Understanding Trauma and Building Resilient Learners Through Emotional Intelligence
DESCRIPTION
As educators, you are not psychologists, yet often face students whose behavior and performance have been deeply impacted by trauma. This course offers teachers and educators essential tools to understand trauma's impact and effectively support students who may be struggling with its effects, all while maintaining balance and harmony within the classroom.
Through a trauma-informed lens, we will explore how the autonomic nervous system, specifically the principles of Polyvagal Theory, plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and classroom dynamics. We will examine how trauma responses such as fight, flight, freeze, and fawn manifest in the classroom and learn strategies to help students regulate their emotions and create a safe learning environment.
Participants will be introduced to emotional intelligence tools and self-regulation techniques that can be used in the classroom. By learning to regulate their own emotional states, teachers will be in a better position to support students in doing the same. This course will also provide practical exercises and strategies to create psychologically safe classrooms where trauma-affected students can thrive.
COMPETENCES
Gain an understanding of trauma and its impact on behavior and learning.
Develop emotional intelligence skills to better support students’ emotional well-being.
Learn self-regulation strategies that help reduce classroom disruptions and foster positive student engagement.
Be equipped to create safe, supportive learning environments where students can thrive despite the challenges posed by trauma.
Build empathy and compassion, both for students and colleagues, promoting overall school well-being.
METHODOLOGY
Theory-based Learning: Understanding trauma, Polyvagal Theory, and the physiological aspects of emotional regulation.
Practical Tools: Exercises and strategies to help manage distress, promote emotional intelligence, and encourage self-regulation.
Classroom Scenarios and Role-plays: Real-world applications of the content to address trauma in the classroom environment.
Group Reflection and Discussion: Participants will share experiences, discuss challenges, and develop strategies together.
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9:00–9:30 Overview of the Course and Its Goals
9:30–10:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Students
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 The Four Survival Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
11:00–12:00 Why Trauma-Informed Educators Are Essential
12:00–13:00 Reflective Discussion: Participant Perspectives on Trauma in Education
13:00–14:00 Wrap-Up: Building a Foundation for the Week
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9:00–9:30 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory
9:30–10:00 Exploring the Three Autonomic Neural Pathways: Ventral, Sympathetic, and Dorsal
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 Understanding Neuroception: How Our Bodies Detect Safety
11:00–12:00 The Role of Co-Regulation Before Self-Regulation in the Classroom
12:00–13:00 Case Studies: Applying Polyvagal Theory in Educational Settings
13:00–14:00 Reflective Discussion: Classroom Strategies for Co-Regulation
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9:00–9:30 Recognizing Dysregulation in Self and Others
9:30–10:00 Techniques for Regulating Emotions Using Emotional Intelligence Tools
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 Practical Classroom Strategies to Teach Emotional Intelligence
11:00–12:00 Exercises and Games to Engage Students in Emotional Learning
12:00–13:00 Reflective Discussion: Emotional Intelligence and Classroom Dynamics
13:00–14:00 Planning: Implementing Emotional Intelligence Tools
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9:00–9:30 Modeling Self-Regulation in the Classroom
9:30–10:00 Using Emotional Language to Help Students Understand Their Feelings
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 Teaching Students How to Express and Manage Their Emotions
11:00–12:00 Interactive Exercises and Games to Teach Self-Regulation
12:00–13:00 Reflective Discussion: Building Emotional Awareness in Students
13:00–14:00 Planning: Integrating Emotional Language into Daily Lessons
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9:00–9:30 Review of Key Concepts from the Course
9:30–10:00 Additional Tools and Resources for Trauma-Informed Practices
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 Discussion of Personal Experiences and Strategies for Application
11:00–12:00 Planning for the Future: Integrating Tools into Daily Teaching
12:00–13:00 Collaborative Brainstorming: Developing a Trauma-Informed Action Plan
13:00–14:00 Participant Presentations: Sharing Insights and Applications
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9:00–9:30 Final Course Evaluation: Reflection on Acquired Competencies
9:30–10:00 Discussion and Feedback on Course Content
10:00–10:15 Coffee Break
10:15–11:00 Awarding of the Course Certificate of Attendance
11:00–12:00 Excursion: Exploring Local Cultural Connections to Education
12:00–13:00 Reflective Discussion: Linking Cultural Insights to Trauma-Informed Practices
13:00–14:00 Closing Ceremony and Group Reflection
RESULTS
Recognize trauma responses in themselves and their students.
Implement self-regulation techniques to foster a calm, focused classroom environment.
Utilize emotional intelligence tools to improve student-teacher relationships and create psychologically safe spaces.
Support students in learning to regulate their emotional states and navigate distressing situations.
Foster social connection and emotional growth in the classroom through the principles of Polyvagal Theory.
Course Format
One-week length: two weeks or other formats are available on request.
4-5 hours per day: from Monday to Friday, with excursions planned during the training.
Fully fundable: Meeting the Erasmus+ KA1 budget criteria.
Flexible: change courses, locations, or dates without fees
Audience and requirements
Courses are structured around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences, therefore all courses are in English. For participants with a very low English level, we advised to come with a translator in the team.
We provide tailored courses for school roles like teachers, principals, and staff, as well as for different levels of IT skills. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of professionals such as adult educators, language teachers, youth workers, and social workers, ensuring they have a meaningful impact in education and social work.
€80/ day
Our services include:
✔ Infopack about the location
✔ Pre-arrival information.
✔ Tuition & training materials.
✔ Coffee break.
✔ Training Certificate.
✔Europass Certificate.
✔ Admin & organisational costs.
Additional Services:
✔ Accommodation options, including hotels and self-catering apartments
✔ Half-day and full-day trips
✔ Cultural experiences and local activities
✔ Airport transfer services
✔ Local transportation arrangements
Our Pricing:
100% funded by the Erasmus Plus Program
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