Regulation Lab Slides
The Regulation Lab
Mastering Proactive Replacement Behaviors
Staff Professional Development // Session 01
The Core Challenge
Reactive Cycle
- Focuses on the **behavioral outburst**
- Relies on **consequences** after the fact
- Result: Exhaustion & high stress
Proactive Shift
- Focuses on the **emotional trigger**
- Teaches **replacement skills** early
- Result: Independence & Calm
Spotting the Spark
Triggers aren't just "bad moods"—they are predictable patterns.
Environment
Noises, lighting, or crowded hallways.
Academic
Difficult tasks or vague instructions.
Social/Internal
Conflict, hunger, or exhaustion.
The 10-Minute Rule: What happens 10 minutes before the behavior starts? That is your target.
The Behavior Swap
What is a Replacement Behavior?
A positive skill that serves the same purpose as the problem behavior but is safer and more effective.
Trigger + [Skill] = Regulation
The Swap Criteria:
- Must be physically easier
- Must work faster
- Must be taught early
The Toolbox: Common Swaps
Stop This...
Ripping paper when stuck
Shouting for attention
Shutting down (head on desk)
Start This!
Using a "Help" card
Silent hand signal
"I need a redo" agreement
Teaching the "Start" is where the magic happens.
Case Study 01: Leo
Leo is asked to begin a multi-step math sheet. After 30 seconds, he sweeps his materials off the desk and crawls under the table.
Team Discussion
- What is the trigger?
- What is the function?
- Choose a swap skill.
Case Study 02: Maya
Maya is playing a game at recess. After losing her turn, she screams at a peer, "You're a cheater!" and tries to push them.
Team Discussion
- How can we be proactive?
- What coping skill is missing?
- Define a "low-stakes" practice.
The Action Plan
1
Identify
Track the trigger for 3 days before acting.
2
Select
Choose a swap behavior that is easier and faster.
3
Teach
Role-play daily during happy, calm moments.
4
Prompt
Remind them *before* the trigger occurs.
Build the Boat
"Effective regulation isn't about stopping a storm; it's about teaching the student how to build a better boat."
pd@school // regulation-lab-01
Regulation Lab Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Guide
The Regulation Lab: Proactive PD
Version 1.0 // Session Guide
Workshop Overview
This session shifts staff from a reactive (discipline) to a proactive (instructional) mindset. We treat emotional regulation as a curriculum to be taught, not just a behavior to be managed.
Learning Objectives
- Identify triggers 10 minutes prior to outbursts.
- Match replacement behaviors to the function.
- Apply the "Easier & Faster" rule to skill selection.
Timing (60 Mins)
- 00-20: Direct Instruction (Slides 1-5)
- 20-45: Case Study Group Work (Slides 6-7)
- 45-60: Action Planning & Wrap (Slides 8-9)
Case Study Debrief Guide
Case Study 01: Leo (Math Meltdown)
Leo sweeps math materials and hides under the table when asked to start division.
Trigger
Task demand (Multi-step math sheet)
Function
Escape / Avoidance
Swap Skill
Help card, "I'll do 3" agreement, or Break card.
Case Study 02: Maya (Social Spark)
Maya screams and pushes at recess after a rule disagreement during a game.
Trigger
Peer conflict / Losing a turn
Function
Control / Social Justice / Tangible (The game)
Swap Skill
"I need a redo," checking in with an adult, or walking to the "cool-down bench."
Key Talk Tracks
On Consequences:
"Consequences stop behavior in the moment, but skills prevent them in the future."
On Skill Teaching:
"We don't teach a child to swim while they are drowning. We teach the swap during calm times."
Action Step Checklist
- Distribute the **Trigger Mapping Worksheet** before Case Study 01.
- Encourage role-play during Slide 8 (Action Plan).
- Schedule a 1-week follow-up for staff to share progress.
Trigger Mapping Worksheet
Trigger Mapping
Regulation Lab Workshop Practice
Staff Member Name
Date
1
Scenario Analysis
Work with your group to analyze one of the case studies from the presentation.
Primary Trigger (10 mins prior)
Behavior Function (The 'Why')
The 'Swap' (Replacement Behavior)
Remember: Must be physically easier and work faster than the current behavior.
2
My Action Plan
Select one student you support and map out a proactive strategy.
Student & Current Outburst
The Predictable Trigger
Instructional Plan (How/When will you teach the swap?)
Proactive > Reactive
If the swap doesn't get the student what they need, they won't use it. Match the function!
