Lesson Plan
Relay Rules & Roles
Staff will practice rapid de-escalation strategies through a team relay format, enhancing quick thinking and collective calm under pressure.
This activity builds school climate by reinforcing trauma-informed practices, equipping all staff with practical de-escalation tools and strengthening collaborative calm during high-stress moments.
Audience
All School Staff
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Team-based relay with flash prompts
Materials
- Rapid Response Scenarios, - De-Escalation Relay Race Game Components, - Timer or Stopwatch, - Cones or Floor Markers, - Scoreboard and Markers, and - Pens and Notepads
Prep
Setup and Materials Preparation
10 minutes
- Arrange cones or markers in parallel lanes for each team in an open space
- Load and review the Rapid Response Scenarios slide deck or print & cut scenario cards
- Gather De-Escalation Relay Race Game Components: scenario cards, role badges, timer, scoreboard materials
- Review this Relay Rules & Roles lesson plan and become comfortable explaining rules and scoring
Step 1
Introduction & Rules Overview
5 minutes
- Welcome all staff and state the objective: rapid-response de-escalation practice under time pressure
- Explain team roles: Runner (triggers prompt), Responder (verbalizes technique), Judge (assesses accuracy), Recorder (tracks points)
- Go over key rules: safe tagging, respectful tone, quick transitions
- Show how scoring works on the scoreboard
Step 2
Demonstration Round
5 minutes
- Project the first scenario from Rapid Response Scenarios
- Model a de-escalation response, walking through how the Runner tags and the Judge awards points
- Highlight clear communication and calm body language
Step 3
Relay Race Rounds
25 minutes
- Divide staff into teams of 4–5 and assign roles; rotate roles each round
- On the facilitator’s signal, the first Runner activates a scenario prompt
- The Responder states an appropriate de-escalation strategy aloud
- The Judge awards a point for correct, clear responses or gives a brief corrective prompt
- The Runner tags the next teammate; continue until all scenarios are used or time expires
- Recorder updates team scores on the scoreboard after each turn
Step 4
Debrief & Reflection
5 minutes
- Gather teams and review key takeaways:
- Which strategies felt most effective under time pressure?
- How did teamwork influence your responses?
- In what real-world situations could you apply these rapid-response tactics?
- Encourage staff to share reflections and note next steps for ongoing practice
Slide Deck
Rapid Response Scenarios
Flash prompts to fuel your De-Escalation Relay activity
Welcome participants to the Rapid Response Scenarios slide deck. Explain that each slide will present a brief flash prompt. When the facilitator calls a scenario, teams will practice articulating their chosen de-escalation strategy under time pressure.
How to Use These Scenarios
- Facilitator displays or calls out each scenario prompt.
- Teams quickly identify and verbalize an appropriate de-escalation strategy.
- Judges award points for accuracy, clarity, and calm tone.
- Rotate roles and move to the next prompt on the facilitator’s signal.
Review instructions with the group before launching the relay rounds. Emphasize clarity, brevity, and calm communication.
Scenario 1: Locker Outburst
In the hallway, a student slams several lockers shut, shouting in frustration after an argument with a peer.
Scenario 1 will appear on the first relay turn. Encourage teams to focus on verbal de-escalation and body posture.
Scenario 2: Defiant Refusal
During class, a student stands with arms folded and refuses to follow your instruction, raising their voice angrily.
Use this prompt to highlight strategies for acknowledging emotion and setting boundaries.
Scenario 3: Cafeteria Confrontation
Two students in the lunch line begin arguing loudly, shoving each other and drawing an anxious crowd.
Encourage teams to think about crowd management and safe intervention.
Scenario 4: Playground Teasing
On the playground, one child sits crying under a tree while others tease and circle around, escalating tension.
This prompt focuses on soothing language and empathy.
Scenario 5: Virtual Classroom Friction
In your online class chat, a student types aggressive messages accusing a peer of cheating and won’t stop.
Apply digital-environment de-escalation techniques: clear tone, redirecting focus.
Scenario 6: Staff Meeting Disagreement
During a staff meeting, two colleagues begin a heated argument about how to handle a student’s behavior, voices rising.
Use this scenario to practice professional de-escalation among colleagues.
Thank You & Next Steps
• Transition back to your relay teams.
• Reflect on which strategies felt most effective under time pressure.
• Prepare for the debrief and real-world application discussion.
After the final scenario, transition to debrief questions and reinforce key takeaways.
Game
De-Escalation Relay Race Game Guide
Objective
Staff race in teams to practice rapid-response de-escalation strategies under time pressure, reinforcing clarity, empathy, and collaborative calm.
Components
- Timer or Stopwatch
- Cones or Floor Markers (one lane per team)
- Scoreboard and Markers
- Pens and Notepads
- Role Badges (Runner, Responder, Judge, Recorder)
- Scenario Cards (print from Rapid Response Scenarios)
Setup (10 minutes)
- In an open space, set up parallel lanes using cones or floor markers (one lane per team).
- Place facilitator table at front with:
- Stack of Scenario Cards face down
- Timer/stopwatch
- Scoreboard and markers
- Prepare role badges and distribute to each team.
- Review rules and scoring with all participants.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Runner: Dashes to the facilitator, flips over a Scenario Card, reads it aloud, and returns to tag the Responder.
- Responder: Quickly states an appropriate de-escalation strategy (verbal tone, body posture, empathy) before tagging the Judge.
- Judge: Listens for accuracy, clarity, and calm tone. Awards or deducts points, then tags the Recorder.
- Recorder: Writes team’s point result on the scoreboard, then tags the next Runner.
Rules
- Only one Runner may sprint per lane at a time—no blocking other teams.
- Safe tagging only (hand touch on shoulder or arm).
- Responses must include at least one verbal technique and one body-language cue.
- Judges have 5 seconds to decide and award points.
- If a team’s response is off-topic or unsafe, the Judge awards zero and provides a 5-second corrective prompt.
Scoring
- Correct, clear, calm response: +2 points
- Partially correct or unclear: +1 point
- Incorrect or off-topic: 0 points
Optional extra credit:
- Outstanding teamwork or creativity: +1 bonus point (Judge’s discretion)
Game Flow (25 minutes)
- Teams line up in lanes. Assign initial roles.
- On facilitator signal, Runners sprint to facilitator, activate a scenario, return, and tag Responders.
- Responders deliver their strategy, then tag Judges.
- Judges score and tag Recorders—Recorders update scores and tag the next Runner.
- Continue until time expires or all scenarios are used.
Role Rotation
- After every completed scenario, each team shifts badges clockwise (Runner → Responder → Judge → Recorder).
- Ensures every participant practices each role.
Safety Considerations
- Remind staff to watch their footing and avoid collisions.
- Keep lanes clear of obstacles.
- Encourage moderate speed—prioritize safety over speed.
- Enforce no physical blocking or rough contact.
Ready, set, relay your way to calmer classrooms! Feel free to reference the full Relay Rules & Roles lesson plan for additional guidance.