Creating a Regulating Classroom Environment: A Guide for Trauma-Sensitive Educators

The physical environment of a classroom has a powerful impact on learning and well-being—especially for students who have experienced trauma. Part of an essential new series of laminated quick guides for educators, this is your concise, practical introduction to creating a safe and supportive physical environment using a trauma-informed lens.

Authors Jen Alexander and Anna Paravano, experienced educators, and experts on trauma-sensitive schools, guide you through this critical topic in a friendly, warm, and personal style. Together, they’ll show you how to create a physical classroom environment that strengthens felt safety and security for everyone, decreases behavior problems, diminishes the load on the body’s stress response systems, and focuses attention—improving readiness for both teaching and learning. You’ll learn how to develop a trauma-sensitive environment by:

• Setting up classroom spaces that are inviting, predictable yet flexible, and encourage choice and developmentally appropriate agency
• Establishing safe places that each student (and staff member) can call their own
• Using color as a tool to foster regulation and readiness for learning
• Defining focal points that engage students without overwhelming them
• Incorporating touchstones that help everyone feel anchored and be connected

PRACTICAL DOWNLOADS INCLUDED! 8 downloads expand on the tips in this quick guide and help you take action. With these interactive printables, you’ll answer guided questions about setup in your school space, outline a solid plan for improving your learning environment, record specific ideas about your furniture and lighting, and more!

About the Series: Quick Guides for Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools

Practical, friendly, and immediately useful, this series of laminated quick guides addresses the essentials of building trauma-sensitive schools—safety, connection, regulation, and learning. Jen Alexander has collaborated with experts around the globe to bring educators tips, strategies, and activities they can apply right away in their classroom and school. Each guide in the series also includes downloadable lesson plans and exercises that educators can use to take action. Equally useful for experienced trauma-sensitive educators or those just getting started, these quick guides will help school staff create environments that support every person’s well-being and learning.

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Jen Alexander believes we can make a positive difference in the lives of students, one relationship at a time. That's why she's a passionate leader in the movement to build trauma-sensitive schools. Known by children and adults alike as "Ms. Jen," she loves helping kids—and giving others the tools and strategies they need to help kids, too.

As a former special education teacher and current school counselor in Iowa, Ms. Jen has more than 15 years of experience providing support to young people and the educators who serve them. As a popular teacher trainer, trauma expert, and author, Ms. Jen shows fellow educators what works and why when it comes to building trauma-sensitive schools. With a unique ability to connect with students, educators, other helpers, and parents, Jen is devoted to facilitating school-wide trauma-sensitive transformation through effective professional development paired with school consultation. Within minutes of working with her, educators know they are learning from someone who understands the real struggles of every day teaching and learning—and believe that change benefiting educators, students, and entire school communities is possible.

Ms. Jen holds degrees in psychology and special education teaching as well as a master's degree in professional school counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is also a nationally certified counselor and registered school-based play therapist.