Every day someone tells me that students are coming to us with more baggage, more trauma, and more needs. However, I noticed in my school that we have several students with severe trauma and needs who are thriving.
My thought is that addressing the needs of students has been a wonderful choreographed team effort, with a belief that how students start the day is critically important. I set out for the last month to see the similarities between classrooms where students who have faced trauma are thriving. Teachers in these classrooms do, say and ask almost identical things every morning.
- Do: Smile!
- Because how many of us want to enter into a 6.5 hour day with someone who is miserable?
- Say: I’m glad you’re here!
- Perhaps the second best thing than hearing your own voice is to see that someone is genuinely glad that you are present.
- Ask: How did you feel about coming to school today?
- I like this instead of “how was your night? or how are you doing?” because it puts the focus on the school day and the child’s emotions at the moment. This also helps gauge the student’s desire, motivation and readiness to learn.
This may not be a longitudinal study backed by research and best practices. I’m not a mental health professional, just a keen observer in practical ways that caring teachers are helping our students daily.
What other elements do you believe are necessary at the beginning of the day to assist students with emotional needs?
Sean D'Abreu 