Beyond Behaviour Series Episode 4: Why Educators Need to Understand Trauma Informed Practice

Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children don’t feel safe, they cannot access the part of the brain required for learning. If you've ever wondered why some students seem constantly dysregulated, reactive, or withdrawn, this episode will give you the missing piece.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a child’s behaviour, emotions, and ability to learn.
• The difference between simple, complex, and developmental trauma and why it matters.
• How trauma keeps children stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states.
• Why traditional behaviour management strategies (like rewards and punishments) don’t work, particularly for children with trauma.
• How to create a safe, predictable classroom environment that supports regulation.
• Why your own emotional regulation is key to helping students feel safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Want to learn how to implement trauma-informed practices step by step? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle for practical strategies to support students holistically.

If you’re ready to focus on your own regulation and stress management, my Signature Online Program ‘The Emotionally Intelligent Educator’ will teach you how to stay grounded, balanced, and responsive in the classroom. Check it out here

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
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