Calm Down Strategy

For today's blog we wanted to share a strategy that can be used to teach a student techniques to calm down. See the "Calm Down Strategies" cards Option 1 & Option 2. These are just a starting point, you may choose to make your own calm down strategies to suit you and your environment. If you would like to keep track of the student's progress and reinforce appropriate behavior, please click here to view a sample chart.

Calm Down Directions

• This is a pre-taught skill.  The steps need to be taught, modeled, and practiced prior to the moment of anger. 
• A pre-determined quiet area should be selected within the classroom.   
• Teacher gives a “calm down card” to cue the student to take a break.
• The student should move to the area and go through the practiced calming techniques.
• The teacher will continue with the classroom instructions or other activities. 
• The student should be invited to rejoin the class after demonstrating controlled behavior.
• The incident should be reviewed between teacher and student at a later time. 
• The goal would be for the student to recognize his/her need to take a break.  The teacher and student could agree on a silent signal to indicate the need.