1. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Ideas for Deescalating Situations with Emotionally Unpredictable Students Presenter: Jim Wright www.intervention central.org

2. Jim Wright “Stress is defined as a personal and subjective reaction to a specific life event, causing the individual to experience a physiological and psychological feeling of discomfort. ” (Long & Duffner, 1980)

3. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Classroom Anger Curve (Myles & Simpson, 1991; Walker & Walker, 1991)

4. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Engagement Anger Level Time Student Teacher

5. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Emotional Contagion: “One of the amazing concepts of interpersonal relationships is that a pupil in stress can actually create in others the [student’s own] stressed feelings and at times, [cause others to mirror] the pupil’s behavior.” (Long & Duffner, 1980)

6. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright The Teacher’s Role in Defusing Power Struggles: “ …there are no winners when the stress cycle reaches the level of a power struggle. This cycle cannot be broken by asking immature children to act maturely during intense states of stress. ”

7. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright “ …If change is going to happen, then the adult must accept responsibility for acting in a mature, responsible manner. ” (Long & Duffner, 1980)

8. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Dis engagement Anger Level Time Teacher Student

9. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Aggression Phase

10. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Aggression: Warning Signs…. The student may: make verbal threats use abusive language assume threatening posture (e.g., with fists raised) physically strike out at peers or adults

11. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Aggression: Teachers should… Ensure safety of student and bystanders (e.g., classroom evacuation). Adopt a ‘supportive stance.’ Respect student’s ‘personal space’. Use supportive ‘paraverbal’ and non-verbal communication. Do not block door.

12. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Aggression (Cont.): Teachers should… Deliver clear statement of choices: 1.Give two clear choices with equally clear consequences. 2.If student does not comply, state again what you want the student to do. Include a time limit for student compliance and specify a location if necessary. 3.Enforce alternative consequences if needed.

13. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Aggression (Cont.): Direct Statement Example: 1.“John, you can refuse to participate in the math assignment and finish the worksheet during free time or you can start the math assignment now and not lose free time. ” 2.“John, I want you to return to your desk [location] now [time-frame] and begin your math assignment [requested behavior].” 3.Teacher deducts point from John’s behavior chart.

14. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Defensive Phase

15. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Defensiveness: Warning Signs…. The student may: lash out verbally at others. withdraw (emotionally or physically). challenge the authority of the instructor or other adult. refuse to comply with adult requests or to follow classroom routines project blame onto others.

16. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Defensiveness: Teachers can try… Avoid discussions of “who is right” or “who is in control”. Consider making an apology (if warranted). Impose appropriate consequences on peers who tease or taunt. Teach the student non-stigmatizing ways to get academic help

17. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Frustration Phase

18. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Frustration: Warning Signs…. The student may: bite nails or lips grimace mutter or grumble appear flushed or tense seem ‘stuck’ on topic, issue

19. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Frustration: Teachers can try… Antiseptic bounce: Send the student from the room on an errand or task. Permit student to take brief cool-down break Give student an ‘IOU’ to meet with adult to talk over issue at more convenient time

20. www.interventioncentral.org Jim Wright Anger Curve: Engagement Anger Level Time Student Teacher