Building a Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Classroom: Strategies & Activities to Reduce Challenging Behavior, Improve Learning Outcomes, and Increase Student Engagement

11 reviews for Building a Trauma-Informed, Compassionate Classroom: Strategies & Activities to Reduce Challenging Behavior, Improve Learning Outcomes, and Increase Student Engagement

1. Christine

   Rated 5 out of 5

   May 31, 2023

   5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical

   Finally a trauma book that isn't only focused on theory and data. As teachers we know we have kiddos with trauma, this book gives you strategies and i...More

   Finally a trauma book that isn't only focused on theory and data. As teachers we know we have kiddos with trauma, this book gives you strategies and ideas to use with your whole class to support everyone.

   Helpful? 0 0
   NikkiPogorzelski

   Rated 5 out of 5

   April 11, 2022

   5.0 out of 5 stars Good ideas

   Well written with good ideas for trauma based students

   Helpful? 0 0
   Marcus Higgs

   Rated 5 out of 5

   January 12, 2022

   5.0 out of 5 stars Direct information that is readily actionable

   Although this was a quick read, it was packed with relevant information that action can be taken on immediately.It’s worth noting while this book spea...More

   Although this was a quick read, it was packed with relevant information that action can be taken on immediately.
   
   It’s worth noting while this book speaks of traumatized children such as sexual abuse and physical violence and such, trauma is experienced by every person. Trauma is unprocessed stress.
   
   If you come from an affluent background, I would recommend the book “the Price of Privilege’ by Madeline Levine. There you will find ideas of dealing with trauma for a different class setting, yet the concepts are still the same as expressed in Jennifer Bashant’s book.
   
   This is a must read book for all educators.

   Helpful? 0 0
   Jan J Zadoorian

   Rated 5 out of 5

   December 2, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, Practical and Creative Blueprint toward a Trauma-Informed School

   Jennifer Bashant's book provides a comprehensive approach to create compassionate classrooms and a trauma-informed approach to schools. She captures ...More

   Jennifer Bashant's book provides a comprehensive approach to create compassionate classrooms and a trauma-informed approach to schools. She captures the essence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), neuroplasticity of the brain and the profound impact that educators can make as change agents in the lives of students. The book offers practical activities for teachers, students and administrators to guide self-reflection and action plans. It provides a "we" approach and mentality inclusive of students, teachers, parents and administration to create understanding of ACES and awareness of best practices to develop authentic connections to our most hard to reach students. As an educational administrator for 20 years, I see many practical applications to utilize the book for professional development of educators, self-reflection of both students and staff and a resource to create a trauma-informed school.

   Helpful? 0 0
   Sarah E.

   Rated 5 out of 5

   November 20, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for teachers

   As a middle school teacher I found this book useful because it can be used immediately to see a positive effect. In particular, I found the informatio...More

   As a middle school teacher I found this book useful because it can be used immediately to see a positive effect. In particular, I found the information on flight, flight, or freeze helpful. I have been struggling this year connecting with students who exhibit these responses to stress. The book gave me a name for their responses to stress and an immediate response that I can use to help build relationships with the students. Before this book, I was unaware of the strategies. As Dr. Bashannt points out, teachers are not trained in this area of mental health and trauma. The book gave a concise and measurable way to help students. I highly recommend this book to teachers as a way to connect with students who are struggling and are difficult to reach!

   Helpful? 0 0
   Katie Rickert

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 22, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable read for all educators!

   As an elementary teacher, I have not only read the book Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom by Dr. Jennifer Bashant, but I have also ...More

   As an elementary teacher, I have not only read the book Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom by Dr. Jennifer Bashant, but I have also had the privilege to work closely along side of her and some of my students over the years. We used many of the charts, checklists, home/school tools with my students and their families. This book and many of the strategies play a key role in the success of my classroom. As a teacher you always want the best for your students and want everyone to feel successful. With so many students feeling anxiety and emotional stress within their daily lives this helps teachers to build the strong connection with their students so they can learn. You won’t be disappointed in this book. Give it a read!

   Helpful? 0 0
   Kristen

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 22, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars Such a wonderful resource!!!!

   This book should be in every teacher/educators hands! The information available for use in the classroom is invaluable! However, coming from the persp...More

   This book should be in every teacher/educators hands! The information available for use in the classroom is invaluable! However, coming from the perspective of a mother with a child who struggles in a “discipline” style classroom with only extrinsic rewards, the information and supports in this book could be life changing for these children. It is an ongoing battle to help educators break away from the traditional ways in their classrooms and start to implement the practices in this book. It is so user friendly and the changes that will be created will be monumental!

   Helpful? 0 0
   bellasmom

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 21, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars For all educators, Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom is an important read.

   The narrative is insightful and easy to understand. It is a very practical approach to setting up a classroom that is well equipped to respond to nega...More

   The narrative is insightful and easy to understand. It is a very practical approach to setting up a classroom that is well equipped to respond to negative or disruptive behavior from students who have undergone trauma at some point in their lives. In a very practical manner, the narrative details how an educator can become a part of the solution rather than exacerbating the problem. The real-life examples include common situations in the classroom and strategies for how a teacher can respond to these situations both in the moment and long-term. The examples provide empathy and an understanding of the psychological and physiological contributions to the disruptive behavior. The worksheets included are effective tools for understanding students, documenting behaviors, and planning and enacting resolutions. This book teaches the teacher to build a positive classroom community as a pathway to teaching positive new behaviors that lead to enhanced student learning.

   Helpful? 0 0
   Joseph P. Price

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 21, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be in every educators toolbox.

   As a superintendent and life-long educator, Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom is perhaps the most valuable book I have read in a long...More

   As a superintendent and life-long educator, Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom is perhaps the most valuable book I have read in a long time. There are a lot of books that delve into the subject of trauma and its impact on child development but very few take it to a level such as this. It provides a solid foundation of understanding and more importantly, it gives educators a plethora of tools that can be utilized immediately. At its core, Building a Trauma-Informed Compassionate Classroom provides insightful guidance on how to cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust, guided reflection, and best practices. The brilliance in Dr. Bashant’s book lies in its ability to resonate with the readers and to empower them with time-tested and research-based practices that are proven to be highly effective. Every teacher should have this valuable asset in their teaching toolbox.

   Helpful? 0 0
   Jennifer Oertel

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 21, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars Succinct, research-based information and tools every educator needs

   As an educator, I am always reading professional books to better my practice. Oftentimes those texts are not to the point and offer little real-world ...More

   As an educator, I am always reading professional books to better my practice. Oftentimes those texts are not to the point and offer little real-world help that I can use immediately. This is not that book. This book is succinct in its delivery and is easy to use. It offers checklist and worksheets for both teacher and student. This book inspires you to believe that you can start tomorrow with developing a collaborative classroom and one in which you can teach students not only to be self-aware but also offers strategies and tools students can use. One phrase stuck with me... that teachers need to have laser-like focus: one on child and issue at a time. I found this statement freeing, as we educatos want to help everyone, all at once. Not only does this book speak to students with trauma, but it offers tools and information helpful to all in the classroom. I highly recommend this book for anyone who works in a school setting.

   Helpful? 0 0
   Todd Hilgendorff

   Rated 5 out of 5

   October 20, 2020

   5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend! Serves as a handbook to better supporting all students!

   Greenville Central School District has had the great fortune of working with Dr. Jennifer Bashant for the past 5 years on a variety of projects. Jenn...More

   Greenville Central School District has had the great fortune of working with Dr. Jennifer Bashant for the past 5 years on a variety of projects. Jenn approaches her work with educators with practical suggestions that are straightforward and doable. This approach is very evident in this book as it provides a number of teacher worksheets that can be used immediately to assist with better understanding where students are at and what they need for growth and support. As a previous science teacher, I also appreciate the level of research based strategies and content that Jenn includes in her book. If you are looking for a book that will assist you in the classroom starting tomorrow, then this is the book for you! Highly recommend!

   Helpful? 0 0