Presentation Abstract

This presentation provides basic "common sense" strategies for verbal and non-verbal behavior de-escalation through the use of body language, tone, and proactive prevention. I will be able to present two sessions—one that is focused more on the needs of young children (preschool through grade 5) and one that is more focused on older children (grades 6-12), although all information can be applied across all grades if only one session is available. Behavior of any kind is communication, and teachers desperately need support in providing appropriate interventions for students who struggle to appropriately communicate their needs/feelings (i.e., anger, anxiety, frustrations, or fears) and who often communicate by acting out or exhibiting at-risk behavior. This is particularly true for children who have experienced ongoing trauma or those who are not having their basic needs met due to poverty, challenging home lives, skill deficits, or other difficult circumstances.

All strategies can be used by parents, teachers, or anyone who spends time with or works with children who exhibit challenging behaviors, due to the “common sense” proactive approaches that will be presented. The strategies are consistent with PBIS in that they necessitate a shift in mindset (or a cultural shift, if you will) in the way we address challenging behaviors in schools. The focus is on proactively preventing/anticipating behaviors while teaching students alternative (more positive) ways to have their social/emotional needs met.

Note: This class is not for basic classroom management; it demonstrates ways to de-escalate potential at-risk behaviors for students who are chronically disruptive and/or struggle with self-regulation.

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"Oh Behave!" Positive De-escalation Strategies for Challenging Student Behaviors

This presentation provides basic "common sense" strategies for verbal and non-verbal behavior de-escalation through the use of body language, tone, and proactive prevention. I will be able to present two sessions—one that is focused more on the needs of young children (preschool through grade 5) and one that is more focused on older children (grades 6-12), although all information can be applied across all grades if only one session is available. Behavior of any kind is communication, and teachers desperately need support in providing appropriate interventions for students who struggle to appropriately communicate their needs/feelings (i.e., anger, anxiety, frustrations, or fears) and who often communicate by acting out or exhibiting at-risk behavior. This is particularly true for children who have experienced ongoing trauma or those who are not having their basic needs met due to poverty, challenging home lives, skill deficits, or other difficult circumstances.

All strategies can be used by parents, teachers, or anyone who spends time with or works with children who exhibit challenging behaviors, due to the “common sense” proactive approaches that will be presented. The strategies are consistent with PBIS in that they necessitate a shift in mindset (or a cultural shift, if you will) in the way we address challenging behaviors in schools. The focus is on proactively preventing/anticipating behaviors while teaching students alternative (more positive) ways to have their social/emotional needs met.

Note: This class is not for basic classroom management; it demonstrates ways to de-escalate potential at-risk behaviors for students who are chronically disruptive and/or struggle with self-regulation.