De-escalation techniques such as the bounce strategy prevent child behavior issues by diverting an upset child’s focus.
What is a Strategy that Prevents Behavior Escalation?
This bounce strategy is used to prevent a behavior from escalating. It removes the child or student from the situation that is causing frustration or agitation for a short time. You “bounce” the child away from the frustrating situation, which allows them to calm down. Upon returning to the room, they can continue the task with renewed calm.
Example:
An educator notices one of their students is getting upset and is concerned behavior issues may escalate. What can that educator do to prevent that student from having a major meltdown?
Technique to Prevent Behavior Escalation
Give preventative bouncing a try. When you notice your student starting to escalate, think of how you can “bounce” them away from the situation or task. Ask them to deliver a message, return a book to the library, or get a ream of paper from the office. This time away from the task that is frustrating them allows the student to focus on something else.
Quick Facts
- Child’s Age: 3-18+
- Planning Effort: Low
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Requirement for Behavior De-escalation
Ability to identify early escalating behaviors in child / student
Steps to Prevent Behavior Escalation
- Set up a signal in advance to let staff know that if a student is sent with a message or material, it is for a cool-down time.
- Observe and identify when a student’s behavior is escalating.
- Ask the student to deliver a message or materials to another classroom or staff member.
- Reinforce the student upon returning and redirect them back to the task.
- Be aware that if the task created the frustration, the task may need to be altered before returning.
Behavior De-escalation Resources
Antiseptic Bouncing (Word doc. examples from ECS Exceptional Children Services)
This resource was authored by Watson Institute Special Education Consultant, Lisa Plastino, M.Ed.
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.