Use de-escalation strategies
Plan and rehearse a range of de-escalation strategies.
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Consider safety first
Consider safety first
- Remove the audience – ask other students to take their work and move away.
- Give the student physical space.
- Name the emotion in a calm even voice, “You look really angry”, “I can see that you are very frustrated”…
- Wait.
Communicate calmly and simply
Communicate calmly and simply
- Slow down
- Be aware of your breathing, tone, pitch and speed of speech.
- Maintain a low, calm tone of voice.
- Communicate using appropriate words or visuals that are minimal, clear and explicit.
- Use supportive phrases – "I’m here to help. When you are ready, we can..."
- Actively listen – nod and repeat key phrases to show you hear what they are saying.
- Use visuals and gestures to communicate, such as an OK sign.
- Validate their emotions – "I can see you're feeling really frustrated."
Use high probability instructions
Use high probability instructions
Examples:
- Let’s go for a walk around the playground.
- Will you go and get the swimming key for me?
Source: Positive Behaviour for Learning (opens in a new tab/window)
Explore simple calming and de-escalation strategies
Explore simple calming and de-escalation strategies
Be mindful of body language
Be mindful of body language
For example:
- Maintain a calm presence and provide reassurance.
- Allow extra physical space between you.
- Approach or position from the side, rather than front on. This is less confronting.
- Keep an appropriate distance. Close enough to let ākonga know you’re there, but making sure they don’t feel trapped.
- Use appropriate eye contact. Direct eye contact can be challenging and intimidating.
Make time and space
Make time and space
For example:
- Give ākonga extra time and space to settle.
- Some students are likely to need extra time to recover from distress.
- Extend time in alternative spaces and doing alternative activities.
- Reduce demands for extended periods.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Respond in challenging situations”:
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Current page Use de-escalation strategies
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Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Commit to whole-school approachesShow suggestions for Commit to whole-school approaches
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Foster relationships and partnershipsShow suggestions for Foster relationships and partnerships
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Design learning for allShow suggestions for Design learning for all
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Foster wellbeing and mental healthShow suggestions for Foster wellbeing and mental health
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Embed social and emotional learningShow suggestions for Embed social and emotional learning
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Be proactiveShow suggestions for Be proactive
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Respond in challenging situationsShow suggestions for Respond in challenging situations
- Recognise
- Respond
- Use de-escalation strategies
- Respond safely to physical aggression
- Restore
