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Example 5 Point Scale - Anger

RATING

LOOKS LIKE

I CAN TRY TO

VERY ANGRY 

5

  • I might throw things
  • I might run into things
  • I shout loudly
  • I swear
  • I slam doors
  • I might kick doors
  • I might hit
  • I can use my cosy corner
  • I can go to my room and sit on my bed
  • I won’t try to talk until I feel calm again

ANGRY

4

  • I might run out of the room
  • I will shout and push
  • I will slam doors really hard
  • I can use my cosy corner
  • I can use puzzles and fiddle toys
  • I can think to myself 'It is ok, I can do this, I can stay calm.'
  • I can take 5 deep breaths (breathe in
  • slowly for 2 and out for 4)

CROSS

3

  • I might make cross noises
  • I might refuse to do what I am
  • asked
  • I might bang my hand on the
  • arm of the chair
  • My body becomes tense
  • I can use my cosy corner
  • I can try rolling a ball up and down the wall
  • I can do push ups against the wall
  • I can squeeze my hands together really
  • tight or use a stress ball

ANNOYED

2

  • I get much quieter
  • I start breathing more quickly
  • My face looks very cross
  • I can watch TV to take my mind off it
  • I can talk to mum or dad about it
  • I can ask mum and dad for some help
  • I can put it into words 'I feel angry
  • because …'

HAPPY

1

  • I am smiling
  • My body is relaxed
  • I am chatting and playing quite happily

Helping your child with their 5 point scale

  • The aim is to help your child to understand more about the cycle and especially the build up of anger
  • Initially we want to focus on helping your child to recognize which level they have reached and then focus on the appropriate action to move them back down the scale
  • We want to emphasise that it is much easier to do something when you are lower down the scale ie focus on prevention
  • Keep the scale to hand (although discreetly) so your child can point to where they think they are and/or you can point to where you think they are
  • Cue your child into the appropriate actions where possible eg 'I think you are a number 2/3/4 etc – Now is a good time to …'
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