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
When people are feeling upset or distressed, they are usually too emotional to process reasoned and logical arguments. Avoid asking questions and rationale for behaviours until students feel secure and regain control.
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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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
