This Teacher Shares Trauma-Informed Strategies on TikTok. Here Are Her Top Insights

Building Strong Connections

When it comes to teaching, one thing really stands out: the power of positive relationships. Arensberg, an inspiring teacher on TikTok, puts her heart into building connections with her students. Research backs her up too. Studies show that kids thrive academically and socially when they can trust at least one adult. This trust can lead to better grades, improved attendance, a sense of belonging, and self-confidence. Imagine being that trusted adult for them!

Creating a Safe and Fun Space

Arensberg understands that kids show up to school with their own baggage. You never know if a child had a rough morning or faced something more serious before arriving in the classroom. That’s why she works hard to be their sunshine! Her classroom isn’t just a place for learning; it’s a safe haven where students can temporarily escape their worries.

She genuinely believes that if kids associate school with fun, they’ll look forward to attending. This sense of enjoyment isn’t just fluff; it actually boosts attendance. Students who feel valued and respected are more likely to perform well academically. They want to impress their favorite teacher. That intrinsic motivation makes all the difference!

Listen to the Voices of Experience

Even though Arensberg teaches 4th grade, she keeps in touch with her former students who are now seniors in high school. They provide invaluable feedback about their learning experiences. The biggest takeaway? Kids want to have fun! Traditional lectures often don’t cut it. They crave collaboration, debates, and real-world exploration. So, if you can get them moving beyond textbooks and lectures, they’ll engage much more deeply with the material.

Arensberg notes that kids can zone out fast during boring, monotonous lectures. By creating an energetic learning atmosphere, she keeps her students engaged. This approach resonates with adults too—who actually enjoys a boring routine?

Fostering Meaningful Relationships

So, how does she go about building these strong relationships? For starters, Arensberg emphasizes the importance of belonging. Everyone, including kids, needs to feel accepted and valued. Letting students express themselves goes a long way. By creating a supportive atmosphere, they learn to respect themselves and each other. This mutual understanding helps students realize they’re not alone in facing their struggles.

One great example of community building in her classroom happened when a student discovered that a classmate shared a similar family situation. That connection changed everything for them! They began to set goals together, creating a classroom community dedicated to helping everyone succeed.

Support: The Backbone of Engagement

Arensberg strongly believes in the power of community support. She appreciates her school’s administration for nurturing a safe environment. Working in a low-income area, her students face significant challenges. Through trauma-informed education practices, her administration empowers teachers to listen to students and address their basic needs.

As she says, no child can focus on learning if their basic needs aren’t met. If students come to school hungry or stressed, they just can’t engage with new material. This is where trauma-informed approaches shine, helping kids feel secure so their minds can open up to learning.

The Care Closet: Meeting Basic Needs

One incredible initiative in Arensberg’s school is the ‘Care Closet.’ Think of it as a mini-resource center. If a student needs something—whether it’s food, personal care items, or school uniforms—they’ll likely find it there. The most popular item? The dinner boxes! Kids can take these home every day to ensure they have enough to eat at night.

The Care Closet also stocks breakfast items for latecomers, hair care products, uniforms, toiletries, and other essentials. Just recently, one student was super relieved to run in and brush their teeth before class. That simple sense of dignity makes a massive difference in a child’s confidence throughout the day. Kids know they can arrive at school and find what they need, which helps them feel loved and valued.

Community Support and Generosity

And guess what? The Care Closet didn’t happen overnight. Thanks to countless donors from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it’s fully stocked! These strangers have come together to support kids they’ve never met. This generosity highlights the incredible power of community engagement.

Encouraging Self-Motivation

So, how do you inspire kids to self-motivate? Arensberg believes it starts at a young age. Kids need tools to learn self-motivation. She often uses checklists for her 4th graders to help them gain a sense of independence. Tasks don’t need to be done in a specific order; they can choose how to tackle them. This promotes a sense of ownership and accountability.

Creating visual aids helps students organize themselves. As they progress, they’ll remember how to create their own checklists and might even think, “Hey, I’m much better at writing things down!” Investing in these skills now means children will learn to self-regulate as they move into middle and high school.

Bridging Classrooms and Real-World Skills

Arensberg excels at linking learning to real-world applications. She connects data, like measuring perimeter, to relatable situations. For example, building a fence isn’t just math—it’s practical life knowledge! They also dive into literature through fun novel studies. The characters and stories become relevant as students discuss themes and motivations.

In one memorable lesson, kids even tasted a unique fruit while working on writing descriptions. Eating a satsuma while describing it through their senses? That’s engagement at its best! Blending classroom learning with real experiences keeps her students curious and connected.

Making Relationships a Priority

If educators want to boost engagement and motivation, they must prioritize relationships. Yes, I know it sounds cliché, but it’s totally true. Kids naturally gravitate toward teachers who show them support and love. Trauma impacts so many children, yet many don’t realize it. Understanding trauma-informed education allows teachers to empathize with their students and recognize their emotional backgrounds.

Ultimately, each child is more than just a grade. They’re unique individuals with different needs, feelings, and experiences. When we see them as individuals, we unlock their potential, supporting them in becoming their best selves.

Takeaway: Be That Teacher Who Cares

If there’s one major lesson from Arensberg’s approach, it’s this: be that teacher who cares! Build strong connections, create safe spaces, and listen to your students. Engage them in ways that are fun and meaningful. Ensure they feel valued because they really are! Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and loved in their learning journey.

When you prioritize building relationships, you create an environment where students can flourish. So, go ahead, sprinkle a little patience, a lot of love, and a plan for fun! Watch the magic unfold in your classroom.