ARMOR CHECK
What does "armor that protects" mean?
A response that protects your dignity, safety, and future without creating another problem.
Name one thing you can do before responding when you're angry.
Pause, breathe, count, step away, stay silent briefly, or think before responding.
Finish the statement:
"I don't like when you ______. Please ______."
Any clear, respectful boundary.
True or False: Walking away always means you are scared.
False
What does it mean to "reset" after getting angry?
Calm yourself enough to make a better next decision.
Someone laughs at you in class. You ignore it and continue your work. Is this protective armor or harmful armor?
Protective armor.
Complete this sentence:
"Before I react, I can ______."
Think, walk away, calm down, talk to an adult... etc.
Someone keeps touching your belongings after you told them to stop. Give a strong boundary statement.
Example: "Stop touching my things. I've already asked you."
Name one situation where leaving is smarter than continuing the argument.
Any situation where conflict is escalating, violence may occur, or consequences could increase.
Name one physical reset strategy.
Deep breathing, walking, getting water, sitting down, stretching, counting, etc.
Someone disrespects you, so you threaten them to make sure nobody thinks you're weak. Is this a form of protective armor?
no, this creates another problem.
Someone says something disrespectful in front of your friends. Give yourself a five-second pause and then give a response.
Student demonstrates a pause followed by a controlled response.
Which is the stronger boundary?
A: "Bro, keep playing with me."
B: "I'm telling you clearly—don't touch my stuff."
B
Give an exit statement that doesn't sound like an apology.
Examples: "I'm done with this." / "I'm not doing this." / "I'm out."
You already yelled at somebody. Is it too late to regulate yourself?
No. You can interrupt the escalation at any point.
Name two things a strong response should protect.
Your dignity and your opportunities/future.
Also acceptable: safety, freedom, relationships, education.
Why can delaying your response give you more power?
It gives you time to choose your actions instead of letting anger choose for you.
Someone says, "What are you going to do about it?" after you set a boundary. What could you say next?
Example: "I'm not arguing about it. I'm walking away."
You think a fight is about to happen. What could you say to a teacher, mentor, counselor, or staff member?
Example: "I need to get out of this situation before it becomes something bigger."
Rewrite this reaction:
"I don't care anymore. I'm about to crash out."
Example: "I'm too angry right now. I need to walk away before I make this worse."
Which response shows more strength and why?
A:"Say it again and see what happens."
B: "I'm not doing this with you. I'm walking away."
B, because it protects dignity while preventing escalation and additional consequences.
Create a three-step pause plan you could use when you notice yourself getting angry.
Example: Stop → breathe → decide what response protects me best.
Another student repeatedly insults you in front of everyone. Give a response that:
Example: "You can say what you want, but I'm not going back and forth with you. Leave me alone."
You are extremely angry, people are watching, and someone is challenging you to fight. Demonstrate:
Boundary → Exit → Request for Help
Student successfully performs all three steps without threatening or escalating.
Someone embarrasses you, curses at you, and challenges you in front of your friends.
Give your complete regulation response using:
Pause → Boundary → Exit/Help → Reset
Any response demonstrating all four skills while protecting dignity and preventing escalation.