Calming down an agitated student requires a calm, structured approach to help guide them from a heightened emotional state to a more rational state where they can think and communicate effectively. Here are some strategies based on recent educational research and practices:

1. Stay Calm: It is crucial that you maintain a calm demeanor. Students often feed off the emotional state of adults around them. If you remain calm, you are more likely to transmit this calmness to the student. This approach is supported by the concept that “Dysregulated students need regulated adults” to create an effective learning environment.

2. Acknowledge Feelings: Recognize and validate the student's feelings without immediately trying to solve the problem. This can help the student feel understood and less alone in their experience. Letting the student know that their feelings are normal and expected can be comforting.

3. Use Simple and Clear Language: When students are agitated, their ability to process complex information diminishes. Using concise and clear language helps in not overwhelming them further and aids in de-escalation.

4. Create a PeacePlace: Utilizing a designated calm space like a "PeacePlace" can be very effective. This non-punitive area allows the student to self-regulate away from the eyes of peers. Equip this space with calming tools like sensory objects, stress balls, or soft music, which can help soothe the student.

5. Encourage Deep Breathing or Mindfulness: Teach and encourage practices like deep breathing, guided imagery, or other mindfulness exercises. These are proven to reduce cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the mind and body.

6. Offer High-Interest Items or Activities: Sometimes, redirecting a student’s attention to something they find engaging can be a useful tactic. This could involve physical activities that require focus or simple hand-held puzzles. These can serve as a distraction and allow the student to cool down while engaging in a soothing activity.

7. Give Them Time: Do not rush the process. Allow students the time they need to de-escape their emotional response. This respects their need to process their emotions at their own pace.

8. Check for Physical Needs: Sometimes, basic needs like hunger or lack of sleep can exacerbate emotional reactions. Offering a snack or a moment to rest can sometimes alleviate some of the immediate intensity.

9. Encourage Reflection: Once the student has calmed down, it’s beneficial to discuss what happened and explore strategies that might help manage similar situations in the future. This reflection can empower the student by developing their self-regulation skills.

By employing these strategies, you create an environment that values safety, understanding, and patience, which are crucial for helping an agitated student regain their composure and their ability to participate effectively in the classroom.

Sources:

• Meredith McNerney (2023). De-escalating the Hulk Brain.

• (2019). Helping Students Peacefully Engage with Emotions.

• Sarah McKibben (2017). Stay Calm and Teach On.

• Sarah McKibben (2017). Helping Ease Student Anxiety.

• Andrea Gutmann (2021). Step By Step / 6 Steps to... Help a Distressed Student Get to the "Upstairs" Brain.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zuDUZIsfDmz8N3NTfqq-v4_XiSK_XRmnD_xtqL-Bmzk/edit?usp=sharing