Making It Better

The trusted source for over 20 years—activities to help children process and heal from stressful and traumatic events.

More than 75 empowering and healing classroom activities

Children living with uncertainty and insecurity often have difficulty focusing on learning. They might demonstrate disrespectful or defiant behaviors, act out, or act with aggression. As an educator, you may provide the only stability in their otherwise turbulent world.

Making It Better explains trauma-informed education, an approach that recognizes the impact of traumatic stress on children and its effect on the growing brain, and applies the latest neurological research to teaching methods, disciplinary policies, and interactions to support grieving children.

This book responds to the learning and behavioral needs of children who have experienced traumatic events or toxic stress—such as natural disasters, community violence, or abuse or neglect within the child’s familial relations—and includes a collection of activities and strategies to help children heal and feel empowered.

Distressed children need absolute emotional security and an opportunity to engage in healing activities. With your help, children can begin to build resiliency and find renewed hope for the future.

Barbara Oehlberg, MA, is an education and child trauma consultant who has presented for many organizations throughout the country. With a career that has spanned many levels, Barbara has spent more than 30 years making a positive impact on children’s lives.

Contents

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Early Child Education

Part 1: Childhood Changed: Understanding Trauma

Chapter 1: Attachment and the Growing Brain
Chapter 2: Early Traumatic Stress
Chapter 3: Implementing the Trauma-Informed Classroom
Chapter 4: Trauma-Informed Discipline
Chapter 5: The Unique Grieving Process for Each Child
Chapter 6: Helping Children Build Resiliency

Part 2: Classroom Activities for Empowerment

Chapter 7: Healing Play
Chapter 8: Healing Arts
Chapter 9: Healing Language Arts

Appendix A: Making Referrals
Appendix B: Resources
Appendix C: Index of Activities by Issue
References
About the Author