Student elopement can be really tricky. We want to support students, we want to get their needs met, we want to keep them safe, and of course, keep the rest of the class focused and learning. Student elopement is not something that can be ignored. I get asked the question, “What happens WHEN they do elope? What should I do?” That is honestly a tricky question for me to respond to. School buildings and school districts have elopement and crisis plans that need to be followed when a student elopes. That is the protocol that should be followed when a student exits the classroom or the school building/school grounds. What I can support teachers with are the steps before and the processing after elopement. Today’s post is really focusing on a specific proactive strategy to prevent elopement from occurring. Proactive strategies really are the key to success for all behaviors that we want to see disappear. Visuals can be a great way to front load for students and prevent student elopement. Here’s 3 ways visuals can really help.
1.) Social scripts
I love using social scripts in the classroom. They can help shape behavior, make learning concrete, and provide structured learning for students. One of my favorite parts of social scripts is that they can be so heavily visually supported. Creating social scripts for students that target what students need to prevent eloping can be GOLD! An example might be using a social script about how to use a sensory tool when a student enters school in the morning. This can help them better understand the tools available to support them in the classroom, therefore it’s working to prevent student elopement. Having social scripts to help students better understand how to utilize a break corner or calm area is another way to encourage use of the supports in place for students so they don’t rely on eloping.
A friendly reminder! Social scripts work best when they are used when students are calm and at their emotional baseline. Utilizing a social script about accessing a break space when a student is actively trying to leave the classroom is not going to work! These are proactive strategy tools.
Looking for a library of high quality, varied social scripts? Check out the Social Script Library!
2.) Providing visual choices
One adult behavior I see used a lot with escalated students is the use of lots of verbal communication. Often when a student is escalated enough to be looking to escape from the setting, their brain isn’t in a space to comprehend a lot of verbal language. This is why social scripts are not useful at this stage! Providing choices for students can be really powerful, especially when those choices are shown in visual form. Showing students picture icons or photos of alternative choices (ex: sensory room, walk outside, or calm corner) can be a less overwhelming option. Having these visuals readily available for adults in the classroom is also essential! This way, they can be ready to help prevent student elopement at a moment’s notice.
Are you looking for a variety of choice boards? I have a bunch of free versions in my free resource library. Sign up here!
3.) Visual schedules & first/then boards
Creating a visual way for students to comprehend and gather what’s on the docket for their day can be a life altering support. If visual schedules aren’t already a staple in your classroom, here’s your sign! Over the years I have found schedules and “first/then” boards to be some of the best supports to prevent student elopement. When students can see and understand what is going on in their day, they often feel relief! Kids need a better sense of control over their school day.
What ways have you used visual supports to help prevent student elopement?
Thank you very much for this! I had a Kindergarten student last year who eloped often. These were the strategies that worked! I was able to use a visual schedule, a very personalized social story, and several signs such as “STOP”, First…Then, etc… It took consistency and RELATIONSHIP BUILDING but it worked!