exciting. Of course, it can also be stressful. When experiencing stress responses, it can be helpful for students and staff in trauma-sensitive environments to use a grounding technique. Think of this as a way to help bring folks to the present time […]
Why Trauma-Sensitive Schools?
I’m very excited to help kick-off the Attachment & Trauma Network’s 2017 “Educating Traumatized Children” Summit by sharing why trauma-sensitive schools are so important. I also have a resource to give you. Childhood trauma negatively affects at least one in four students in every single classroom, every day. Learn more about how trauma affects student […]
Student Behavior: If Not a Sticker Chart, Then What?
I wrote an earlier version of this article about improving student behavior that was published in the Attachment & Trauma Network’s December (2015) Therapeutic Parenting Journal. That issue focused on creating trauma-sensitive schools. In 2020, I updated that article for this post. Understanding how childhood trauma impacts student behavior and learning in schools is critical. […]
Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! Perhaps you’re wondering, “Why should educators be building trauma-sensitive schools?” And, “Who is Ms. Jen?” Let’s dive into answers to both questions below. Who is Ms. Jen? Let me start by saying that I’m a teacher who believes that educators can make a positive difference with all students–one relationship […]
