79. When a Student Shuts Down, What Should You Do?
About this episode
The episode discusses how to effectively respond when a student shuts down emotionally, emphasizing the importance of regulation over immediate compliance.
What should you do when a student shuts down? In this week's episode of The Language of Behavior , Josh and Charle explore what it looks like when a student becomes emotionally overwhelmed and shuts down. From glossy eyes and stiff posture to a student putting their head down or pulling up their hoodie, these behaviors are often signs of a nervous system in need of time and space, not defiance or disrespect. Josh and Charle discuss why immediately demanding compliance can escalate the situation, how to safely give students space while still providing supervision, and why regulation must come before reflection, problem solving, or consequences. They also share practical ways to respond with curiosity, recognize patterns, and avoid wasting energy trying to control every behavior in the moment. This conversation is a reminder that shutdown is often a protective response. When we focus on helping students regulate first, we create a safer path back to learning, connection, and accountability. -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Do you have any questions for the…
People in this episode
Hosts: Joshua Stamper, Charle Peck
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Thriving School Community, The Language of Behavior
More episodes of The Language of Behavior
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- 81. Preventing Challenging Behavior Before It Starts
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- 77. Building Capacity Under High Pressure Seasons
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