As a special education teacher, having a bag of tricks for de-escalation strategies is a necessity. Knowing how to diffuse a situation and get students back on track or to a safe setting is key.
While restraint-based strategies may need to be used in some cases, there are many others where non-restraint-based de-escalation strategies are ideal. But what are those strategies?
Here are some teacher-tested non-restraint-based, de-escalation strategies that are worth adding to your teaching toolkit.
Non-Restraint Based Strategies
Non-restraint-based strategies are highly effective in most scenarios. While more serious situations can lead to a need for restraint, the majority of situations can be diffused with other tactics. The ones below work well.
Collaborative Problem Solving
While being trained in the collaborative problem-solving method is ideal, even those teachers who are not can implement it. It begins by defining the problem. After the problem is defined, it’s time to analyze it. Next, together you determine what to do about the problem. Implementing the plan with fidelity comes next. Finally, progress is evaluated and the next course of action is determined together.
- Teaching replacement behaviors – constructive actions that fulfill the same need as the challenging behavior – is a key strategy for promoting lasting positive change.ย
Deep Breathing
Before things get out of control, a period of deep breathing is worth trying. A sound, like the ringing of a bell or chimes, can indicate that it’s time to pause what’s happening in the classroom and take time to breathe.
Sensory Strategies
Keeping weighted blankets, sensory toys, and other sensory materials around can help students de-escalate quickly.
Choices and Waiting
Giving a student choices and then waiting for them to make a choice is an underrated but highly effective strategy. Wait time can make a big difference for all students, but especially for those with processing disorders who need a bit more time.
Distraction
Distracting a student to get them out of a moment of possible escalation is also a tried-and-true method. Redirecting with a change of conversation, especially to something the student is interested in, can be an easy way to alter the course of the situation and de-escalate things.
Chill Out Space
Create a chill-out or zen space in your classroom to give students a place that they can retreat to when they need to regroup and collect themselves. There are, of course, times when even this space will not be enough, but having it available and accessible may give students a chance to head there before their behavior escalates.
Develop Relationships
One of the most important things you can do to de-escalate any situation is to rely on the relationships that you have built with your students. This process starts from the very first day of school (or earlier if you send out welcome postcards or cards) and is something that needs to be worked on daily.
By establishing a positive, collaboration relationship early in the school year, you have the ability to call upon those bonds later in the year if things start to deteriorate in a situation.
De-escalating a situation can be challenging, but when you have multiple strategies in your teaching bag of tricks it can be a little bit easier. Try out different methods and establish those relationships and dialogues with your students quickly.
Your attitude and your response to their behavior, along with student self advocacy, can play a major role in how the situation escalates – or not.
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