When Behavior Tells A Story - LK8

But first, a quick activity!

Let's play "The Voting Game: Admin Edition"

Based on the question, please choose the person who would best fit the situation. There is no right or wrong answer...

Poll

Just my luck! Who is most likely to win the lottery, but lose the lottery ticket?

• Ms. Pharms

• Mr. Davis

• Ms. Casco

• Ms. K. Thomas

Poll

I'll buy a ticket! If administration didn't work out, who could most likely make it as a stand up comedian?

• Ms. Pharms

• Mr. Davis

• Ms. Casco

• Ms. K. Thomas

Poll

Must see TV! Who would most likely be the most entertaining on a reality TV show?

• Ms. Pharms

• Mr. Davis

• Ms. Casco

• Ms. K. Thomas

Poll

The nerve! Who probably got in the most trouble when they were in school?

• Ms. Pharms

• Mr. Davis

• Ms. Casco

• Ms. K. Thomas

Poll

OMG! Who is most likely to laugh out loud at the absolute worst time?

• Ms. Pharms

• Mr. Davis

• Ms. Casco

• Ms. K. Thomas

Word Cloud

What do you think is something that can cause trauma in students?

Multiple Choice

Why do you think it is important to create emotionally and physically safe learning spaces for our students?

• It helps students feel secure and supported, which can improve learning outcomes.

• It makes the classroom look more attractive.

• It reduces the amount of homework students receive.

• It allows teachers to avoid classroom management issues.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are common survival responses to trauma?

• Fight

• Flight

• Freeze

• Defiance

Drag and Drop

Trauma is about ​

Placeholder

a person experiences, not just ​

Placeholder

a person experiences.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

how

what

Open Ended

What are some possible underlying needs behind the behaviors of students who are constantly out of their seat?

Open Ended

What are some possible underlying needs behind the behaviors of students who shut down or put their heads down?

Open Ended

What are some possible underlying needs behind the behaviors of students who display angry outbursts?

Match

Match the principle to its definition.

• Safety

• Trust & Transparency

• Choice & Voice

• Collaboration

• Empowerment

Can be physical or emotional

Explaining what is happening

Helping increase student control

Working with students & families

Focusing on strengths & skills

• Can be physical or emotional

• Explaining what is happening

• Helping increase student control

• Working with students & families

• Focusing on strengths & skills

Multiple Choice

Which of the following strategies can help build trust and transparency with trauma-impacted students?

• Explaining changes in plans clearly

• Ignoring students' questions

• Keeping students in the dark about classroom routines

• Changing expectations without notice

Open Ended

Describe one way a teacher can empower a student who has experienced trauma, based on the principles discussed.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of trauma-informed teaching described earlier?

• Safety – Physical and emotional safety

• Trust & Transparency – Explaining what is happening and what will happen next

• Strict discipline and zero tolerance

• Choice & Voice – Offering small choices to increase control and dignity

Multiple Select

What could be an example of a predictable routine?

• Giving a 3-minute warning before transitions ("In 3 minutes, we're moving on to...")

• Having a visual schedule on the board

• Calling a code yellow on a student

• Sending a student to make copies

Multiple Select

What are some things that COULD be included in a regulation space?

• Stress Ball

• Feelings Chart

• Fidget Tool

• Extra classwork

Multiple Choice

What could be an example of a regulation technique?

• Breathing exercises

• Calling the student's parent on the spot

• Putting the student out of the classroom

• Writing a referral

Open Ended

Language Shift: Instead of "what's wrong with you?", what would be a more effective way to address a student?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are emphasized as important in trauma-informed care?

• Judgment

• Safety

• Predictability

• Curiosity

Multiple Select

Which of the following are reasons why reporting protocol matters?

• It protects student safety and well-being

• It is required by state law and district policy

• It protects staff when they follow procedures in good faith

• It allows staff to investigate abuse themselves

Multiple Choice

TRUE or FALSE: You must not report abuse or neglect unless you are sure.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

Which of the following steps should be taken first when following the CPS procedure if a student is in immediate danger?

• Call 911 and notify administration

• Notify the designated admin/counselor

• Provide factual information about the student

• Write down the date and time of the report

Multiple Choice

What is the main goal of trauma-informed care in educational settings?

• Diagnosing students with trauma

• Creating emotionally and physically safe learning spaces

• Increasing academic pressure

• Ignoring behavioral issues

Open Ended

Why do you think we should NOT investigate, interrogate, or repeatedly question a student when they disclose something that gives you reason to suspect abuse or neglect?

Multiple Select

Select all statements that describe how to support a student after reporting a concern.

• Reassure the student that it is not their fault

• Treat the student as fragile or a problem

• Coordinate with counseling staff for follow-up support

• Monitor for changes in behavior, attendance, or mood

Open Ended

Please share one takeaway that you got from this presentation or share a trauma-informed care strategy that you would like to apply in your own classroom.