Reset Radar Worksheet
Reset Radar Worksheet
Spotting Dysregulation Clues & Choosing Restorative Next Steps
Name:
Date:
Class:
Regulation Detective Tools:
Sensory / Breath: Slow deep breathing, quiet space Movement: Walk, stretch, hand squeezes Connect: Signal a trusted adult or peer
Scenario 1 • Academic Pressure
Maya & the Timed Math Challenge
Setting: Classroom
Maya is working on a 15-question math test. With 5 minutes remaining, the teacher gives a 5-minute warning. Maya grips her pencil so tightly her knuckles turn white. She suddenly snaps the pencil in half, slams both fists on her desk, crosses her arms, and glares at the floor while muttering, "This is stupid, and I'm not doing this garbage anymore."
1. What body clues or behavioral signs show that Maya's nervous system is dysregulated?
2. What was the probable trigger?
Time pressure and fear of failing Being bored and having too much free time
3. Best immediate reset step for Maya:
Take 3 box breaths & ask for a water break Tear up the paper and put head down
4. Why is this reset step more effective than forcing her to keep writing right away?
Scenario 2 • Sensory Overload
Jordan in the Echoing Cafeteria
Setting: School Cafeteria
The cafeteria is packed, fluorescent lights are humming, and hundreds of kids are talking loudly. When a nearby student accidentally drops a metal tray with a deafening crash, Jordan immediately clamps both hands over their ears, curls into a tight ball under the bench, shakes their head vigorously, and begins sobbing silently without touching their lunch.
1. Which state is Jordan experiencing?
Sensory overload (freeze/flight protection) Disobedience and trying to avoid cleaning up
2. What regulation support tool fits best?
Noise-reducing headphones & quiet hallway Loudly telling Jordan to sit properly
3. If you were sitting at Jordan's table, what is one kind, calm thing you could do or say to help?
Remember: Dysregulation is a biological distress call, not bad behavior. Page 1 of 2
Reset Radar • Everyday & Social Scenarios
Part 2: Playground Disagreements & Unexpected Changes
Detective Guide
Scenario 3 • Social Frustration
Leo & the Disputed Goal
Setting: Playground
During a 4th-grade recess soccer match, Leo scores, but a player on the other team yells, "Out of bounds! Doesn't count!" Leo's face flushes dark red, his nostrils flare, and his chest heaves. He punts the ball over the school fence into the bushes, shoves a classmate who tries to talk to him, and screams, "You cheat every single time!"
1. What "Fight" response signals did Leo show?
2. Which action would DE-ESCALATE his state?
Step away to the bench, drink water, do heavy push-walls Argue louder and demand everyone agree with him
3. Once Leo’s body has calmed down, how could he resolve the game rule calmly?
Scenario 4 • Transition & Change
Sam & the Rainy Day Surprise
Setting: Home / Hallway
Sam spent all week counting down the days until Saturday's outdoor skatepark trip. On Saturday morning, torrential rain begins pouring. When Sam's parent explains the trip must be postponed, Sam drops flat onto the entryway floor, pulls their knees to their chin, pulls their hood completely over their face, and ignores every voice or question for 20 minutes.
1. What dysregulation pattern is Sam showing?
Shutdown / Freeze (withdrawal & overwhelm) Hyperactive fight mode
2. What would be the most supportive adult response?
Give gentle quiet presence & time before talking Demand Sam stand up immediately and clean their room
3. What positive alternative could help Sam shift gears once they feel ready?
Self-Connection: My Personal Regulation Plan
My body's #1 early clue that I'm getting dysregulated:
One helpful reset step I can take before reacting:
Self-regulation is a skill we build with practice and self-compassion. Page 2 of 2
