Learning Opportunities

Children with experiences of trauma often present with significant challenges within a classroom setting. Their behaviours are often unpredictable and can shift the learning environment of a classroom. The behavioural representation of their experiences often poses challenges for teachers, administrators, support staff , and peers. In addition to these challenges, the fundamental lack of safety felt by these children significantly impedes their capacity to learn. Schools have an incredibly unique opportunity to provide a child with space in which they feel safe, connected, and supported. By learning new ways to support children and youth who have experienced trauma, inconsistency, and significant challenge in their life, we can maximize the opportunity to give these children a safe place to land. 

ICP’s trauma training focuses on increasing knowledge regarding how trauma impacts brain development and the body, and how these shifts present behaviourally in children. We additionally explore how experiences of trauma impact memory systems and learning, and ways in which we can support children in connecting to the school community and engaging in the classroom milieu.

Instructional Objectives: 

• Discuss trauma and its definitions and challenges in defining trauma 
• Examine the impacts of trauma on neurological development 
• Investigate the impact of trauma on information processing and memory systems 
• Explore the impacts of trauma on attachment systems and relational patterns 
• Foster a greater understanding of behavioural patterns commonly associated with traumatic experiences 
• Learn ways to engage and support development of brainstem, limbic system, and cortical regions of the brain 
• Explore long-term outcomes of traumatic experience in childhood

All learning opportunities with the ERLC regional team will focus on the Alberta Education and district priority areas.