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School ClimateTrauma-Informed Practices
De-escalation Strategies

De-escalation Strategies

Discover a collection of free resources focused on trauma-informed de-escalation strategies, designed specifically for educators, students, and parents. Gain practical skills to recognize stress triggers, respond calmly, and create safer learning environments. Engage with real-world scenarios, step-by-step guides, and interactive activities that empower you to defuse conflicts and support emotional well-being effectively.

Suggested Resources

Community Resources

Community Resources

Calm in Crisis

In this 90-minute Tier 3 professional learning session, teachers will develop individualized de-escalation strategies to manage and diffuse challenging student behaviors. By exploring evidence-based techniques and practicing through guided role-plays and reflections, participants will leave with a personalized action plan to create calmer, safer classrooms.

Tier 3
5/28

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Crisis Toolkit

A small-group program offering targeted tools and strategies for students who need extra support in de-escalating emotions during crisis moments. This 30-minute Tier 2 (group) session for 7th graders helps them identify triggers, practice de-escalation skills, and create personalized safety plans.

Tier 2
5/7
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Art Fergusson

Instructor

Cool Heads, Calm Classrooms

In this 90-minute Tier 1 professional development session, teachers will learn effective de-escalation strategies to manage classroom conflicts and behavioral challenges. This lesson equips educators with practical tools to maintain a positive learning environment, strengthen teacher-student relationships, and reduce disruptions.

Tier 1
5/28

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Mindful Regulation and Safe Responses

This lesson focuses on helping students manage their responses to social and environmental triggers through cognitive exposure and practice. By using trauma-informed teaching, active learning, and project-based learning strategies, students will engage in activities that promote self-regulation and safe behavior responses. This lesson is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, enabling students to navigate challenging situations effectively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Francesca Styles

S

MA Behavior Interventionist

Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers on the benefits of trauma-informed approaches in the classroom. By understanding and implementing these strategies, teachers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that enhances student learning and well-being. This lesson will help teachers recognize the impact of trauma on students and equip them with practical tools to foster a positive classroom atmosphere.

Tier 1
2/25

Jeanette Flores Tyler

a

NC Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, Counselor

Calm Amid Chaos

In this 90-minute Tier 2 professional development session, teachers will learn research-based de-escalation strategies to manage challenging student behaviors and restore a positive learning environment. Participants will engage in interactive role-plays and analyze real-life scenarios to build confidence in applying these techniques in their classrooms.

Tier 2
5/28

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Resilience Toolkit

This individualized support guide equips a 7th grade student with personalized coping strategies and crisis response steps to build resilience and emotional regulation. Through targeted coaching and self-reflection activities in one 20-minute session, the student will develop a practical toolkit for managing stress and anxiety

Tier 3
5/19
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Allison Thibodaux-Wing

E

CA Psychologist

Understanding Trauma: Building Empathy and Expectations

In this high school lesson, students will explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between what trauma is and what it is not, and learn how to apply trauma-informed practices while maintaining expectations. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in students, equipping them with the skills to support peers and themselves in a compassionate manner. The lesson will be conducted in one 45-minute session and is designed for a classroom-wide audience.

Tier 1
3/6
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Nicole Camp

S

MA Psychologist

Managing Secondary Trauma: A Quick Guide

This lesson aims to help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide practical strategies to manage it. Secondary trauma can significantly affect teacher well-being and their capacity to effectively support students. This brief discussion-focused lesson highlights the importance of self-care and peer support, promoting a supportive school environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Heidi Kiacz

V

MI Counselor

Trauma-Smart Teaching

In this 45-minute group session for high school teachers, participants will learn trauma-informed care principles and strategies to support student well-being. This lesson empowers staff to recognize and respond to trauma signs, fostering a safer classroom climate for grades 9–12 students.

Tier 2
5/19
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Shayla Chandler

h

NY Instructor

Supporting Students After Trauma

This lesson aims to provide middle school students with a supportive environment to process emotions after witnessing a traumatic event. It incorporates trauma-informed teaching strategies to help students feel safe and understood. The lesson includes a brief discussion, a reading, and a video to introduce coping mechanisms and emotional management.

Tier 1
2/25
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James Dill

h

NY Instructor

Understanding Emotional Triggers

Educate students on identifying personal triggers and how they affect emotional responses.

Tier 1
2/25
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Hannah Ryan

h

NY Social Worker

Coping and Communication

This lesson aims to provide students with coping strategies and create clear channels for communication to help them process recent unsettling events. By engaging in a trauma-informed discussion and inquiry-based activities, students will learn to express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment. This lesson is crucial in helping students feel more secure and supported, both at school and at home.

Tier 1
2/25
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Corey Maloney

S

MA School Administrator

Coping and Communication

This lesson aims to provide students with coping strategies and create clear channels for communication to help them process recent unsettling events. By engaging in a trauma-informed discussion and inquiry-based activities, students will learn to express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment. This lesson is crucial in helping students feel more secure and supported, both at school and at home.

Tier 1
2/25
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Corey Maloney

S

MA School Administrator

Safe Spaces

In this 45-minute, whole-class Tier 1 workshop for 8th graders, students will explore common trauma triggers, learn practical coping strategies, and collaborate to co-create inclusive safe zones within their school. This trauma-informed lesson empowers students to recognize emotional needs, support their peers, and build a positive school climate.

Tier 1
5/27

Jade Hodge

p

TN English

How Does Trauma Shape Us?

This whole-class lesson explores how trauma affects behavior and learning, helping students recognize responses and build empathy. It's crucial for creating a trauma-informed classroom climate. Audience: 6th grade, 1 session (45 minutes).

Tier 1
5/29
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ldemoraes

S

MA Counselor

Emotional Resilience Toolkit

Equip students with strategies to build emotional resilience through engaging workshops that cover self-regulation techniques, positive self-talk, and problem-solving skills. These sessions will help students navigate stressors and build confidence in their ability to handle challenges.

Tier 1
3/25
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Michael Houlihan

S

MA Counselor

Trauma-Informed Teaching Workshop

This lesson plan is designed to educate teachers about trauma-informed education, focusing on understanding trauma's impact on students and implementing supportive teaching strategies. Through discussion, experiential learning, and video segments, teachers will gain insights into creating a safe and supportive learning environment. This lesson is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding in educational settings, ultimately benefiting students who have experienced trauma.

Tier 1
2/25
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Cris Jackson

a

NC Counselor

Managing Emotional Responses

Strategies and techniques for students to manage and regulate their emotional responses during challenging times.

Tier 1
2/26
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Natica Jones

q

TX Counselor

Emotional First Aid: Coping Strategies for Tough Times

Equip students with emotional coping skills for when they encounter personal challenges. They will learn practical strategies for immediate emotional support, fostering resilience and a positive mental health framework.

Tier 1
3/4

p adams

a

NC Social Worker

Building Resilience in the Classroom

This lesson focuses on helping middle school students understand and develop resilience, which is essential for maintaining proper behavior in the classroom. By learning practical strategies from the 'On Resilience' video, students will be better equipped to handle difficult emotions and situations.

Tier 1
2/25
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Michael Schaefer

D

AZ Math

What Would You Do?

Engage students in scenario-based discussions to practice emotional regulation in hypothetical challenging situations. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical emotional regulation skills, which are essential for managing stress and making thoughtful decisions. Designed for 9th-grade students, this lesson is intended to be completed in a single 25-minute session and is classified as Tier 3: Individual support.

Tier 3
3/28
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Alissa Wright

Counselor

Keep It Cool

This quick 15-minute small-group intervention equips 5th graders with the simple “Pause and Breathe” toolkit to self-de-escalate strong emotions. By learning mindful breathing and reflection techniques, students gain practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience.

Tier 2
5/12
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Ashleigh Dimpflmaier

p

TN Counselor

Conflict Deescalation Workshop

This lesson focuses on teaching 9th graders how to deescalate conflicts through collaborative learning. Students will watch a video on managing emotions and engage in group activities to practice conflict resolution skills. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential life skills to handle conflicts constructively, promoting a positive and supportive school environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Andrea Gillis

S

MA General Education Teacher

The Conflict Resolution Toolkit

In this lesson, students will create a personal toolkit of strategies for resolving conflicts. This hands-on lesson involves crafting tools like 'calm down' cards and solution brainstorm sheets. By engaging in these activities, students will learn practical techniques to manage conflicts effectively, fostering a more harmonious classroom environment and enhancing their social-emotional skills.

Tier 1
2/25
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Christina Williams

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Chill Pill Toolkit

This one-on-one behavior support packet guides a 7th grade student through personalized coping strategies and emotional tracking in a 30-minute session. Building self-regulation skills fosters resilience, academic focus, and well-being.

Tier 3
5/12
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Amanda Nickles

E

CA Social Worker

Resilience: Bounce Back!

This lesson focuses on building resilience in students who have experienced trauma, providing them with tools to overcome challenges and setbacks. It's crucial for helping students develop coping strategies. Designed for a 7th-grade group, this 60-minute session is part of a Tier 2 support strategy.

Tier 2
3/27
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Brittney Bullard

a

NC Social Worker

What Do We Do Now

A whole-class lesson that introduces students to recognizing and responding calmly during a behavioral crisis, building a shared language and safety plan to foster a supportive classroom environment. This Tier 1, 45-minute lesson for 6th graders equips students with strategies to de-escalate and seek help, strengthening classroom safety and emotional resilience.

Tier 1
Yesterday
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Rae Britton

s

VA Counselor, School Administrator

Coping Strategies Toolkit

In this lesson, students will learn about various coping strategies that they can use to manage stress and emotions. They will engage in a discussion, complete a worksheet to practice identifying and applying coping strategies, and finish with an exit ticket to reinforce learning and self-reflection. Understanding and utilizing effective coping strategies are essential for students' emotional well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Judith Ross

S

MA Counselor

Hopeful Connections

In this 30-minute Tier 1 workshop, teachers learn key warning signs of student suicide risk, safe messaging practices, and referral protocols. This session equips educators with practical strategies to create a proactive, supportive classroom environment.

Tier 1
6/5
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Isabelle Tambascio

d

NH General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, School Administrator, Paraprofessional

Finding Calm Amid Change

In this 90-minute Tier 1 session, teachers will learn strategies to help students manage overstimulation and adapt to routine changes. This lesson equips teachers with practical activities, discussion prompts, and reflective tools to foster classroom calm and resilience.

Tier 1
5/30

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Pathway to Calm

This lesson is designed to support Grade 9 students returning from psychiatric hospitalizations by focusing on distress tolerance and reintegration into a school routine. Through trauma-informed teaching and inquiry-based learning, students will explore strategies to manage stress and anxiety, helping them transition smoothly back into their academic environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and confidence in students as they navigate their return to school.

Tier 3
2/25
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Erin Merrill

S

MA Counselor

Managing Secondary Trauma for Elementary Teachers

This lesson will help elementary teachers understand secondary trauma and provide strategies to manage it. By addressing secondary trauma, teachers can improve their well-being and efficacy in the classroom.

Tier 1
2/25
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Heidi Kiacz

V

MI Counselor

The Resilience Toolbox: Skills for Future Challenges

Students will build a personal 'Resilience Toolbox' by exploring and identifying various tools and techniques they can use to overcome obstacles. The lesson focuses on recognizing personal strengths and learning new strategies to handle stress, all while engaging in reflective discussions that foster emotional intelligence.

Tier 1
3/24
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Heidys Mendez

S

MA Counselor

Stress-Busters Toolkit

In this 30-minute Tier 1 classroom lesson for 6th graders, students will explore and practice effective coping skills to manage everyday stress. This lesson helps students build resilience and emotional awareness through interactive activities and reflection.

Tier 1
5/28
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whitwella

q

TX School Administrator

Healthy Coping Strategies

Teaching 3rd-grade students about healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and trauma.

Tier 1
2/25
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Victoria Claas

v

WI Counselor

Quick Calm Strategies

Individual worksheets offering personalized sensory toolkits and step-by-step calm-down strategies for students needing extra support. This Tier 3 lesson provides a concise 10-minute session for 4th grade students focusing on self-regulation through personalized calm-down approaches.

Tier 3
6/13
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Julia Fargo

Instructor

Social Support Toolkit

A 90-minute Tier 1 training session to equip teachers with strategies to support shy, anxious, and aggressive students in building positive peer interactions. This lesson helps teachers create an inclusive classroom climate by learning practical techniques and activities they can implement immediately.

Tier 1
5/30

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Understanding Our Impact

This lesson aims to help a 4th grade student with Autism understand how their behavior impacts others and to explore effective coping strategies when feeling upset. By using trauma-informed teaching, restorative practices, and active learning, the lesson will provide a safe and engaging environment for the student to learn and practice these skills. This lesson is important as it fosters emotional regulation and empathy, which are crucial for social interactions and personal well-being.

Tier 3
2/25
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Amanda Duffy

S

MA Counselor

What Triggers Me?

Students will identify personal triggers that lead to emotional reactions and learn strategies to manage these triggers. This lesson is key for students needing targeted interventions to handle specific stressors.

Tier 2
3/17

Crystal Sullivan

h

NY Social Worker

Super Coping Toolbox

In this 30-minute Tier 1 lesson, 4th graders will explore simple, engaging coping skills to manage emotions and stress. Students will learn why these skills matter, practice techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk, and create a personal “Coping Toolbox” worksheet to use anytime. This lesson builds self-awareness and emotional resilience, helping students feel empowered in daily life.

Tier 1
Sunday
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Marla Sanchez

q

TX Paraprofessional

Emotional Resilience Toolbox

This lesson focuses on helping students identify and develop strategies to cope with emotional challenges. Students will explore various techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and positive self-talk, and collaborate to create a personal 'toolbox' of strategies. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Priscila Anderson

S

MA Counselor

Can We Heal Together?

A trauma-sensitive classroom session for 5th graders that introduces safety, trust, and community-building through guided activities. This lesson fosters emotional resilience and belonging in a supportive circle. (45-minute Tier 1 session)

Tier 1
5/12
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Natasha Desir

h

NY Psychologist

Triggers and Tactics

Dive into identifying common triggers and practicing targeted coping tactics through interactive scenarios, paving the way for proactive behavior management in a one-on-one setting with a 6th grade student. This Tier 3 behavioral support lesson helps students recognize personal triggers and apply coping strategies, fostering self-awareness and goal-oriented behavior over a 55-minute session.

Tier 3
6/5
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Justine Wassef

e

NJ Behavior Interventionist

Coping Skills Toolbox

In this lesson, students will learn about different coping mechanisms through a short video and engage in a hands-on activity to create a personalized 'Coping Skills Toolbox' filled with strategies they can use in various situations. The lesson will conclude with a discussion to reinforce their understanding.

Tier 1
2/25

Emmanuel Roberts

y

DC Instructor

Building Resilience: Coping Skills Workshop

In this workshop, students will explore different coping strategies through role-playing scenarios. They will learn to identify stressful situations and practice strategies to manage them effectively, boosting their emotional resilience. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential skills to handle stress and challenges, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Victoria Claas

v

WI Counselor

Coping Skills Toolbox

In this lesson, students will create a personalized toolbox of coping strategies to handle stress and anxiety. Through hands-on activities and role-playing scenarios, students will practice and refine these skills. This lesson is important as it equips students with practical tools to manage stress, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25
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Melissa Geary

E

CA Instructor

Calm Transitions Toolkit

In this 90-minute professional development session, teachers will learn evidence-based Tier 2 strategies to support students with separation anxiety through structured group interventions. This lesson empowers teachers with practical tools for creating safe transitions, collaborative activities, and personalized supports to reduce distress and build student resilience.

Tier 2
5/28

Alyssha Walker

q

TX Behavior Interventionist

Coping Strategies Game

This lesson engages students in a game-based activity to explore and practice positive coping strategies in a classroom setting. By participating in this experiential learning activity, students will learn how to remain calm and manage their emotions effectively, which is crucial for their behavioral development and success in school.

Tier 1
2/25
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Shari Attebery

D

AZ Counselor

Coping Skills Toolkit

In this 45-minute Tier 2 small-group lesson for 9th graders with severe anxiety, students explore and practice evidence-based coping skills. Through a brief reading and interactive activity, they will build a personalized toolkit to manage stress and anxiety in their new school environment.

Tier 2
Yesterday

QA Queen

h

NY Instructor

Behavior Management Strategies

This lesson focuses on equipping Tier III high school students with strategies to avoid negative behaviors such as cutting class and inappropriate conduct. By watching a short video on managing peer pressure and engaging in a guided discussion, students will learn practical techniques to make positive choices and resist negative influences. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and decision-making skills, empowering students to take control of their actions and improve their school experience.

Tier 3
2/25
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Michael Clavin

h

NY Instructor

SEL Support: Navigating Gun Violence

This lesson aims to provide social-emotional learning (SEL) support to high school students in the context of recent gun violence situations. By using trauma-informed teaching strategies, the lesson will help students process their emotions, understand the importance of seeking help, and develop coping strategies. This lesson is crucial in fostering a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their feelings and learn how to manage stress and anxiety related to traumatic events.

Tier 1
2/25
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Viktoriya Mushailova

h

NY School Administrator, Special Education Teacher

Safe Space Map

In this Tier 1 lesson for 5th graders, students will identify personal coping strategies and safe zones in their classroom using guided discussions and creative activities. Over one 30-minute session, learners will develop emotional self-awareness, map their “safe spaces,” and practice quick check-ins and closure rituals to support grief and loss coping skills.

Tier 1
5/14
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Allysa Adams

W

MN Social Worker

What Would You Do?

Students analyze real-life bullying scenarios and practice proactive responses to foster a safer school culture. This Tier 1 lesson for 11th grade, delivered in one 50-minute session, builds empathy, critical thinking, and empowers students to become active bystanders.

Tier 1
6/6
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Tung Nguyen Xuan

z

US Psychologist

Coping Strategies in Action

This lesson introduces 6th-grade students to effective coping strategies for managing anxiety. Through experiential learning and trauma-informed teaching, students will engage in activities that help them understand and practice these strategies in a supportive environment. This lesson is crucial for building resilience and emotional regulation skills, which are essential for students' overall well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Aisha Squalli

S

MA Counselor

Breaking the Hurt Cycle

In this one-on-one session, an 8th-grade student will learn healthy strategies to recognize self-harm triggers, practice coping skills, and build a personalized safety plan. This Tier 3 intervention empowers the student to manage difficult emotions and reduce self-harm urges—crucial for their well-being and resilience.

Tier 3
5/7

Brian Anderson

h

NY Instructor

Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson introduces students to essential coping skills through an interactive activity and reflection. Students will learn practical strategies to manage stress and emotions, which are crucial for their social-emotional development. By the end of the lesson, students will have a toolkit of coping mechanisms they can apply in various situations.

Tier 1
2/25
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Lily Reed

S

MA Instructor

Building a Bully-Free Classroom: A Teacher's Guide

This lesson equips teachers with strategies to create a positive classroom culture that discourages bullying. Through discussions, creating classroom agreements, and video insights on fostering emotional resilience, teachers will learn how to proactively prevent and address bullying.

Tier 1
2/25
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Maria Herrera

q

TX Counselor

Calm Down Corner: A Safe Space

This lesson introduces the concept of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom, a designated space where students can retreat to manage their emotions. Students will learn to identify their emotions and use specific tools to self-regulate. This lesson is important as it provides students with strategies to handle their emotions effectively, promoting a positive classroom environment and supporting students with autism.

Tier 1
2/25
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Valerie Davenport

a

NC Social Worker

Calm Down Corner

This lesson introduces the concept of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom, a dedicated space where students can practice emotional regulation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. Students will watch a video on controlled breathing, practice the technique, engage in an art activity to create posters or emotion cards, and discuss when and how to use the Calm Down Corner.

Tier 1
2/25

Monesha Hornbeak

j

OK Math, Language Arts

Stress Management Strategies

This lesson helps students identify stressors and develop coping mechanisms through scenario-based discussions. It's important as it equips students with practical strategies to handle stress during exams or personal challenges, promoting mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Megan Mazzeo

S

MA Social Worker

Conflict? Solved!

A dynamic group lesson focusing on de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. Over 60 minutes, adult participants will engage in practical scenarios to reduce tension and cooperate effectively. Tier 2 group supports enhance real-life workplace and community interactions.

Tier 2
5/13

Kyle

g

NV Social Worker