Facilitator De-escalation Script

Overview

This script guides you step-by-step through the 30-minute small-group session. Read each line closely, pause for student responses, and use follow-up prompts as needed to keep everyone engaged and supported.

1. Introduction and Norm Setting (5 minutes)

“Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to our Crisis Toolkit session. Today, we’re going to learn how to notice when we’re upset, try out a few quick tools, and build a plan you can use whenever your emotions feel overwhelming.

Before we begin, let’s agree on some group norms to keep our space safe and respectful. I’ll list a few; feel free to add your own:

• Respect each other by listening without interrupting
• Keep what’s shared here confidential
• Try your best to participate

What other norms do you think will help our group feel safe?”

[Pause—invite 1–2 student suggestions, affirm each one.]

“Great! Thank you. We’ll stick to these as we move through our five activities: identifying triggers, exploring tools, and making a personal safety plan.”

[Display slide 1 in My Personal Toolkit.]

“Here’s the idea: a Personal Toolkit is a collection of strategies you can pull out when you start to feel really strong emotions. By the end of today, you’ll have your own toolkit written down.”

2. Identify Personal Triggers (7 minutes)

“Let’s think about what signs tell you that you’re headed toward an emotional crisis. It might be something you see, think, or feel in your body. I’m going to ask you three questions—pause after each to write your thoughts on the slide:

1. What situations or people tend to make you feel upset fast?
2. What thoughts run through your mind just before you blow up?
3. What physical signals—like a fast heartbeat or tight chest—let you know you’re spiraling?

Take two minutes to jot down one answer to each. I’ll walk around if anyone needs help.”

[Pause 2 minutes. Circulate quietly.]

“Would anyone like to share one of their triggers? Remember, this is a calm, supportive space—sharing is always optional.”

[Invite 2–3 volunteers. Use these follow-ups as needed:]
– “Thanks for sharing. What part of your body told you something was off?”
– “How might noticing that sign earlier help you stop the crisis?”

“Excellent work noticing these warning signs. Let’s put those triggers aside for a moment while we discover some tools.”

3. Tool Discovery Stations (10 minutes)

“We have four stations set up around the room. At each one, you’ll find a coping strategy to try. You’ll spend about two and a half minutes at each station. When the timer dings, rotate to the next one. At each station, write down how helpful it felt from 1 to 5 and a quick note about how your body or thoughts changed.

Our stations are:

1. Breathing Exercises
2. Movement Tasks
3. Visualization
4. Quick Journaling Prompts

Let’s review the first station: [briefly describe the breathing station]. Any questions?”

[Answer clarifying questions.]

“All right—let’s begin. Station 1, move!”

[Start timer for 2½ minutes. Walk between stations, offering gentle encouragement: “Nice work, keep focusing on your breath,” or “Try the stretch a few more times.”]

[After each rotation: “Stand up slowly, move to the next station, and find your spot.” Repeat encouragement and check helpfulness ratings.]

“When the fourth timer ends, bring your notebook back here and we’ll regroup.”

4. Create Personalized Safety Plan (6 minutes)

“Welcome back! On your desk is a set of Choose Your Coping Cards. These cards list all the tools you just tried. Take a moment to pick your top three—those you rated highest or felt most comfortable using.

Now, flip to the final slide in your toolkit. Fill in these steps:
Step 1: When I notice my trigger “,” I will…
Step 2: I will use the tool “” by doing…
Step 3: If I need extra support, I will…

You can write a sentence or draw a little picture—whatever feels right. I’ll walk around if you need an idea or a prompt.”

[Pause 4 minutes. Offer one-on-one help: “What might ‘extra support’ look like for you? Maybe texting a friend or taking five minutes in the hallway.”]

5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (2 minutes)

“Time’s up—please close your toolkits. Would each of you share one tool you’ll definitely try next time and one part of your safety plan you want to remember?”

[Invite each student in turn, using quick praise: “Thank you—great choice!”]

“You all did fantastic work today. Remember:
• You can always adjust your plan.
• Practice these tools, even when you’re calm.
• Keep your safety plan somewhere you’ll see it.
• Reach out to me or another trusted adult if you ever feel stuck.

I’m proud of you for building these skills. Let’s end with a deep breath together in… three, two, one… inhale… exhale. Session complete!”

End of Script

Tool Discovery Stations

Objective:
Students will experience four different coping strategies in quick rotations, evaluate how each tool affects their body and mind, and collect data to inform their personalized safety plan.

Setup (5 minutes):

1. Arrange four distinct areas around the room, each featuring one coping strategy:
   • Station 1: Breathing Exercises (e.g., box breathing, 4-7-8 breath)
   • Station 2: Movement Tasks (e.g., stretching, seated yoga poses)
   • Station 3: Visualization (e.g., guided calming scene, mental color imagery)
   • Station 4: Quick Journaling Prompts (e.g., “I feel calm when...”)
2. Place a timer or stopwatch at a central location.
3. Provide clipboards or notebooks so students can write comfortably.

Materials:

• Choose Your Coping Cards (for later)
• Notebooks or clipboards
• Pens or pencils

Instructions:

1. Explain the flow:
   • Students will spend 2½ minutes at each station.
   • When the timer dings, they rotate clockwise to the next station.
2. At each station, students should:
   • Try the strategy quietly and mindfully.
   • Rate its helpfulness on a scale of 1 (not helpful) to 5 (very helpful).
   • Note one observation about how their body or thoughts changed.
     (e.g., “My chest felt lighter,” or “I noticed my heart rate slowed.”)
3. Use a simple table or bullet list in their notebook, for example:
   • Breathing Exercises: ___/5 — ____________
   
   • Movement Tasks: ___/5 — ____________
   
   • Visualization: ___/5 — ____________
   
   • Quick Journaling: ___/5 — ____________
4. Monitor time and give a 10-second warning before each rotation: “Wrap up your notes and get ready to rotate.”
5. After all four rotations (~10 minutes), signal the group to return to the meeting area.

Debrief:

• Invite a few volunteers to share one strategy they found most helpful and why.
• Transition into the next activity: creating personalized safety plans using Choose Your Coping Cards.

Choose Your Coping Cards

Instructions:

1. Cut out the cards below along the dotted lines.
2. Mix them up and choose your top three coping strategies.
3. Place or glue your chosen cards in the slots provided.
4. Complete your personalized safety plan at the bottom.

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Breathing Exercises
• Box Breathing (Inhale 4 s – hold 4 s – exhale 4 s – hold 4 s)
• 4-7-8 Breath (Inhale 4 s – hold 7 s – exhale 8 s)

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Movement Tasks
• Gentle stretches (reach up tall, side bends)
• Seated yoga poses (shoulder rolls, neck circles)

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Visualization
• Close your eyes and picture a calm scene (beach, forest).
• Notice colors, sounds, and textures in your mind.

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Quick Journaling Prompts
• “I feel calm when…”
• List one thing you’re grateful for right now.

Choose Your Top Three Cards

Card Slot 1:






Card Slot 2:






Card Slot 3:

(Tip: Refer back to your notes from Tool Discovery Stations to help you decide.)

Build Your Personalized Safety Plan

Step 1: When I notice my trigger “________________,” I will…

Step 2: I will use the tool “________________” by doing…

Step 3: If I need extra support, I will…

Keep this plan somewhere you can see it often. Practice your tools, adjust as you learn what works best, and reach out to a trusted adult if you ever feel stuck.