Securely attached children tend to approach uncertainty with interest and curiosity. For maltreated children, however, uncertainty overwhelms, frightens, and freezes them in their track. Since the learning process is, by definition, about not knowing something, we should not be surprised that kids who cannot tolerate the distress of uncertainty will struggle in school.

-Wounded Children, Healing Homes

It’s that time of year again.  Back to school excitement is in the air.  It’s time to think about school supplies, clothes, teachers, and schedules.  Children from hard places have unique histories and needs which can make school extra challenging.  In order for parents to advocate well for their children within the educational system, it is important they are intentional in efforts to understand their child and the impacts of trauma, and that they learn to communicate and partner effectively with teachers.

Here are some of our top resources to help parents and teachers find success in the school journey.  

Books:

• The Connected Child by Purvis, Cross & Lyons Sunshine:  This is a tremendous resource for parents and teachers working with children from other countries and cultures, children from troubled backgrounds, or children with special behavioral or emotional needs.
• Wounded Children Healing Homes by Schooler, Keefer Smalley & Callahan: Families often enter into the adoptive experience with high expectations for their child and for themselves, but are broadsided by shattered assumptions. This book addresses the reality of those unmet expectations and offers validation and solutions for the challenges of parenting deeply traumatized and emotionally disturbed children.
• W.I.S.E. Up Powerbook: Resources created by the  Center for Adoption Support and Education (www.adoptionsupport.org) to empower foster and adopted children to understand and be able to answer (or not answer) questions about their story.  These resources are highly recommended for school age children.
• The Whole Brain Child by Tina Payne Bryson & Dan Seigel: This book offers a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. 

Resource Documents:

• Attachment Influences in the Classroom by Dr. Karyn Purvis (as modified by Casey Call):  This resource outlines different attachment styles and how they manifest in the classroom.
• Advocating in School – Sample Letter to Schools from the Institute of Child Development:  This is a sample advocacy letter parents can modify to send to school to educate school personnel and advocate for a child’s needs.

Websites:

• The Out-of-Sync Child provides articles and resources from Carol Kranowitz (author of The Out-of-Sync Child) relating to sensory processing disorder.
• TBRI Classrooms  offers resources to help educators create healing learning environments to meet the unique needs of vulnerable children in the classroom.
• One Big Happy Home has resources for churches, schools, and parents educating them on trauma and its impacts including blogs, podcasts and trainings. 

With intention and mindfulness the school experience can be a powerful tool to help children heal and grow. Take the time to understand the impact of trauma and to partner with teachers to create the best educational environment for children. It is well worth the effort.