De-Escalation Script: Pause, Process, Prevent

Introduction (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something that's really important for all of us, not just in school, but in life: how we handle intense situations and strong emotions. We've all been there – that moment when you feel anger or frustration bubbling up, and you just want to react immediately."

"Our lesson today is called, Pause, Process, Prevent. It's all about giving you tools to deal with those moments effectively, so you can make better choices and avoid trouble."

"We're going to jump right into discussing how our emotions can sometimes get the best of us, and what we can do to take control."

Understanding the Cycle (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive a little deeper. Think about those moments when emotions take over. Has anyone ever said or done something in the heat of the moment that you later regretted? (Pause for a moment, let them think). I know I have."

"Imagine a situation where someone says something disrespectful, or maybe bumps into you roughly in the hallway. What's a common phrase you might hear or think in that moment that often makes the situation worse?"

Teacher: "Exactly. Phrases like 'I'm gonna fight you' or threats. What happens when those words come out? Does it usually calm things down, or does it pour gasoline on the fire?"

Teacher: "It usually escalates things, right? It turns a spark into a flame. Our goal today is to learn how to break that cycle. We want to move from reacting quickly to choosing wisely."

"This is where our three P's come in: Pause, Process, Prevent."

Strategies for De-Escalation (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's break down these strategies. When you feel that anger, that frustration, that upset building up, here's what you can do:

1. Pause: This sounds simple, but it's incredibly powerful. Instead of immediately yelling or making a threat, take a deep breath or count to three in your head. Just create a tiny space – even a second – between what happened and your reaction. That space is where you regain control."

2. Process: In that brief pause, quickly ask yourself: 'What am I feeling right now?' Is it anger? Frustration? Embarrassment? Recognizing the emotion helps you understand why you want to react. Then, think: 'What are my options? What's the best way to handle this situation so it doesn't get worse, and ideally, gets better?'"

3. Prevent: This is where you choose a better action. Instead of escalating, you prevent the fight. This often means stepping away from the situation physically. It’s not about running away; it’s about taking control and making a smart choice."

"Let's think about 'Stepping Away.' What are some ways you could physically remove yourself from a heated situation?"

Teacher: "Great ideas! You could:

• Walk to a different part of the room.
• Go to a designated 'cool-down' spot (if your teacher has one).
• Ask to get a drink of water or go to the restroom.
• If it's safe, and allowed, take a short walk outside."

"Now, once you've stepped away, what should you be thinking about? What are your options to make the situation better, instead of worse?"

Teacher: "Excellent points. You might think: 'What's the goal here? To win a fight or solve a problem?' 'What are the possible consequences of fighting?' 'What are some alternative solutions?' And 'Who can help me with this?'"

Receiving Support & Wrap-Up (3 minutes)

Teacher: "That last question, 'Who can help me?', brings us to our final point. It takes a lot of strength and maturity to manage these situations, and sometimes, you can't or shouldn't do it alone."

"It's incredibly brave to ask for help when you're struggling to control your anger or feeling overwhelmed. Who are some trusted adults you could talk to if you're in a tough spot?"

Teacher: "Exactly. A teacher, a counselor, a parent or guardian, or another trusted adult. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These people can help you explore solutions and prevent future conflicts."

"To wrap up our discussion today, I'm going to hand out this Cool-Down Reflection. Please take a few minutes to complete it. This will serve as your exit ticket for today's lesson. It's a chance to reflect on what we've discussed and how you can apply it."

(Distribute the cool-down activity. Allow 2-3 minutes for students to complete it.)

Conclusion (2 minutes)

Teacher: "As you finish up your reflections, remember the core message of today: Pause, Process, Prevent. You have the power to control your reactions and make positive choices, even in tough situations. Practice these steps, and you'll find yourself much more in control and able to navigate challenges successfully."

"Thank you for your thoughtful participation today. Have a great rest of your day."

Cool-Down: Pause, Process, Prevent Reflection

Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on today's lesson. This will help you solidify what you've learned.

1. In your own words, briefly explain the three steps of "Pause, Process, Prevent."
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Imagine you're in a situation where someone is trying to provoke you into a fight. What is one specific action you could take from today's lesson to de-escalate the situation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Who is a trusted adult you could talk to if you are struggling with managing your anger or need support in a conflict situation?