 - teach students how to ask for a break or use a "break card". Taking a break should be reinforced as a positive choice - it is not a time out or punishment - it is a good choice made by student who needs to refocus and get back on track.
- talk to students beforehand about situations that have the potential to be difficult to manage. Talk about strategies that they can use and ways they can get support if/when needed.
- rehearse possible solutions - through role play and social stories.
- identify appropriate people who can provide support in different situations.
- have students practice making different facial expressions in the mirror. Take pictures of students making different facial expressions. Talk about what makes the student feel that way.
- practice strategies for calming down:
- counting to 10
- thinking about good things
- taking a break
- talking about feelings
- deep breathing
- Show video clips of people dealing with emotions appropriately and inappropriately. Discuss.
- Talk about strategies for when students are teased or called names:
- ignore
- do something positive
- think about your good qualities
- Read of lists of situations and ask students how they would feel.
- Make a feelings book.
- Play "Feelings Charades".
- Take facial photos and challenge students to match them with the emotions they represent.
- Help students make a "Coping List". These are healthy activities that help with emotional regulation.
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