Safe Harbor Cheat Sheet
SAFE HARBOR CHEAT SHEET
Interim Support Strategies for 5th Grade Teachers
STUDENT: _________________
DATE: ___________
Interim Notice: This student is currently navigating class without an assigned 1:1 aid. Use these immediate environmental, visual, and academic accommodations to prevent sensory distress, bypass triggers, and protect learning momentum.
Critical Trigger Zones & Classroom Fixes
Sensory Overload
Triggered by loud chatter, fluorescent hums, or crowd proximity.
- • Ear Protection: Allow headphones during work.
- • Desk Seating: Seat in back row, away from doors.
- • Quiet Harbor: Pre-approve a quiet cooling desk.
Transitions
Triggered by abrupt routine changes or ending preferred activities.
- • Time Warnings: Give specific "5 & 2 min" cues.
- • Visual Agenda: Use a personal daily schedule tape.
- • Helper Anchor: Assign a task (e.g., collect papers).
Academic Pain
Triggered by dense text, long worksheets, or high writing demands.
- • Task Chunking: Fold page to show 3 tasks max.
- • Modify Output: Accept typing, verbal, or drawing.
- • Effort Praise: Match action with specific positive praise.
Interim Action Comparison
Proactive Strengths (DO)
✔ Use Flat, Quiet Tone: Keep voice neutral, moderate, and calm, even when student begins pacing or muttering.
✔ Offer Structured Choice: "Do you want to write with the blue pen or type on the Chromebook first?"
✔ Introduce Checklists: Use a simple visual sequence on desk where finished items are physical checked off.
✔ Establish a Quiet Signal: Use a silent hand gesture or note-card placement to prompt cooling breaks without speaking.
Common Pitfalls (DON'T)
✘ Do Not Debate: Avoid rational arguments or back-and-forth verbal tennis. Keep demands direct and brief.
✘ Avoid Crowd Positioning: Do not stand over desk or block exit routes. Keep a 3-foot supportive boundary.
✘ No "Why" Questions: Refrain from asking "Why did you do that?" State rules and redirect to a choice.
✘ Do Not Strip Supports: Never remove ear protection, sensory passes, or visual tools as a punishment.
Immediate De-Escalation Protocol
Active Meltdown Phase
1 Detect & Pivot
Spot heavy breathing, rocking, or desk-tapping. Whisper: "Take 3 minutes to reset at the Safe Harbor desk."
2 Reduce & Clear
Do not force verbal eye-contact or correction. Clear triggers from desk. Give short, single-step prompts or space.
3 Recover First
Wait for physical breathing to calm. Do not jump straight to hard academics. Let student reorganize desk first.
Fast-Acting Classroom Incentives
Tech Time Break
5 mins on educational tech after task completion.
Library Assistant
Allow to step out and shelve 5 books in school library.
Class Courier
Give physical delivery tasks to bring to school office.
Drawing Permit
Allow sketching on cardstock inside Safe Harbor area.
Safe Harbor Interim Toolkit • Created for 5th Grade Transition Supports Emergency Escalation Call: Office Ext. __________
