These strategies are designed to be used in situations during which a students behavior is escalating and it appears he/she is preparing

to leave the classroom. While included in drop-out prevention materials, these strategies have proven successful in any situation where behavior is spiraling out of control

De-Escalation Techniques Stop talking and breathe deeply before responding verbally to the student. ALWAYS AVOID sarcasm when dealing with students, especially one whose behavior is obviously escalating. Attempt to stay between the student and the doorway. If possible, sit down rather than standing over the student. Use a calm, business like voice that does not show emotion. Maintain a non-threatening stance - keep your hands down at your sides or in your pockets; dont stand over the student Do not attempt to touch the student or approach the students personal space student may move toward you, particularly if you are in front of the door, but make no move toward him/her Attempt to keep the rest of the class engaged on an in seat assignment. Periodically (as the situation permits), look around the room, verbally complimenting those who are working and re-directing those who are not engaged. LISTEN to the student. Do not attempt to rationalize with him/her. Calmly remind the student to keep a voice Level of 1 or 2, because the conversation is just between the two of you and the rest of the class is not involved. Utilize wait time to allow the student to express his/her feelings. This can sometimes slow the outburst down. Attempt to find something with which to agree in the students ramblings Yes, you have been working hard. It is a hard assignment. Mondays are hard sometimes. Sometimes what others do seems unfair. Attempt to re-direct the student physically by having the student: sit in another seat; lean against the wall instead of sitting down; return to a seat and put his/her head down for a few moments, etc.

 Attempt to re-direct the student by asking a question totally unrelated to the situation: Have you seen the movie .? What did you do over the weekend? NOTE - This will only work if you have developed a relationship with the student prior to the outburst. If you have not, it will appear forced and may cause the student to further escalate. Attempt to find a face saving way out of the situation for the student. Examples: Is there anything I can do to make this better right now? If I leave you alone for a short while, will that help you? Do not give commands, lectures, or solutions to the problem. The students brain is only responding to the emotional aspect, not to rational thought.

Sources
The De-escalation Techniques were adapted from the following sources: Gajewski, Nance; Hirn, Polly; and Mayo, Patty. Social Skill Strategies Books A and B. Thinking Publications, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. ISBN# 1-888222-28-X Jenson, William: Rhode, Ginger; and Reavis, H. Kenton. The Tough Kid Tool Box. Sopris West Educational Services, Longmont, CO. ISBN# 1-888222-28X Sprick, Randy; Garrison, Mickey; and Howard, Lisa. CHAMPs A Proactive and Positive Approach to Classroom Management. Sopris West Educational Services, Longmont, CO. ISBN# 1-57035-166-X Sprick, Randy and Howard, Lisa. The Teachers Encyclopedia of Behavior Management: 100 Problems/500 Plans. Pacific Northwest Publishing, Eugene, OR. ISBN# 1-59909-002-3