Being able to respond to a child in the classroom can shift a potentially chaotic experience into one that is calm and regulated. Responsive techniques include “Time­In,” using non­verbal communication, using gentle and friendly touch, using indirect eye contact when direct eye contact is too stimulating, not demanding an explanation of a negative behavior in the moment, providing understanding, and working to regulate as the adult in the classroom.

4) Reduce stress at school.

In addition to the four tips listed above, there are several other very simple strategies that can help children who become easily overwhelmed at school. These strategies take just a small amount of extra time for teachers; it just takes understanding and staying mindful. The investment in implementing these strategies can be profound for the overall experience not only for the child, but for the entire class. Here they are listed below:

1. Assign a teacher who is calm, regulated, and who is willing to stay attuned to child’s needs.
2. Have the child sit next to the teacher or in the front of the classroom.
3. Remove distracting objects from the child’s desk.
4. Stay focused on the process when giving the child a directive, not the outcome. This requires staying relationship focused.
5. Keep the child close to an adult when transitioning from one activity to another.
6. Provide a “Safe Place” within the classroom such as a reading corner where the child can go when he feels overwhelmed.
7. Avoid singling the child out in front of peers; be mindful not to create an
   experience of rejection (a deep issue for children with trauma histories).
   
8. Allow the child to wear a locket or carry a picture (or another familiar reminder of his family) that he can use to ground himself when feeling scared or alone.
9. If recess time becomes too stimulating and overwhelming, it may be more beneficial for the child to have quiet time in the library or with the teacher in order to calm his nervous system.
10. If lunchtime is difficult, have the child eat next to an adult or in the classroom. The school cafeteria can be over stimulating and can also be a social challenge for many children (and adults for that matter!).
11. Have the teacher (or parent) breakdown assignments into smaller parts. Instead of an entire project due in one month, perhaps intermediate deadlines can be established to break the project into smaller parts. You wouldn’t eat an entire pizza in one bite! So, break it down into manageable slices.

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