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Establish predictable routines
Children need to experience their world as trustworthy, predictable, nurturing, and reliable.
Basket of river stones with children's names written on them

Morning ritual

Establish a morning ritual in which children check in when they arrive. Provide a way for them to indicate their emotional states.

Visual cues

Post schedules and use scripted stories (short, simple stories to introduce problem-solving) to remind children of expectations and foster growing independence.

Children who experience trauma are fearful. They feel unsettled and upset. They have lost the ability to predict what happens next.

Donna Wittmer, PhD & Deanna Clauson From Biting to Hugging: Understanding Social Development in Infants and Toddlers

Flexible instructional strategies

Engaging content allows for flexible classroom management: whole group, centers, or individual practice.