SPEAKER NOTES RESOURCES NEEDED Internet Access If you plan to show the two videos (which are available on-line); or you may choose to download the videos ahead of time. Playfoam A children’s toy, available in some toy stores and on-line, if you want to demonstrate the plasticity of the brain. Post-Its (we recommend 2 inches by 2 inches or larger) Important for the closing exercise called “What’s My Connection?” Also, while not essential, it would be useful to have a larger sheet of paper, poster board, or some designated surface for participants to post their ideas.

SPEAKER NOTES Click on the hyperlink to play a two-minute video that talks about how our brains are built and how stress can impact that building process. This two-minute video is part of a series of videos that you can find at this website. http://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/keyconcepts/brain-architecture

SPEAKER NOTES What is experienced as trauma is personal. What might be overwhelming or threatening to one person may not be experienced that way by another person. Our experiences are influenced by things that have happened to us in the past, the current circumstances of our life and the support systems that we have. Supportive relationships and a thriving community can reduce the impact and even prevent a threatening circumstance from being experienced as trauma. We are learning more each day about the potential long-term effects of trauma when we don’t have supportive relationships and a strong community to protect us. Research has shown that trauma can be passed on to the next generation unintentionally. The important thing to remember is that all of this can be prevented. We know more than ever before about how to help people and communities heal from trauma.