Lesson Plan
Activating Positive Behaviors
Teachers will be able to implement at least two behavioral activation or problem-solving strategies to support a dysregulated student.
This lesson is important because it provides teachers with concrete, actionable strategies to help students who are struggling with self-regulation, leading to a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone.
Audience
Teachers
Time
120 minutes
Approach
Through direct instruction, interactive scenarios, and practical application.
Materials
Smartboard or projector, Behavioral Strategies Slide Deck, Problem-Solving Scenario Challenge activity sheets, My Coping Skills Plan Worksheet, Positive Behavior Bingo cards and markers, and Pens/pencils
Prep
Preparation
30 minutes
- Review the entire lesson plan and all generated materials to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
* Print copies of the Problem-Solving Scenario Challenge activity sheets (one per small group).
* Print copies of the My Coping Skills Plan Worksheet (one per teacher).
* Print copies of the Positive Behavior Bingo cards (one per teacher) and prepare markers/tokens.
* Ensure technology (projector/smartboard) is set up and tested for the Behavioral Strategies Slide Deck.
* Arrange seating for small group discussions and activities.
Step 1
The Power of Behavior
15 minutes
- Introduction (5 min): Begin by welcoming teachers and introducing the lesson topic: "Activating Positive Behaviors." Discuss the importance of understanding and addressing student dysregulation in the classroom. Use the first few slides of the Behavioral Strategies Slide Deck to set the stage.
* Share & Discuss (10 min): Ask teachers to briefly share a common behavioral challenge they face in their classrooms. Facilitate a brief discussion, emphasizing that many challenges stem from underlying dysregulation and a lack of coping skills.
Step 2
Introducing Behavioral Activation
25 minutes
- Direct Instruction (15 min): Use the Behavioral Strategies Slide Deck to introduce the concept of Behavioral Activation. Explain how identifying and encouraging positive, goal-directed behaviors can counteract dysregulation. Provide examples relevant to a classroom setting.
* Think-Pair-Share (10 min): Pose a question: "How might you use behavioral activation to encourage a student who is withdrawn or disengaged?" Have teachers think individually, then discuss with a partner, and finally share ideas with the larger group.
Step 3
The 5-Step Problem-Solving Model
30 minutes
- Direct Instruction (10 min): Introduce the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model for addressing student behavior. Use the Behavioral Strategies Slide Deck to outline each step: 1. Identify the Problem, 2. Brainstorm Solutions, 3. Evaluate Solutions, 4. Choose & Implement, 5. Review & Adjust.
* Scenario Challenge (20 min): Divide teachers into small groups (3-4 per group). Distribute the Problem-Solving Scenario Challenge activity sheets. Each group will work through a scenario, applying the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model. Encourage creative and practical solutions. Circulate to provide support and guidance.
Step 4
Brainstorming Classroom Applications
20 minutes
- Group Share & Discussion (15 min): Bring the small groups back together. Have each group share their scenario and their proposed solutions from the Problem-Solving Scenario Challenge. Facilitate a discussion on the commonalities and unique aspects of their approaches. Emphasize the flexibility and adaptability of the model.
* Whole Group Brainstorm (5 min): Lead a quick whole-group brainstorm on other potential applications of the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model for various classroom behaviors.
Step 5
Developing a 'Coping Skills Toolbox'
20 minutes
- Introduction to Coping Skills (5 min): Discuss the importance of equipping students with a
Step 6
Developing a 'Coping Skills Toolbox'
20 minutes
- Introduction to Coping Skills (5 min): Discuss the importance of equipping students with a diverse range of coping skills to manage dysregulation effectively. Explain that these skills serve as a 'toolbox' students can draw from.
* My Coping Skills Plan Worksheet (10 min): Distribute the worksheet. Have teachers individually identify and list various coping skills that students could use in the classroom or at home. Encourage them to think about different categories of coping skills (e.g., movement, sensory, calming strategies).
* Share Out (5 min): Invite teachers to share some of the coping skills they identified and discuss how they might introduce and reinforce these with their students.
Step 7
Reinforcement and Integration
20 minutes
- Positive Behavior Game (15 min): Introduce and play Positive Behavior Bingo as a fun, interactive way to reinforce the concepts of behavioral activation, problem-solving, and coping skills. The bingo squares can represent different strategies or positive behaviors.
* Reflection & Next Steps (5 min): Conclude by asking teachers to reflect on one new strategy they plan to implement in their classroom next week. Encourage them to integrate these strategies into their daily routines and classroom management.
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Slide Deck
Activating Positive Behaviors
Empowering Teachers to Support Student Self-Regulation and Success!
Welcome teachers and introduce the topic. Emphasize the positive impact of proactive behavior strategies.
The Power of Behavior
Why is understanding student behavior crucial for effective teaching?
How does behavior impact learning and the classroom environment?
Start with a thought-provoking question or statistic about student behavior. Discuss how behavior impacts learning and classroom climate. Connect to teachers' real-world experiences.
Understanding Dysregulation
What does 'dysregulation' look like in the classroom?
Recognizing the signs and understanding the underlying needs.
Explain what dysregulation means in a classroom context (emotional, behavioral, cognitive). Discuss common signs and triggers. Frame it as a skill deficit, not a defiance.
Introducing Behavioral Activation
Behavioral Activation: Focusing on increasing positive, adaptive behaviors to improve mood and functioning.
* Identify desired behaviors.
* Break them down into small steps.
* Encourage engagement and participation.
Introduce Behavioral Activation as a strategy. Define it as identifying and increasing engagement in positive, goal-directed behaviors. Contrast it with simply trying to stop negative behaviors.
Behavioral Activation In Action
Think: How can we help a withdrawn student re-engage?
* Starting with small, achievable tasks.
* Providing positive reinforcement for effort.
* Connecting activities to student interests.
Provide clear, concrete examples of how behavioral activation can be applied in different classroom scenarios. Encourage teachers to think about their own students.
The 5-Step Problem-Solving Model
A roadmap for addressing challenging behaviors:
1. Identify the Problem: What exactly is happening?
2. Brainstorm Solutions: What could we try?
3. Evaluate Solutions: What are the pros and cons?
4. Choose & Implement: Pick a solution and try it!
5. Review & Adjust: Did it work? What's next?
Introduce the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model. Explain each step clearly and concisely. Emphasize that this is a structured approach to addressing behavioral challenges.
Problem-Solving: A Collaborative Approach
Empowering students to find their own solutions!
* Teaching students the 5 steps.
* Facilitating student-led problem-solving sessions.
* Building independence and self-advocacy.
Explain that this model is not just for teachers to use on students, but also with students to empower them.
Classroom Application Challenge!
Get ready to apply the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model to realistic classroom scenarios.
* Work in groups.
* Think critically and creatively.
* Be prepared to share your strategies!
Transition to the activity. Explain that teachers will apply the 5-step model to real-world scenarios. This slide sets up the next activity.
Your Coping Skills Toolbox
What are coping skills and why do students need them?
* Strategies to manage stress, anger, and anxiety.
* Tools for self-regulation and emotional control.
* Building resilience for lifelong success.
Emphasize the importance of teaching students coping skills proactively. Frame them as tools for self-regulation.
Filling Your Toolbox: Examples
What are some practical coping skills for students?
* Deep breathing exercises.
* Taking a short break/walk.
* Drawing or journaling.
* Listening to calming music.
* Using fidgets or sensory tools.
Provide a variety of examples of coping skills, categorizing them if helpful (e.g., movement, calming, creative).
Bringing It All Together
You have the power to create a positive and supportive learning environment!
* Implement behavioral activation.
* Use the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model.
* Build a 'Coping Skills Toolbox' with your students.
* Keep learning, keep adapting, keep making a difference!
Wrap up by encouraging teachers to integrate these strategies and to continue learning and adapting. End with a positive, empowering message.
Activity
Problem-Solving Scenario Challenge
Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario carefully. Apply the 5-Step Problem-Solving Model (Identify the Problem, Brainstorm Solutions, Evaluate Solutions, Choose & Implement, Review & Adjust) to develop a plan of action for each situation. Be prepared to share your group's strategies with the class.
Scenario 1: The Disengaged Doodler
Description: Liam, a 4th-grade student, frequently disengages during independent work time. Instead of completing assignments, you often find him doodling in his notebook or staring blankly into space. When prompted, he often shrugs and says, "I don't know what to do." This has been happening for several weeks, and his work completion is significantly behind.
Your 5-Step Problem-Solving Plan:
- Identify the Problem:
- Brainstorm Solutions:
- Evaluate Solutions:
- Choose & Implement:
- Review & Adjust:
Scenario 2: The Frustrated Fidgeter
Description: Maya, a 7th-grade student, struggles with sustained attention during lectures and quiet work. She constantly fidgets, taps her pencil, and often gets up to sharpen it or get a drink. When asked to sit still, she becomes visibly frustrated, sometimes muttering under her breath or sighing loudly. Her behaviors are distracting to other students.
Your 5-Step Problem-Solving Plan:
- Identify the Problem:
- Brainstorm Solutions:
- Evaluate Solutions:
- Choose & Implement:
- Review & Adjust:
Scenario 3: The Argumentative Answering Machine
Description: David, a 2nd-grade student, often blurts out answers and interrupts other students during whole-group discussions. When gently reminded to raise his hand, he sometimes argues, saying, "But I knew the answer!" or "It's not fair!" This disrupts the flow of discussion and makes it difficult for other students to participate.
Your 5-Step Problem-Solving Plan:
- Identify the Problem:
- Brainstorm Solutions:
- Evaluate Solutions:
- Choose & Implement:
- Review & Adjust:
Worksheet
My Coping Skills Plan Worksheet
Instructions: This worksheet will help you brainstorm and organize a variety of coping skills that students can use to manage dysregulation and promote positive behaviors. Think broadly about different types of strategies.
Section 1: Brainstorming Coping Skill Categories
What are some different categories or types of coping skills that might be helpful for students? (e.g., physical, creative, calming, social, sensory)
Section 2: Building the Coping Skills Toolbox
For each category, list specific coping skills that students could use in the classroom or at home. Try to think of at least 2-3 examples per category.
Calming Strategies (e.g., Deep Breathing, Mindfulness)
Movement/Physical Strategies (e.g., Stretching, Walking)
Creative/Expressive Strategies (e.g., Drawing, Journaling)
Sensory Strategies (e.g., Fidgets, Stress Balls)
Social Strategies (e.g., Talking to a Friend, Asking for Help)
Section 3: Teaching and Implementing Coping Skills
How will you introduce these coping skills to your students? How will you encourage them to use these skills when needed?
Game
Positive Behavior Bingo!
Instructions: This game is a fun way to review and reinforce the strategies we've learned today for activating positive behaviors and supporting student self-regulation. Each square on your bingo card contains a concept or action related to our lesson. As I call out concepts, mark them off on your card. The first one to get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) wins!
Bingo Card
| FREE SPACE! | Identify the Problem | Deep Breathing | Brainstorm Solutions | Use a Fidget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take a Brain Break | Evaluate Solutions | Set a Small Goal | Talk to a Friend | Positive Reinforcement |
| Choose & Implement | Journaling | Asking for Help | Visual Schedule | Reflect & Adjust |
| Active Listening | Sensory Corner | Movement Break | Praise Effort | Flexible Seating |
| Build a Coping Skills Toolbox | Mindfulness App | Break Down Tasks | Self-Monitoring | Peer Support |
How to Play:
- Each player has a Bingo card and markers (or a pen to cross off squares).
- The facilitator will call out concepts related to activating positive behaviors, problem-solving, or coping skills.
- If you have the called-out concept on your card, mark it off.
- The first player to get five marked squares in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "BINGO!"
- The winner then shares how the concepts they marked can be applied in their classroom.
Facilitator Concepts to Call Out (can be called in any order, elaborate briefly on each):
- Identify the Problem (from the 5-step model)
- Brainstorm Solutions (from the 5-step model)
- Evaluate Solutions (from the 5-step model)
- Choose & Implement (from the 5-step model)
- Review & Adjust (from the 5-step model)
- Deep Breathing (coping skill)
- Use a Fidget (coping skill)
- Take a Brain Break (coping skill/behavioral activation)
- Set a Small Goal (behavioral activation)
- Talk to a Friend (coping skill)
- Positive Reinforcement (behavioral strategy)
- Journaling (coping skill)
- Asking for Help (coping skill)
- Visual Schedule (proactive strategy)
- Reflect & Adjust (from the 5-step model)
- Active Listening (teacher skill)
- Sensory Corner (classroom support)
- Movement Break (coping skill/behavioral activation)
- Praise Effort (behavioral strategy)
- Flexible Seating (classroom support)
- Build a Coping Skills Toolbox (lesson concept)
- Mindfulness App (coping skill)
- Break Down Tasks (behavioral activation)
- Self-Monitoring (student skill)
- Peer Support (social-emotional support)