Cooling off period:

Students who are reactive benefit from a cooling off period. Students under real or perceived stress require structure outside of themselves to maintain appropriate behaviors in the classroom.

• When the student appears tense and/or out of control, diffuse the situation by providing a cooling off location or time period to prevent a serious outburst. (ETP: Differentiate Instruction, Clear Information)
• After an outburst, ask the student to remove himself /herself from the area, and go to a pre-designated area in or outside of the room. Give him/her time to "cool off" before dealing with behavior and the consequence. (ETP: Establish Routine)
• The student cannot hear or think clearly while emotionally upset.
• The teacher can handle the disruptive student better when the class is settled and back to work.
• Have a designated "'thinking" chair or office area for students who need to be isolated to regain composure. (ETP: Establish Routine)
• Establish a "readiness' area in the room - a place to go to "get ready to go back to work." Then if the student does not regain BEHAVIORAL control, state the class rule(s) broken and apply consequences. (ETP: Establish Routine)