Managing Classroom Elopement: Strategies for Teachers When Students Run Away

Classroom elopement, or when students run away from the classroom due to behavior challenges, can be one of the most stressful and potentially dangerous situations a teacher faces. For students with significant behavior needs, elopement often stems from feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or lacking the skills to communicate effectively. As teachers, knowing how to respond and prevent elopement is crucial for maintaining safety.

Below are some strategies I have outlined to help address and hopefully manage elopement in your classroom:

1. Define and Understand the WHY behind the Behavior:
   • The first step in managing elopement is understanding the function of the behavior.
     • Students may run away for a variety of reasons:
       • 1. Avoidance: They may want to escape a challenging task or social situation
       • 2. Attention-seeking: Some students elope to get attention from adults or peers
       • 3. Sensory overload: Environments that are too loud, crowded, or chaotic can overwhelm students
       • 4. Seeking control: Running away may be a way for the student to feel in control of an otherwise overwhelming situation
   • A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) may be recommend and can provide insight into the student’s triggers and needs.

2. Establish Clear Routines and Expectations: Predictability can be calming for students prone to elopement. Create a structured environment with clear routines and expectations. Use visual schedules, timers, or task lists to provide a sense of control and predictability.

3. Create a Safe Environment: If elopement is a recurring issue, consider making physical adjustments to your classroom. Arrange desks and furniture in a way that limits easy exits, or position yourself near doorways during challenging times.

4. Teach Coping Strategies: Many students elope because they lack the tools to deal with frustration or sensory overload. Teach students specific strategies to manage these feelings, such as:
   – Break cards for when they need a break from the task or environment.
   – Calm-down corners with sensory tools or calming activities.
   – Requesting help with visuals or expressing feelings in a way that’s appropriate and effective.

5. Develop a Response Plan: Have a school-wide response plan for when a student elopes. This plan should prioritize the student’s safety without reinforcing the behavior. Key components might include:
   – Safe adult retrieval: A staff member should calmly and quietly retrieve the student without giving too much attention to the behavior.
   – Natural consequences: If a student elopes to avoid a task, ensure they still complete the task later to avoid reinforcing the escape behavior.
   -Debriefing: Once the student has calmed down and returned to the classroom, have a debriefing conversation to help them understand why running away isn’t the solution.

6. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward students for staying in the classroom and using appropriate behaviors to handle stress. Positive reinforcement could be verbal praise, earning points towards a reward, or other preferred activities. When students see the benefits of staying and engaging appropriately, they’re less likely to run away!

7. Involve Families and Behavior Specialists: If elopement is a frequent issue, work closely with the student’s family and other professionals, such as a school psychologist or behavior specialist. Share data (using the behavior binder below makes it super easy) on when and why the behavior occurs, and work together to develop a behavior intervention plan (BIP) that addresses the underlying causes of elopement.

Elopement is a tricky and complex behavior that involves patience, planning and proactive strategies. In my opinion, it can be one of the hardest behaviors to deal with. So, give yourself a huge pat on the back for even reading this blog post for the intent of helping you overcoming students running away.

Whether you’re new to teaching or have years of experience, managing elopement requires a team approach, it takes a village! Grab this social story with visuals and student activities below to help with elopement today!