For some learners with social and emotional needs, the feeling of not being ‘heard’ by adults can be a real trigger to spiralling behaviour. If they are struggling emotionally, take a moment to reflect back to them what they are communicating to you – e.g. ‘I realise you are angry because I didn’t choose you first. Let’s make sure you go first next time.’ Sometimes, this proof of being listened to with empathy and containment is enough to dampen down their feelings of frustration and reduce the spiral of escalation.