Some Trauma-Informed Techniques Our Partner Teachers Use
The transformative POWER of LEARNING has proven to help children heal from the deep neurological impact of trauma they experienced by being trafficked. Through trauma-informed education, their brain has the ability to repair and rewire, offering healing, hope and a path to a brighter, more emPOWERed future.
In New Day’s Partner programs, educators like Kathy McCullohs, Education Supervisor at Sarah’s Home in Colorado, do more than teach—they use trauma-informed techniques to help heal developing brains. Kathy emphasizes the critical role of helping children regulate emotions, process trauma, and build a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. As the children experience patience, structure, and encouragement, their brains begin to heal—restoring their ability to learn, boosting their confidence, and emPOWERing them to realize they are intelligent and capable of success - building hope for a brighter future.
Each morning, as children enter Kerri Bennett’s classroom at NDC partner home, Garland Oaks in Tennessee, they select a flower from a bouquet, with its color reflecting their current emotions—Green: Ready to learn, Blue: Sad or struggling, Yellow: Frustrated or uneasy, Red: Angry or overwhelmed. Kerri explains that this simple yet powerful exercise fosters emotional awareness in the children while helping staff assess each child’s current state of mind. With this insight, teachers can provide the proper support, setting students up for a successful day and ensuring they feel seen and understood.
Silent Signals for Support - Flashlights and hand signals provide children with a discreet and nonverbal way to request help or initiate a conversation when they feel overwhelmed or are struggling.
5-Point Grounding Technique - A sensory exercise that helps children regain focus by identifying what they see, hear, feel, smell, and taste—bringing them back to the present moment and identifying anything that needs to be altered in order to help better focus.
Movement & Sensory Breaks - Walks, bike rides, fidget tools, stress balls, snacks, changing classes and “quiet rooms” provide healthy outlets for stress and self-regulation.
Encouragement & Positive Reinforcement - Personalized notes of affirmation from teachers, aides and tutors recognize progress, while earned “Boutique Bucks”, pizza parties and even simple sticker charts allow children to celebrate their achievements.
By integrating these and other trauma-sensitive practices, teachers cultivate a stable, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported and emPOWERed. Time and again, we have witnessed the profound impact of these approaches - When education and therapy are combined in the classroom, learning becomes more than knowledge—it transforms the mind. There is undeniable POWER in learning.
