Te Whare Whakaruruhau is about creating safe, connected relational spaces within our kura. This means having an understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals, particularly our mokopuna. As RTLB, it is crucial to understand how trauma affects ākonga and how we can best support educators to create safe, connected, relational spaces for all.​​​​​

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Te Whare Whakaruruhau is embedded in neuroscience and acknowledges the impact of trauma on how the brain functions. It is a critical approach for professionals in education, whānau and other social services.  We aim to provide relevant resourcing, insights and strategies for incorporating trauma-informed practice into your mahi.  This will help promote healing, resilience, and growth for those impacted by trauma.

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Tātou katoa he taonga tuku iho

We are all treasures handed down from our ancestors

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This whakataukī speaks to the importance of connection, relationships, and resilience. It translates to "We are all treasures handed down from our ancestors" and emphasises the inherent value and strength of every individual and their interconnectedness with others. It highlights the idea that our strengths and resilience are not solely individual traits but are shaped and nurtured by the relationships we have with others, including our ancestors, whānau (family), and wider community. By recognising and valuing the contributions of all individuals and the connections between them, we can create a strong foundation for resilience and wellbeing. In this way, our relationships and connections become a source of strength and support in times of difficulty, enabling us to navigate challenges with greater ease and grace.

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About Trauma-Informed Practice

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Trauma has a significant impact on a child’s brain and nervous system which affects  learning and development. Students who have experienced trauma can struggle with feeling safe which can lead them to being in a continual state of fight, flight, freeze or fawn. These stress responses often appear as challenging behaviours such as aggression, defiance, absconding, disassociation or extreme people pleasing.  As RTLB, it is crucial to understand how trauma affects ākonga and how we can best support them.

 

Trauma-Informed Practice is an approach that recognises the impact of trauma and seeks to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. This approach emphasises the importance of building strong relationships with ākonga, creating a sense of safety and predictability, and prioritising emotional regulation and self-care.

 

There are several ways kaiako can incorporate trauma-informed practice into their work. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Understand and apply the neuroscience of trauma:

  •  Regulate, Relate, Reason.

• Build positive relationships with students: 

  • Take the time to get to know students and their interests. Show empathy, respect, and kindness in all interactions with them.

• Acknowledge your own state of emotional regulation and how that can impact on your ākonga: 

  • A dysregulated adult can not regulate a dysregulated child.

• Prioritise the teaching of emotional regulation and self-care: “The bottom line: before we teach children about self-regulation, they need to experience co-regulation with us. All of us—parents, educators, and providers should build emotional co-regulation into children’s lives with compassion and understanding. It is the foundation that underlies a child’s ability to self-regulate, and provides lifelong benefits for their mental and physical health.” - Dr Mona Delahooke 

• Create an environment that provides emotional and sensory safety for all

• Create a predictable and safe environment: Establish consistent routines and procedures in the classroom, ensuring they are neuro-affirming and culturally responsive.

• Use trauma-sensitive language: Avoid using language that may trigger trauma or shame in students. Instead, use language that promotes safety, connection, and growth.

 

Incorporating trauma-informed practice can have a profound impact on students' well-being and academic success. By creating a safe and supportive learning environment, students heal from past trauma and thrive in their education.

 

Thank you for all that you do for ākonga. Let's continue to work together to create a positive and empowering learning environment.