The Language of Trauma and Loss
Using the context of language arts standards, THE LANGUAGE OF TRAUMA AND LOSS strives to help teachers understand the importance of providing a safe environment, both physically and emotionally, for students. It provides teachers with information about the effect of trauma and loss on children. It also gives teachers and students a better understanding about why some behaviors occur. While teachers are not expected to be counselors, it is hoped that this program will help them identify children whose behavior shows that they may need professional help.
The first video offers professional development information for teachers. The other three videos are age-specific for elementary, middle school and high school students, and are to be used as a vehicle to help students express their concerns.
Educational Resources
Produced: 2005
Subject Area: Language Arts
Grade Level: 1-12
Video One is a professional development video that explains the effect of trauma and loss on brain development and the role of the teacher in developing a “safe” classroom. Dr. Bruce D. Perry, provincial medical director in Children's Mental Health for the Alberta Mental Health Board, speaks about how teachers can use this video and other information about the topic.
Video Two contains the story Bridgett Bunny’s Ordinary Day That Wasn’t and is directed at elementary school students. The story involves an unidentified sad and scary thing that happens to Bridgett. Dr. Perry then speaks about how teachers can use this video and other information about the topic.
Video Three features Erica, who has had a startling behavior change and reveals a sad experience. The students look at the language arts of the story and then Dr. Perry talks to middle school students about trauma and loss.
In Video Four, Erica has been sent to the office for being belligerent. This leads to a discussion of why these behaviors occur. Dr. Perry then speaks about how teachers can use this video and other information about the topic.
