About
This workshop offers an exploration of trauma and its profound effects on young children’s development and behaviour. Participants will learn to identify and understand the different types of trauma, including single-incident, complex, historical, and intergenerational trauma. Through an analysis of neuroscience, the course examines the impact of trauma on the developing brain, focusing on critical structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
Childhood trauma can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, trust, and belonging, often leading to long-term effects such as heightened stress responses, behavioural changes, and cognitive difficulties. However, the workshop highlights the brain’s remarkable ability to heal through neuroplasticity, offering hope for recovery and resilience. Educators will gain practical strategies to support children that have experienced trauma, with a focus on connection, empowerment, and collaboration.
The course integrates the Phoenix Cups framework, exploring how trauma impacts children’s needs for Safety and Connection. By tuning into these needs, educators can cultivate environments where children feel safe, seen, and supported, empowering them to thrive despite their early adversities.
Trauma does not define a child’s potential, and with the right support, healing is possible. Your role as an educator is vital in providing the safety, trust, and compassion every child needs to thrive. Join us in creating environments where children feel empowered, safe understood, and ready to learn.
This Workshop Will Cover the Following Topics
Understanding Trauma
What is trauma? Are there various types and forms of trauma? Explore the various forms of trauma, including single-incident, complex, historical, and intergenerational trauma. Build an understanding of how trauma manifests in children and its potential implications on children’s development.
Neuroscience Behind Trauma and the Brain
Examine the neurological effects of trauma, including changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and HPA axis. Understand how trauma can rewire the brain for survival and the common implications on learning, memory, and behaviour.
Impacts of Trauma on Development and Behaviour
Discover the short-term and long-term impacts of trauma on individuals. These include neurological elements, emotional regulation, learning, cognition, and relationships. Learn to identify signs of survival mode in children, such as withdrawal, aggression, or disengagement.
Practical Teaching Strategies
Master trauma-sensitive approaches, including fostering connection, identifying children’s own rhythms and rituals as a tool for predictability support and empowering children to meet their needs.
Participant Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its long-term impacts on children’s brains, behaviour, and development.
- Identify and respond effectively to trauma-related behaviours in children.
- Employ trauma-informed teaching strategies that promote safety and connection.
- Build trusting, empathetic relationships with children to foster resilience and emotional growth.
- Create predictable and nurturing environments that support children’s sense of safety and autonomy.
Activities Include
- Practical Neuroscience: Visual demonstrations and accessible explanations of neuroscience concepts, such as neuroplasticity and the HPA axis.
- Action Planning: Develop a personalised roadmap for implementing trauma-informed practices in your service.
- Brainstorming: Consider the needs of children within your service and identify areas for growth, action and reflective moments.
- Critical Reflection: Engage in thoughtful self-reflections to evaluate the effectiveness of your current pedagogy and practice.
- Solutions-Focused Problem-Solving: Collaborate on real-life challenges and craft innovative solutions.
Online course option
Prefer to engage in this training from the comfort of your own home? We get it!
That's why we created the self-paced online course, with video content and downloadable workbooks.
