Crisis Intervention
A&E of Behaviour: Quick Strategies When Children Become Out of Control
Remember the thinking part of the brain switches off at this point, the only thing you can do is to try to get the student regulated by doing the following:
Change Your Pace
Less talking. Slow down, keep calm, and say “Breath, it’s ok” or “Breath, you’re safe”, whichever feels more natural to you
Change Your Space
Can you encourage the student to walk outside and have time in a quieter place? If not, can you open a window to get air circulating as this can be calming? Can you move back and get down to their level so you are displaying non-threatening body language to help your students’ alert response calm down?
Change Your Face
Do you look cross, worried, shocked? How can you make your expression look more neutral and non-shaming as children will sense it, just like we read other people’s body language. Having awareness of your own personal facial expressions will help a lot when connecting with students and helping them feel liked by you.