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Timeout or Take a Breather?

Lesson Plan

Timeout or Take a Breather?

Students will learn to identify early warning signs of escalating emotions, practice de-escalation techniques, and understand the importance of choosing appropriate strategies to manage conflict and maintain a calm demeanor, both on and off the court.

Learning de-escalation is crucial for navigating challenging situations, preventing conflicts, and maintaining positive relationships. This lesson provides practical tools students can use in their daily lives to manage strong emotions and communicate effectively.

Audience

High School Special Education Behavior Class

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through basketball analogies, discussions, and a role-playing activity.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Foul Trouble

5 minutes

Begin by asking students: "Imagine you're in a basketball game, and a call goes against you. Your emotions start to rise, and you feel frustrated. What's the first thing you might feel or do?"
Lead a brief discussion about initial reactions to frustration or anger, connecting it to basketball scenarios.

Step 2

Introduction to De-escalation: Staying in the Game

10 minutes

Present the De-escalation Strategies Slide Deck.
- Introduce the concept of de-escalation as 'staying in the game' emotionally.
- Discuss early warning signs (physical and emotional 'yellow flags').
- Explain the 'Technical Foul' concept for escalating behaviors.

Step 3

The De-escalation Playbook: Strategies

15 minutes

Continue with the De-escalation Strategies Slide Deck.
- Introduce concrete de-escalation strategies using basketball terms:
- "Timeout!" (Take a Breather): Deep breathing, counting.
- "Pass the Ball" (Active Listening): Listening to others' perspectives.
- "Free Throw Focus" (Self-Talk): Positive affirmations.
- "Zone Defense" (Personal Space): Giving space.
- Provide examples for each strategy and connect them to real-life situations.

Step 4

De-escalation Drills: Practice Time

10 minutes

Distribute the De-escalation Drills Activity.
- Explain the activity: Students will read scenarios (basketball-related and general) and identify appropriate de-escalation strategies.
- Facilitate small group or partner work, encouraging students to discuss their choices.
- Circulate to provide support and guidance.

Step 5

Wrap-Up: Game Plan Review

5 minutes

Bring the class back together.
- Ask students to share one de-escalation strategy they found most helpful or plan to try.
- Reiterate that just like in basketball, practicing these skills helps them get better.
- Emphasize that de-escalation is about regaining control and making smart choices, not about 'winning' an argument.

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Slide Deck

Timeout or Take a Breather?

De-escalation Strategies for Staying in the Game!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of managing strong emotions. Connect it to situations they might experience in sports or daily life.

What is De-escalation?

It's like calling a "Timeout" in a basketball game!

  • Goal: To calm down intense emotions.
  • Why? So you can think clearly and make smart plays.
  • Result: You stay in control and 'stay in the game'!

Explain that just like in basketball, sometimes emotions can get out of control. De-escalation is about bringing those emotions back down so you can think clearly and make good decisions. It's about 'staying in the game' emotionally rather than getting 'benched' by your feelings.

Early Warning Signs: Yellow Flags

How do you know when your emotions are starting to heat up?

  • Physical: Fast heartbeat, tight muscles, flushed face.
  • Emotional: Frustration, irritation, feeling misunderstood.
  • Behavioral: Pacing, fidgeting, loud voice.

Recognizing these signs is your first step to a "Timeout"!

Discuss how we often feel signs in our bodies before we get really upset. These are like 'yellow flags' in a game – warnings. Ask students for examples of how their bodies feel.

Technical Foul: Escalating Behaviors

What happens if you don't take a timeout?

  • Yelling, arguing, stomping away.
  • Saying hurtful things.
  • Losing control of your actions.

These are like 'technical fouls' – they hurt your team and your game!

Explain that if we ignore the yellow flags, things can escalate. A 'technical foul' in basketball has consequences. Similarly, letting emotions take over can lead to negative consequences.

Strategy 1: "Timeout!" (Take a Breather)

Just like a coach calls a timeout to regroup, you can call one for yourself!

  • Deep Breaths: Breathe in slowly through your nose, out through your mouth.
  • Count to 10 (or 20!): Gives your brain time to catch up with your emotions.
  • Step Away: Find a quiet space if possible.

This helps you regain your "Free Throw Focus".

Introduce the first strategy: 'Timeout!' Emphasize physical techniques like deep breathing and counting. Ask students to practice a deep breath with you.

Strategy 2: "Pass the Ball" (Active Listening)

When you pass the ball, you're trusting your teammate. In a heated moment, listen to understand, not just to reply.

  • Listen to Understand: Pay attention to what the other person is saying.
  • Repeat Back: "So, if I understand correctly, you're saying..."
  • Ask Questions: "Can you tell me more about that?"

This shows respect and helps cool things down.

Explain that 'passing the ball' isn't just about throwing it. It's about giving others a chance to speak and truly listening to what they say, rather than just waiting to respond.

Strategy 3: "Free Throw Focus" (Self-Talk)

Imagine you're at the free-throw line. You need to focus. What do you tell yourself?

  • Positive Phrases: "I can handle this," "Stay calm."
  • Problem-Solving: "What's the next best step?"
  • Remind Yourself: "This feeling will pass."

Your inner voice can be your best coach!

Discuss how athletes use positive self-talk to focus during crucial moments like free throws. Similarly, students can use positive affirmations to calm themselves and refocus their thoughts.

Strategy 4: "Zone Defense" (Personal Space)

Sometimes, the best play is to give everyone a little room.

  • Physical Space: Step back, create distance.
  • Respect Boundaries: Understand when someone needs a moment alone.
  • Cool Down: A little space can prevent a big argument.

This strategy is about preventing a 'pile-up' of emotions.

Explain that sometimes, giving someone space is like playing 'zone defense' – you're still present, but you're not crowding them. This can prevent further escalation.

Your De-escalation Game Plan

Remember your playbook:

  1. "Timeout!" (Take a Breather)
  2. "Pass the Ball" (Active Listening)
  3. "Free Throw Focus" (Self-Talk)
  4. "Zone Defense" (Personal Space)

Practice these strategies to be a champion of calm, on and off the court!

Summarize the key strategies and encourage students to practice. Reiterate that these skills are valuable in all aspects of life.

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Activity

De-escalation Drills: Practice Time!

Just like basketball players practice drills to improve their game, we're going to practice de-escalation strategies to improve how we handle tough situations. Read each scenario and decide which de-escalation strategy (or strategies!) would be the best "play" to make.

Instructions:

For each scenario:

  1. Identify any "Yellow Flags" (early warning signs) you notice.
  2. Choose one or more de-escalation strategies from our playbook (Timeout!, Pass the Ball, Free Throw Focus, Zone Defense).
  3. Explain why you chose that strategy and what you would do or say.

Scenario 1: The Bad Call

You're playing a close basketball game. The referee makes a call that you strongly disagree with, costing your team a crucial possession. Your face feels hot, your heart starts pounding, and you want to yell at the ref.

Your Yellow Flags:




Your De-escalation Play:







Scenario 2: Group Project Clash

You're working on a group project for another class, and one of your teammates isn't pulling their weight. You've reminded them a few times, but nothing has changed. Now, a deadline is approaching, and you feel a knot in your stomach and your voice getting louder as you talk to them.

Your Yellow Flags:




Your De-escalation Play:







Scenario 3: The Locker Room Comment

After practice, you overhear a teammate making a negative comment about your performance to another player. You feel insulted and angry, and you can feel your hands clenching into fists.

Your Yellow Flags:




Your De-escalation Play:







Scenario 4: Tech Trouble

You are trying to submit an important assignment online, and the internet keeps disconnecting. You've tried restarting your computer multiple times, but it's still not working. You feel a wave of intense frustration and are about to slam your laptop shut.

Your Yellow Flags:




Your De-escalation Play:







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