All learners can benefit from trauma-sensitive movements: gentle movements that tap into the benefits of yoga but use a trauma-sensitive approach by emphasizing personal safety and choice. Part of an essential series of laminated quick guides for preK–12 educators, this is your concise, practical introduction to using trauma-sensitive movements to improve your students’ regulation, boost connection, and help everyone get ready for teaching and learning.
In a friendly, warm, and personal style, Jen Alexander and Traci Ludwig introduce this important topic and walk you through their unique “Take Five” approach to incorporating trauma-sensitive movements into any school day. Inside this quick guide, you’ll:
- Learn more about the benefits and goals of trauma-sensitive movements
- Review the five key elements of trauma-sensitive movements
- Discover the Take Five Movements, a simple, highly effective approach to getting started with trauma-sensitive movements
- Find step-by-step guidance and scripts for using the Take Five Movements in any classroom, in just minutes a day
- Learn the dos and don’ts of trauma-sensitive movements
PRACTICAL DOWNLOADS INCLUDED! Six interactive downloads—including printable posters for the classroom, an FAQ, and a Get Regulated lesson plan—expand on the tips in this quick guide and help you apply them with your students.
About the Series: Quick Guides for Building Trauma-Sensitive Schools
Practical, friendly, and immediately useful, this series of laminated quick guides addresses the essentials of building trauma-sensitive schools—safety, connection, regulation, and learning. Jen Alexander has collaborated with experts around the globe to bring educators tips, strategies, and activities they can apply right away in their classroom and school. Each guide in the series also includes downloadable lesson plans and exercises that educators can use to take action. Equally useful for experienced trauma-sensitive educators or those just getting started, these quick guides will help school staff create environments that support every person’s well-being and learning.
Jen Alexander believes we can make a positive difference in the lives of students, one relationship at a time. That's why she's a passionate leader in the movement to build trauma-sensitive schools. Known by children and adults alike as "Ms. Jen," she loves helping kids—and giving others the tools and strategies they need to help kids, too.
As a former special education teacher and current school counselor in Iowa, Ms. Jen has more than 15 years of experience providing support to young people and the educators who serve them. As a popular teacher trainer, trauma expert, and author, Ms. Jen shows fellow educators what works and why when it comes to building trauma-sensitive schools. With a unique ability to connect with students, educators, other helpers, and parents, Jen is devoted to facilitating school-wide trauma-sensitive transformation through effective professional development paired with school consultation. Within minutes of working with her, educators know they are learning from someone who understands the real struggles of every day teaching and learning—and believe that change benefiting educators, students, and entire school communities is possible.
Ms. Jen holds degrees in psychology and special education teaching as well as a master's degree in professional school counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is also a nationally certified counselor and registered school-based play therapist.
Traci Ludwig, LISW, ACSW, RYT-200, is a licensed clinical social worker and practicing therapist in Cedar Falls, IA. She specializes in treating stress and trauma-related responses using evidenced-based body interventions to include yoga and breathwork. She has been clinically incorporating her practices both individually and with groups for the past ten years. She is the founder of Trauma-Responsive Yoga and has trained countless mental health professionals. She led a research pilot study investigating yoga’s effect on women’s mental health and post-trauma symptoms. Her work and dedication have been featured on Iowa National Public Radio. She has been passionate about offering her practice to schools and community non-profit agencies enabling access for all.
