Research shows that two-thirds of children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 16. As a result, our schools, camps, and other learning environments must be prepared to assist children affected by traumatic stress. Blueprint4 has provided various resources below which explore definitions of childhood trauma, how to design trauma-informed education, the basics of social emotional learning (SEL), and ways to implement restorative justice programs.

Learn about Childhood Trauma

What is childhood trauma?: This article on Understanding the Effects of Childhood Trauma explores what childhood trauma is and how it affects children throughout their lives.

Center for Traumatic Assessment and Services: Provided information on what childhood trauma is, signs of traumatic stress, and what trauma-focused therapy is to better inform parents and teachers.

Adverse Childhood Experiences – CDC: The CDC has listed quick facts and information about adverse childhood experiences, what they are, and how they can affect children.

Social-Emotional Learning

What is SEL?: Provides the definition of Social Emotional Learning as well as information on the fundamental research and frameworks of SEL.

Lessons from Camp: Free from school year demands, summer camps are a key avenue for social-emotional learning: Explains ways in which summer programs can help kids further develop their social/emotional skills.

13 Powerful SEL Activities:Ideas for activities to incorporate into curriculum that support the social and emotional development of children.

12 Simple Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids: A collection of mindfulness activities that can help students manage their emotions and stress.

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice: Resources for Schools: This article explores resources and case studies that demonstrate how to bring restorative justice into schools or classrooms.

The 5 R’s of Restorative Justice: This article details the 5 important pillars of Restorative Justice.

How to practice Restorative Justice in Education: Provides information on what restorative justice is and how to implement restorative justice practices in schools or other learning environments.

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