Trauma informed practices

 Positive Language is an extremely powerful tool when dealing with undesired behaviors. Often times, negative behaviors are attention seeking and we unintentionally reinforce these behaviors by giving it attention. A effective tool to avoid this is Positive Language. Avoiding negative words like "No", or "Don't" helps avoid triggers, instead rephrase the request in a form of a question to put ownership of the action of the child, and allow them the opportunity to choose to do the right thing. For example, your child is yelling at the movies, instead of telling them "Don't scream", you can whisper to them, "remind me, how should we ralk at the movies?" This allows the child to choose the more desired behaviors, in which we can use praise and celebrate them when they do good.

In the world of education, it is important to have interventions and supports available to help students with social, emotional, behavioral intelligence as well as support them academically. We need to teach students how to properly advocate for their needs, because "when teachers advocate for all students, including those who others in education have traditionally ignored or dismissed, they are teaching for social justice." (Jill Bradley-Levine, 2018, page 52) Teaching and supporting students builds the foundation needed to make systemic changes to the inequitable education system, as well as address and break the unintentional fallacy of making trauma a cynical experience within families. Having a multi-tiered system of support, along with positive behavioral interventions and supports allows for a holistic approach to  student success.  References  Jill Bradley-Levine (2018). International Journal of Teacher Leadership, Advocacy as a Practice of Critical Teacher Leader...