Through The Eyes of Trauma

Homework or Hardship?
EPISODE 3 • SEASON 5 00:31:18
Homework is supposed to reinforce learning, but for many students, it creates stress, shame, and even retraumatization. In this episode of Through the Eyes of Trauma, Dr. Salena Smith explores whether homework truly helps or hurts, why assignments like family trees or summer essays can be harmful, and how teachers can design trauma-informed alternatives.
You’ll also hear practical ways families can reinforce learning at home without traditional homework, from cooking and grocery store math to bedtime stories and board games. Because learning should build confidence, not hardship.
All audio, artwork, episode descriptions and notes are property of Dr. Salena Smith, for Through The Eyes of Trauma, and published with permission by ALIVE Podcast Network.