The child's ability to concentrate and learn can be increased by incorporating classroom activities stressing relaxation, group support and problem solving skills. We have found that teachers can quickly learn to use basic stress management techniques with children. Relaxation exercises can be practiced in brief segments throughout the school day to teach children self-calming. Besides muscle relaxation they use mental images of a safe place, positive self talk and social support systems. These small group projects are designed to improve socialization skills and to draw out withdrawn students.
Teachers also absorb helpful techniques that can be integrated into normal classroom activities.
Children in art classes can illustrate their feelings as shown in the pictures accompanying this commentary. The use of colors and paints is a simple, inexpensive way for children to explore troubling memories. Physical education classes can combine expressive movement with games and exercise and give hyperactive children a place to work off excess tension. Role playing can become part of reading or drama class and allow anger or other problem behavior to be modified or redirected. In addition a number of our team members are experts in the use of play therapy with traumatized children, an activity that teachers are especially interested in using.