Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools: A Heart-Centered Movement for Wiring Well-Being

by Maggie Kline

Stop trauma in its tracks, address disruptive behaviors, and create a safe and nurturing school environment with a neuroscience-based approach in your classroom.

More than 32 million children in the US suffer from trauma symptoms. Some have had adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), like neglect, abuse, violence, and loss, or have experienced distress from medical trauma and social injustice. Toxic traumatic stress shapes the structure and function of both brain and body, which can lead to anxiety, hyperactivity, aggression, shutting down, and acting out--emotions and behaviors that hinder learning and create classroom chaos.

Maggie Kline, a family therapist, trauma specialist, school psychologist, and former teacher, gives you whole-brain, heart-centered tools to identify and reverse trauma-driven behaviors so students feel supported and safe. Her unique roadmap will empower you to facilitate positive school-wide outcomes as you

448 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2020

Reviews

[Alexandra Guzman]

Maggie Kline’s Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools, is a rallying cry for a trauma-informed education. An indispensable resource for educators and students, Kline’s seminal guide addresses the physiological and emotional needs of traumatized children while offering an arsenal of simple embodied-awareness practices that model and teach self regulation, self-perception, empathy, compassion, and inclusion. Her method, backed by neuroscience and ancient traditions, reduces symptoms of overwhelm, such as impulsiveness, mind-racing, fear, breathlessness, chest pain, freeze, acting out, and shut down with an easily accessible and actionable resilience roadmap. Maggie’s passion and heart-centered devotion to the reduction and prevention of pain caused by childhood trauma for humankind is beautifully illustrated and is inspiring a unique, refreshing movement to reverse and prevent the social consequences of mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. —Alexandra Guzman, LMFT, SEP

[Elena B.]

Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools is a meaningful book that encouraged me to think differently about the connection between emotional well being and learning. I found the discussion of nervous system resilience particularly interesting because it helped me understand why children affected by stress may respond differently in educational environments. Rather than simply focusing on correcting behavior, the book encourages adults to consider the experiences and needs behind that behavior. I appreciated this compassionate perspective and the practical direction throughout the book. Reading it through Basgiath Bookclub made the experience even more engaging. Kirsses gave readers an opportunity to discuss the themes together and hear different interpretations, which helped me notice ideas I might otherwise have overlooked. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, counselors, and caregivers who want to better understand trauma informed approaches and support children's resilience.

[Troy Felix]

Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools gave me a deeper understanding of how trauma can influence children's behavior, learning, and relationships. I especially appreciated the compassionate approach to understanding what may be happening beneath a child's behavior rather than simply reacting to what we see. The discussion of nervous-system resilience and emotional safety was particularly meaningful to me because it highlighted how important the environment around a child can be. I also enjoyed reading this book through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses created an opportunity for readers to discuss the ideas and hear different perspectives instead of simply reading the book alone. The conversations helped me reflect more deeply on the material and its practical implications. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in creating more supportive environments for children.

[Koko Derok]

What stood out to me most about Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools was its emphasis on compassion and understanding. The book helped me see how stress and trauma can affect a child's ability to learn, communicate, and respond to the people around them. I particularly appreciated the focus on emotional safety and resilience because these are often overlooked when conversations about education become centered only on academic achievement. Several ideas made me stop and reconsider how adults respond to children who are struggling. Reading the book as part of Basgiath Bookclub made the experience even more valuable because the discussions allowed me to hear perspectives I wouldn't have encountered on my own. I appreciate Kirsses for bringing this book to the group and creating space for thoughtful conversation. This is an important book for educators, parents, and anyone working with children.

[Merlin Leave]

I found Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools both informative and thought-provoking. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of looking beyond a child's behavior and considering what might be happening emotionally or neurologically. The book presents trauma-informed education from a compassionate perspective and encourages adults to create environments where children can feel safe enough to learn and develop. I appreciated the emphasis on resilience because it presents children as capable of growth rather than defined by difficult experiences. Being part of the Basgiath Bookclub reading experience added another dimension to the book. Kirsses encouraged readers to discuss the material and share their interpretations, which helped me think more deeply about several of the ideas. I would recommend this book to educators, counselors, parents, and anyone interested in children's emotional well-being and trauma-informed approaches.

[Aylin Stokes]

This book changed the way I think about children's behavior and the role adults play in supporting them. Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools explains why understanding trauma and nervous-system responses can be so important when working with children who have experienced stress or adversity. I particularly appreciated the heart-centered approach and the reminder that children often need connection and emotional safety before they can fully engage with learning. The ideas were thought-provoking without losing sight of the real challenges educators and caregivers face. I also enjoyed discussing the book through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses created a welcoming environment where readers could share different reactions and perspectives, which made the reading experience more meaningful. I came away with several ideas I will continue reflecting on, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in creating healthier and more supportive environments for children.

[Tina Rody]

What stood out to me most about Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools was its emphasis on compassion and understanding. The book helped me see how stress and trauma can affect a child's ability to learn, communicate, and respond to the people around them. I particularly appreciated the focus on emotional safety and resilience because these are often overlooked when conversations about education become centered only on academic achievement. Several ideas made me stop and reconsider how adults respond to children who are struggling. Reading the book as part of Basgiath Bookclub made the experience even more valuable because the discussions allowed me to hear perspectives I wouldn't have encountered on my own. I appreciate Kirsses for bringing this book to the group and creating space for thoughtful conversation. This is an important book for educators, parents, and anyone working with children.

[Podah Okie]

I found Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools both informative and thought-provoking. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of looking beyond a child's behavior and considering what might be happening emotionally or neurologically. The book presents trauma-informed education from a compassionate perspective and encourages adults to create environments where children can feel safe enough to learn and develop. I appreciated the emphasis on resilience because it presents children as capable of growth rather than defined by difficult experiences. Being part of the Basgiath Bookclub reading experience added another dimension to the book. Kirsses encouraged readers to discuss the material and share their interpretations, which helped me think more deeply about several of the ideas. I would recommend this book to educators, counselors, parents, and anyone interested in children's emotional well-being and trauma-informed approaches.

[Brooks V.]

This book changed the way I think about children's behavior and the role adults play in supporting them. Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools explains why understanding trauma and nervous system responses can be so important when working with children who have experienced stress or adversity. I particularly appreciated the heart centered approach and the reminder that children often need connection and emotional safety before they can fully engage with learning. The ideas were thought provoking without losing sight of the real challenges educators and caregivers face. I also enjoyed discussing the book through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses created a welcoming environment where readers could share different reactions and perspectives, which made the reading experience more meaningful. I came away with several ideas I will continue reflecting on, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in creating healthier and more supportive environments for children.

[Jennifer A.]

One of the things I appreciated most about Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools was the way it connects trauma, the nervous system, and everyday experiences in education. The book encouraged me to consider how a child's emotional state can influence learning, relationships, and behavior. I found the emphasis on resilience especially valuable because it focuses on creating conditions where children can feel supported and develop rather than simply defining them by their past experiences. The book also gave me plenty to reflect on after finishing each section. I enjoyed being introduced to it through Basgiath Bookclub because the group discussions allowed me to hear how other readers interpreted the material. I appreciate Kirsses for creating that opportunity for thoughtful conversation. This is a valuable read for educators and anyone interested in helping children affected by trauma feel safer, understood, and supported.

[Albert K.]

Reading Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools made me think more carefully about what children need from the adults around them. The book highlights the importance of emotional safety, resilience, and understanding the effects of trauma on the nervous system. I found myself reconsidering how quickly adults can sometimes judge difficult behavior without considering what a child may be experiencing underneath the surface. That was one of the most valuable lessons I took from the book. I also appreciated the opportunity to read and discuss it through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses created a space where readers could exchange ideas and connect the book's themes to real world situations. The discussions helped me engage with the material more deeply. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to approach children with greater understanding and compassion.

[Mildred P.]

There are books that provide information, and then there are books that make you reconsider your assumptions. Brain-Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools did both for me. I appreciated the way it explores trauma, resilience, nervous-system responses, and the importance of creating supportive environments for children. Several sections made me think about how adults interpret behavior and how a more compassionate response might change the experience for a child. I also found the focus on resilience encouraging because it emphasizes the possibility of growth and healing. Reading the book with Basgiath Bookclub made it even more worthwhile. Kirsses encouraged readers to engage with the ideas and share different perspectives, which gave me opportunities to think about the material in new ways. This is a thoughtful book for anyone interested in trauma-informed education, children's mental health, and creating environments where children can feel understood and supported.

[Lucy W.]

I found Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools especially relevant because it addresses questions surrounding children's emotional well being and the effects of trauma on learning. What I appreciated most was the encouragement to look beneath surface behavior and consider the experiences that may be influencing a child's responses. The emphasis on compassion, connection, and resilience gave me a different way of thinking about support and intervention. I also enjoyed the reading experience through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses introduced the book to our group and created opportunities for readers to discuss the material rather than simply reading it independently. Hearing other perspectives helped me appreciate different aspects of the book and raised questions I hadn't considered initially. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, counselors, and anyone interested in trauma informed approaches and the emotional development of children.

[Howard A.]

What I will remember most about Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools is its message about creating environments where children can feel safe, connected, and supported. The book explores trauma, resilience, nervous system responses, and the important role adults can play in helping children navigate difficult experiences. I appreciated the reminder that children should not be defined solely by what they have experienced and that supportive relationships can contribute to their ability to grow. Reading this book through Basgiath Bookclub made the experience more meaningful because I was able to discuss the ideas with other readers. I appreciate Kirsses for bringing the book to our community and facilitating those conversations. The discussions helped me reflect on the material from different perspectives. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in children's well being and trauma informed education.

[Rudolph K.]

Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools gave me a deeper understanding of how trauma can influence children's behavior, learning, and relationships. I especially appreciated the compassionate approach to understanding what may be happening beneath a child's behavior rather than simply reacting to what we see. The discussion of nervous-system resilience and emotional safety was particularly meaningful to me because it highlighted how important the environment around a child can be. I also enjoyed reading this book through Basgiath Bookclub. Kirsses created an opportunity for readers to discuss the ideas and hear different perspectives instead of simply reading the book alone. The conversations helped me reflect more deeply on the material and its practical implications. I would recommend this book to educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in creating more supportive environments for children.

[Heather K.]

What stood out to me most about Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma-Proof Our Schools was its emphasis on compassion and understanding. The book helped me see how stress and trauma can affect a child's ability to learn, communicate, and respond to the people around them. I particularly appreciated the focus on emotional safety and resilience because these are often overlooked when conversations about education become centered only on academic achievement. Several ideas made me stop and reconsider how adults respond to children who are struggling. Reading the book as part of Basgiath Bookclub made the experience even more valuable because the discussions allowed me to hear perspectives I wouldn't have encountered on my own. I appreciate Kirsses for bringing this book to the group and creating space for thoughtful conversation. This is an important book for educators, parents, and anyone working with children.

[Joey D.]

I found Brain Changing Strategies to Trauma Proof Our Schools both informative and thought provoking. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of looking beyond a child's behavior and considering what might be happening emotionally or neurologically. The book presents trauma informed education from a compassionate perspective and encourages adults to create environments where children can feel safe enough to learn and develop. I appreciated the emphasis on resilience because it presents children as capable of growth rather than defined by difficult experiences. Being part of the Basgiath Bookclub reading experience added another dimension to the book. Kirsses encouraged readers to discuss the material and share their interpretations, which helped me think more deeply about several of the ideas. I would recommend this book to educators, counselors, parents, and anyone interested in children's emotional well being and trauma-informed approaches.

[Denia]

This is an absolutely wonderful guide for all teachers and educators alike. The book is an easy read, but still filled with a bunch of extremely useful resources. Kline does a great job pinpointing and giving detailed examples for preventative childhood trauma strategies that teachers can implement in the classroom. I think this book extremely important because no one has explored this topic in depth and listed reliable resources the same way that Ms. Kline has. Great read, tell a friend!

Also check out her other two books regarding the same topics, they’re also amazing!

[Niels]

I had the privilege to meet Maggie Kline during a 4-day training of her last summer in Belgium (online). I'm still learning a lot of her. Very playful:)