There are some times in the classroom where you can feel the tension rise. Just like the onset of a summer storm.
It takes a wise teacher to diffuse any situation when storms are a-brewing.
Storms bring so much col ateral damage that it takes a long time to recover.
You have two options. If the heat is rising, you have to decide whether 1. to put the storm shutters up and weather it out or 2. to pul up anchor and move to calmer waters.
Me, I prefer to pul up anchor. So if an activity is creating too much friction, if some of the kids are causing unnecessary angst, I like to move onto something which wil lower the temperatures.
I find an activity which is on the floor. A look at me, listening style activity does the trick.