CALM DOWN STRATEGIES IN THE CLASSROOM

How to help your students calm down in the classroom:

The most challenging issues in my classroom arise when children display negative behaviors.  These can range from screaming to becoming physically aggressive.  Children often need to be taught the tools on how to cope and calm themselves down.  This can be extremely challenging for our students, especially if they have other developmental delays.  It takes lots of exposure, modeling, repetition, and practice using coping techniques for children to generalize these skills when they are upset.  Some children will not be able to use these skills on their own for years, however we can help them by using different visuals and coping strategies.

Here  are the steps in my calm down kit to help students in the classroom with challenging behaviors:

1.  Use a feeling chart to help your student or child express how they are feeling.

2.  Take a break in a quiet area- use visuals to help your student understand when it is time to take a break and where they go.  Have a designated spot in the classroom or in your home.

3.Model taking 5 deep breaths using the visuals with your students.  This will help them calm their body down.

4.Have your child count to 10 with you using the visuals.

5.Choose an activity- use the choice board to choose an activity to help your student calm down.  These can include, books, play dough, listening to music, etc.

6.Ask your student how they are feeling on the feelings chart to see if they are ready to join the group. 

7.Read a social story to your student s to review the steps of how to calm down frequently and practice these skills when they are calm.