De-escalation Cue Cards
Small enough for a lanyard, calming enough to change the moment.
These pocket-sized visual cue cards give an adult a fast way to communicate expectations, offer choices, and cue self-regulation without adding more words to an already escalated moment. Print, laminate, and cut each card, punch a hole in the corner, and attach to a lanyard with a key ring or hook, so the right prompt is always within reach.
The 22 cards cover four practical categories:
- Transitions: Stop, Wait, Go
- Regulation & Calming: Take a Break, Count to 5, Deep Breath, Quiet Space, Take a Walk, Safe Body
- Communication & Needs: Help, Drink, Voices Off, Raise Hand to Speak
- Classroom Expectations: Stand Up, Sit Down, Eyes on Teacher, Lower Volume, Focus, Line Up, Ready to Work, Great Job
Two blank cards are included at the end so a teacher can customize additional cues specific to their classroom or a particular student's plan.
Because the cards rely on images and a single word rather than a lengthy verbal explanation, they reduce the language and cognitive load on a student who's already struggling to process what's being asked of them, while giving the adult a calm, consistent signal to return to every time.
Download the De-escalation Cue Cards
In Behavior Advantage: Reference specific cards as concrete Prevention or Response strategies in a BIP or Simple BIP (for example, "present the Take a Break card" or "use the Stop / Wait / Go cards during transitions"), so the strategy is specific enough for any staff member to implement consistently.