Prevention Strategy – Bouncing

Give de-escalation prevention bouncing a try. When you notice your student starting to escalate, think of how you can “bounce” them away from the situation/task/person. Ask them to deliver a message, return a book to the library, or get a ream of paper from the office. This time away gives him an opportunity to get focused on something else.

This strategy is used to prevent a behavior from escalating. It removes the person from the situation that is causing frustration or agitation for a short time. You “bounce” the person away from the frustrating situation which allows them to calm down. Upon return to the room they can continue the task.

• Child's Age: 3-5, 6-10, 11-13, 14-17, 18+
• Planning Effort: Low
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ability to identify early escalating behaviors

1. Set up a signal in advance to let staff know that if student is sent with message or material, it is a cool down time

2. Observe and identify when student behavior is escalating.

3. Ask student to deliver message or material.

4. Reinforce student upon return and re-direct to task.

5. Be aware that if the task created the frustration, the task may need to be altered before returning.