In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest challenges we face as teachers—how to manage a classroom full of students when dysregulated behaviours start bubbling up and escalating. I talk about the key things to remember when students are dysregulated and can’t reason with us, and share my CARE Framework—a practical approach for responding to these situations. The goal? For you to be equipped with actionable classroom management strategies that are aligned with your values of compassion and kindness.

What I discuss in this episode:

The challenges of managing escalated student behaviour, especially when juggling other expectations placed upon us as teachers.
Why reasoning or punishing doesn’t work when students are in fight, flight, or freeze mode.
The importance of depersonalizing student behaviour by understanding it as a search for safety.
The CARE Framework for responding to escalating behaviours:
- C: Communicate the emotion you see in the student.
- A: Affirm and attend to the student’s feelings.
- R: Reassure and support the student to reduce fear and anxiety.
- E: Empower the student with choices while setting clear limits.

Resources mentioned in this episode (all accessible from within The Behaviour Club:

The CARE Framework for de-escalating student behaviour.
Masterclass on de-escalating big behaviours
SEL lesson on understanding the brain
Regulation toolbox for students
Phone conversation prompts for tough discussions with parents and carers.
PEACE process for when behaviours bubble over.

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#76: What to ACTUALLY say to calm students down. 4 steps to resolving bubbling behaviours quickly, so you can get back to teaching.