Reset Radar Strategy Card
Self-Regulation Desk Anchor Tier 1 & 2 Support
RESET RADAR STRATEGY CARD
A 4-step roadmap to catch the spark, cool down safely, speak your need, and repair.
Status Check
1
Notice The Spark: Body Warning Signs
Identify Feelings Early
Head & Mind
Racing thoughts, feeling dizzy, buzzing ears, brain feels stuck or locked.
Heart & Breath
Pounding heartbeat, hot cheeks/neck, short quick breaths, tight chest.
Hands & Muscles
Clenched fists, locked jaw, knots in stomach, urge to slam or run away.
2
Hit The Brakes: Activate Calming Tools
Reset Nervous System
Square Breath
Inhale 4s • Hold 4s
Exhale 4s • Rest 4s
5-Sense Scan
Spot 3 blue items, touch 2 textures, hear 1 sound.
Muscle Reset
Press palms together, push wall, or roll shoulders.
Calm Zone Pass
Drink cold water, head down 2 min, sensory strip.
3
Send The Signal: Communicate Needs
Use Voice or Nonverbal
Verbal Scripts (Say or Point)
- • “I feel overloaded. I need 3 quiet minutes.”
- • “I’m frustrated. Can you help me break this into parts?”
- • “I need space right now before I say something mean.”
Silent Signals (When Words Feel Too Hard)
- Flip card to RED on corner of desk Silent Cue
- Show Time-Out hand signal to teacher Gesture
- Write need on sticky note and slide to desk edge Note
4
Rebuild The Bridge: Return & Repair
Restore & Rejoin
Part 1
Check In First
Confirm body is back at Level 1 or 2 before talking.
Part 2
Own What Happened
“When I felt angry, I yelled and knocked my papers.”
Part 3
Make It Right
Clean up items, give sincere apology, check in on others.
Part 4
Smooth Re-entry
Rejoin class quietly with small, achievable step.
Golden Rule of Reset: Emotions are always allowed. Harmful words or actions are not. You are capable of resetting.
Page 1 • Strategy Card
My Self-Regulation Plan
PERSONAL RESET & REPAIR WORKSHEET
Keep in folder or calming corner
Name:
Date:
Period/Room:
A
My Early Warning Clues (Check all that fit you)
Spot escalating energy
Hot face or flushed ears Clenched teeth / jaw Fists tight / shaking hands Fast heartbeat / breathing Wanting to slam objects Going silent / freezing up
My #1 biggest warning sign that I am approaching the red zone:
B
My Top 2 Calming Strategies (What actually helps me cool down)
Choose 2 to practice
Strategy Choice 1
Tool name & how I will do it:
Strategy Choice 2
Backup tool if the first one is not working:
C
My Emergency Help Phrase (Write what you will say or write to an adult)
Safe communication
“When I am overwhelmed, I can tell my teacher or helper: (complete the sentence below)”
I feel:
What I need right now:
D
Post-Outburst Repair Reflection (Complete before rejoining)
Restorative Steps
1. What happened & triggered me?
2. How did my reaction affect others?
3. My concrete repair action:
(Apologize, clean up, redo task calmly)
4. Agreement for next time:
(Sign I will give before exploding)
Student Signature:
Teacher/Staff Signature:
Reset Radar System • Social-Emotional Learning & Behavior Support Framework • Page 2
