Episode 3

Say This, Not That: De-Escalation Scripts That Work

In this practical episode, we focus on the language educators use when student behavior begins to escalate. When a child is dysregulated, the thinking brain goes offline and tone, body language, and word choice can either escalate or calm the situation. This episode introduces the CALMS Method—Calm your voice, Align your body, Limit your words, Make one direction clear, and Save consequences for later. Listeners will learn how simple shifts in language and adult regulation can reduce power struggles, support nervous system safety, and help students return to a state where learning and accountability are possible.