Regulation Ladder Cue Cards
Non-Verbal Support Tool 1–5 Emotional Regulation Scale
Zones of Regulation: 1–5 Cue Chart
Student Direction
Tap or Point to Your Level
5 Crisis
Overwhelmed • Meltdown • Out of Control
Emergency Co-Regulation
My Body Feels: Screaming, tears, flight/fight, explosive, cannot hear words
Teacher Action: Safety first. Silence/whisper. Remove audience. Do not demand talking.
🛑 CANNOT THINK Needs Safety
4 Alert
High Alert • Big Anger • Intense Anxiety
Intervene Now
My Body Feels: Clenched fists, rigid, fast heart, glaring, pacing, boiling
Teacher Action: Step back 3 feet. Offer 2 non-verbal choices. Max 2-3 words.
⚠️ NEED SPACE De-escalate
3 Slow Down
Caution • Wiggly • Silly • Frustrated • Worried
Reset Needed
My Body Feels: Bouncing, distracted, loud stimming, tense jaw, restless hands
Teacher Action: Offer sensory tool, heavy work, or 2-minute movement break.
⚡ NEED RESET Sensory Break
2 Optimal
Ready to Learn • Calm • Happy • In Control
Green Zone
My Body Feels: Relaxed shoulders, steady breathing, eyes engaged, body calm
Teacher Action: Specific praise ("Great focus"). Continue routine and learning.
😊 I AM READY Good to Go
1 Resting
Low Energy • Tired • Sad • Sick • Shut Down
Recharge
My Body Feels: Head on desk, yawning, heavy limbs, quiet, slow responses
Teacher Action: Offer water, gentle stretch, quiet rest space, or healthy snack.
😴 NEED REST Recharge Body
What Will Help My Body Right Now? (Touch One) Visual Choice Matrix
Cold Water
Headphones
Deep Breaths
Short Walk
Sensory Fidget
Quiet Space
Co-Regulation Rule: Match low energy with calm presence. At 4 & 5, reduce words by 90% and use pointing prompts only.
Printable Desk / Board Mat
Portable Teacher Cue Cards (Lanyard / Pocket Ring)
Cut along outer dashed lines. Punch top hole (circle) for ring or lanyard.
Heavy Cardstock Recommended
Card 1 • Touch Ladder
Where is your body?
5
Crisis / Exploding
Stop • Can't think • Unsafe
🛑
4
High Alert / Mad
Boiling • Big panic • Fists
⚠️
3
Caution / Wiggly
Silly • Frustrated • Restless
⚡
2
Calm & Focused
Ready to learn • Happy
😊
1
Low Energy / Tired
Sad • Sick • Moving slow
😴
👉 Hold up to student: "Show me your number"
Card 2 • Choice Board
I Need... (Point Here)
Water
Headphones
Deep Breath
Short Walk
Quiet Space
Sensory Toy
2 Min Break
Teacher Help
Offer choice board silently without asking "What's wrong?"
Card 3 • Teacher Scripts
Quick De-escalation Protocol
At Level 5 (Crisis):
Say: "You are safe." (Whisper)
Silence is best. Do not reason. Keep body relaxed.
At Level 4 (High Alert):
Say: "Water or Break?" (Offer card)
Give 3 ft personal bubble. Stop all demands.
At Level 3 (Wiggly/Frustrated):
Say: "Let's reset."
Provide heavy work, squeeze ball, or deep breath.
At Level 1 & 2 (Calm / Low):
Say: "Ready to work" or "Gentle sip"
Praise self-advocacy and calm bodily state.
Rule of 3: Max 3 words • 3 seconds processing wait time
Card 4 • Calming Tools
Trace & Breathe (Point with Finger)
Square Breathing Visual
Breathe In (4s) ➡️ Hold (4s) ⬅️ Breathe Out (4s) Hold (4s) Trace with
Finger
5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Reset (Show Fingers):
5 things you can see 👀
4 things you can touch ✋
3 sounds you hear 👂
2 things to smell 👃
1 slow deep breath 🌬️
Teacher model: Guide student's index finger around square
Tip: Keep on lanyard or ring clip. Non-verbal students can point independently during escalating moments.