First build relationships your students and work to prevent situations where he/she could escalate.  When students trust that their teacher cares about them, they will be more likely to want to work with their teacher to solve a problem.

If behaviors disrupt the learning of others and cannot be solved by the classroom teacher’s attempts, additional adults outside of the classroom may offer assistance. 


RESPONSE 1:  Verbal or visual reminder of expectation or redirection

RESPONSE 2: In Classroom “Take a Break” – This must be proactively taught on the first day of school and throughout the year.

• THIS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT! This is an opportunity for the student to practice pre-taught coping strategies in order to regulate their brain so that they are prepared to return to learning.
• Your tone of voice will tell the scholar whether this is a punishment or opportunity.  Let it be an opportunity.
• Have a tool kit in the Take a Break space with fidgets, books, and visuals to guide scholars through independent self regulation. 
• Quickly, neutrally, calmly and directly tell the scholar to “take a break”
• The first break is student directed in which they can return to the group when they feel they are ready.
• The second break is teacher directed – the scholar stays in the break area until the teacher goes over and respectfully processes what happened and what the student’s plan is and then invites them back

RESPONSE 3:  Buddy Room - Must be proactively taught

• Have previously established partnerships with other teachers in your geographic area that can act as buddy rooms.
• Send a scholar to the Buddy Room with the Buddy Room pass.
• Expected time to spend in Buddy Room (no longer than 10-15 minutes)
• This is another opportunity for the scholar to regulate, take a break, and make a plan
• Buddy Room teacher or Para
• Checks in with scholar before they go back to class.
• If scholar refuses to go to Buddy Room, the classroom teacher can call home or utilize para support to walk them there.

RESPONSE 4:  Further Support Options

• Contact Scholar Engagement Support
• Find time to conference with scholar
• Call parent or guardian for support
• Call another para