Welcoming Crew Slides
Our Therapeutic Classroom Team
Grades K-2 Safety Guide
👋 🛡️ 🧑🏫
Welcoming New Friends &
Keeping Our Bodies Safe!
What to do when new friends have big, stormy behaviors — and how to keep yourself safe and calm!
1
Gentle Welcomes Give smiles & plenty of space
2
No Copycatting We don't copy unsafe actions
3
Trust the Grown-Ups Staff keep our room safe
Step 1: Empathy & Space
New Friends Might Feel Scared
Slide 2 of 5
⛈️
Why Do Big Behaviors Happen?
When kids feel scared, nervous, or angry inside, their bodies might go into a giant storm:
⚡ They might think: "Am I safe here?"
⚡ They might not know how to ask for help yet.
Remember: Their storm is not about you. They are having a hard time.
🌟
How You Can Be Kind & Safe
👋
Gentle Wave or Smile Say "Hi" quietly, only if they look ready.
🎈
Give Big Personal Space! Do not crowd them, touch them, or stare.
"Space is the kindest gift when feelings are big!"
🫧
Golden Rule: Keep a 5-step bubble around new friends so they have room to breathe!
Step 2: Safe Choices
When Big Storms Hit: DO NOT COPY!
Slide 3 of 5
🛑
Unsafe Storms You Might See:
🪑 Tipping furniture or throwing items
🏃💨 Running out the door (bolting/eloping)
💥 Hitting, kicking, or physical fighting
🗣️ Screaming bad words or mean threats
Do we join in? NEVER! 🙅
🛡️
Your Super Safe Power:
Feet Stay Put: Never follow someone who runs out of the room!
Step Back: Move away from flying objects or aggressive hands.
Quiet Mouth: Don't yell back or laugh. Laughing makes it worse!
"I protect my safety points and my own body!"
🚫
Chant: "Their storm is their storm — I keep my body safe and calm!"
Step 3: Staff Are in Charge
Teachers Keep Everyone Safe
Slide 4 of 5
🛑
Don't Get Involved
Never grab, block, or yell at a friend who is melting down. That is dangerous and makes it worse.
Keep your distance!
🧑🏫
Staff Have Training
Staff know special safety holds, calming words, and how to protect everyone during big storms.
Let adults handle it!
🚶♂️
Room Clear / Safe Spot
If teachers say: "Walk to our safe spot!" walk calmly with staff right away without arguing.
Follow directions fast!
💬
If you feel scared or unsafe, tell a teacher: "I need to move to my safe spot right now."
Our Classroom Promise
Our 3 Big Safety Promises!
Slide 5 of 5
1
I will welcome with kindness and big space! 👋
I won't crowd or stare when someone is nervous or upset.
🫧
2
I will NEVER copycat unsafe actions! 🛑
No running out, no throwing, no fighting, and no screaming back.
🛡️
3
I will follow grown-up directions immediately! 🧑🏫
If staff say move to our safe spot, I walk safely right away.
🚶♂️
🌟 High Five! We keep our bodies safe, our feet in place, and let staff help! 🌟
Safety Allies Slides
Therapeutic Community Protocols
Grades 4–5 Leadership Guide
Safety • De-Escalation • Personal Boundaries
Safety Allies: Handling
High-Stress Classroom Moments
What to do when stress runs high, crisis behaviors erupt, and how to keep your focus, dignity, and personal safety intact.
01
No Spectating Never fuel the crisis
02
No Intervening Leave physical safety to staff
03
Hold Boundaries Follow room protocols fast
Part 1: The Crisis State
Why Severe Dysregulation Happens
Slide 2 of 6
🧠
The "Thinking Brain" Goes Offline
In extreme stress, the survival brain takes over in a complete Fight, Flight, or Freeze reflex:
⚡ Loss of Logic: Rational debate is impossible right now.
⚡ Sensory Alarm: Everyday looks or words feel like threats.
Key Mindset: Their storm is an internal emergency, not an attack on you.
⚠️
Crisis Behaviors You May Witness
Property Destruction: Overturning desks or throwing items.
Elopement (Bolting): Sprinting out of class or building.
Aggression / Outbursts: Hitting, screaming threats, profanity.
Recognizing the crisis keeps you calm and in control!
Your #1 Job: Keep your physical boundaries secure, anchor your emotions, and let staff lead.
Part 2: What Escalates the Crisis
Avoid the Audience Effect & Hero Trap
Slide 3 of 6
👀
Trap #1: The Audience Effect
Peers staring or reacting causes intense shame and spikes adrenaline:
❌ Do NOT Stare: Turn your eyes and body away.
❌ Do NOT Whisper / Laugh: Mocking doubles anger.
❌ Do NOT Comment: Zero commentary
"No Audience = Faster De-Escalation"
🛑
Trap #2: The "Hero Trap"
Never attempt to block someone, grab them, or talk them down:
🚫 Never Block Doors: Blocking triggers fight responses.
🚫 Never Grab or Hold: Physical contact causes injuries.
🚫 Never Argue: Logic fails during amygdala overload.
