Calm

Play Background Music

Age: 0-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, present, attuned

What It Is:Play soft, classical/instrumental music in the background.

Why It Helps:This technique can help create a soothing environment.  The rhythms of music help bring brain functioning from hyperactive or disassociated states to “normal”, which promotes neurological development.

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Create a Cozy Corner

Age: 2-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, attuned

What It Is: Create a cozy area where children can go when stressed, angry, sad, or fearful. Make the area as warm and homelike as possible – soft blankets, soft chairs, beanbag chairs, cushions, stuffed animals, etc.

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Limit TV

Age: 0-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: calm, present, attuned

What It Is:If possible, don’t allow children to watch TV at all, but especially programming that exposes them to traumatic events (disaster, murder, accident, death, etc.).  If you do watch media on trauma or violence with children, actively engage them and talk about what’s happening while watching it and after the program is over.

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Dramatic Play

Age: 3-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, attuned

What It Is:Using props, have children pretend that the police come to help a girl who is lost (assign roles to the children), etc (other dramas might involve the hospital, social workers, firefighters – anything with which the child might have had negative experiences).

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Simon Says

Age: 2-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Present, predictable, calm

What It Is:Direct the children to do various large motor movements (Simon says: touch your toes, bend over, reach up high, jump up and down, shake your right hand, etc).

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Grounding Exercise

Age: 4-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, present

What It Is:

Lead the children through the following:

Sit comfortably and relaxed; breathe deeply

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Read Stories

Age: 0-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, predictable

What It Is:Read age appropriate, familiar books to and with children. Rhythmic books are especially good. See Appendix I for a list of suggested books.

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Playing Outside

Age: 6 mo-5

Applicable To: Groups or Individuals

CAPPD Concepts: Calm, present

What It Is:Let children run, jump, climb, scream and play outside. Toddlers, as well as older children, like to play ‘hide and seek.’  Let children be creative in their play.

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