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Behavior Boost

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Lisa Tervil

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Positive Reinforcement Plan

Enable a 7th grader to select interest-based rewards, link them to clear behaviors, practice through a reinforcement game, and set up a simple tracking routine in one focused 25-minute session.

Tailoring positive reinforcement to a student’s interests increases motivation, reduces unwanted behaviors, and builds self-monitoring skills—key for lasting behavior change.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, practical game, guided planning

Materials

Boosting Behaviors Presentation, Reinforcement Reward Bingo, and Reward Criteria Guide

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

  • Open and review the Boosting Behaviors Presentation
  • Print or prepare digital copies of the Reinforcement Reward Bingo
  • Read through the Reward Criteria Guide to refresh on interest-based reinforcers
  • Prepare a blank behavior tracking chart (paper or digital)

Step 1

Introduction & Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain today’s purpose: identifying motivators, practicing positive behaviors, and planning tracking
  • Link session to the student’s personal goals and build rapport

Step 2

Teach Positive Reinforcement

5 minutes

  • Display definitions and key points using the Boosting Behaviors Presentation
  • Model examples of behavior–reward pairs and explain why they work

Step 3

Identify Personalized Rewards

5 minutes

  • Use the Reward Criteria Guide to brainstorm 5–7 interest-based options
  • Help the student pick their top 3 rewards and write each next to a specific, measurable behavior target

Step 4

Practice with Reinforcement Bingo

7 minutes

  • Hand out the Reinforcement Reward Bingo cards
  • Demonstrate marking behaviors when observed; have the student practice with sample scenarios
  • Play a quick round, celebrating each correct behavior and honoring any Bingo calls

Step 5

Data Tracking & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Co-create a simple chart: list behaviors, dates, and marks earned
  • Prompt reflection: “Which behavior will you focus on? Which reward motivates you most? How will you know you’ve succeeded?”
  • Record answers and schedule a check-in date
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Slide Deck

Boosting Behaviors: Positive Reinforcement Strategies

Learn how positive reinforcement works and how we’ll use it together today.

Welcome the student warmly. Explain: “Today we’ll explore how rewards can help you make positive choices and reach your goals.”

What Is Positive Reinforcement?

• A strategy that uses rewards to increase desired behaviors
• When a behavior is followed by a positive outcome, it’s more likely to occur again

Define reinforcement and relate to real life. “When we do something and get something we like right after, we’re more likely to do it again.”

Why Use Positive Reinforcement?

• Builds motivation and engagement
• Reduces unwanted behaviors over time
• Encourages self-monitoring and confidence

Highlight benefits. Ask: “Which of these sounds helpful to you?”

Examples of Behavior–Reward Pairs

• Completes homework on time → Extra video game time
• Raises hand and waits to be called → Favorite snack
• Helps a peer with classwork → 5 minutes free drawing

Provide examples the student can relate to (hobbies, school tasks).

Identify Your Top Rewards

  1. Brainstorm 5–7 things you enjoy (activities, items, privileges)
  2. Pick your top 3 most motivating rewards
  3. Write them down for our next step

Guide the student through personal reflection. “Think of 3 things you enjoy.”

Pair Behaviors with Rewards

  1. For each chosen reward, pick one clear behavior target
  2. Make behaviors measurable (e.g., “completes 2 homework problems”)
  3. Assign each behavior to its reward

Teach how to make behaviors specific and measurable.

Reinforcement Reward Bingo Preview

• You’ll get a Bingo card with target behaviors
• Mark a square each time you demonstrate a behavior
• Get five in a row to earn one of your chosen rewards

Introduce the Bingo game as a fun practice. “Let’s see how it works.”

Track Progress & Next Steps

• Use a simple chart to record dates and marks
• Reflect: Which behavior will you practice first? Which reward motivates you most?
• Schedule our next check-in date

Wrap up and set immediate next steps. “Which behavior will you focus on this week?”

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Game

Reinforcement Reward Bingo

Objective: Practice and reinforce your personalized target behaviors by playing Bingo. Customize each square with measurable behaviors you want to build, then mark them off as you demonstrate them.

Instructions

  1. Before playing, write your top 3 selected rewards below (from the Reward Criteria Guide):
    1. Reward 1: _______________________________
    2. Reward 2: _______________________________
    3. Reward 3: _______________________________
  2. Fill in each blank square on the Bingo card with one clear, measurable behavior target (e.g., “completes 3 math problems,” “waits patiently to be called on”).
  3. Each time you demonstrate one of your behaviors, mark that square (✔️ or color it in).
  4. When you get five in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), call “Bingo!” and choose one of your rewards.
  5. Continue playing to earn more rewards and build positive habits.

Bingo Card Template (5×5)

____________________
____________________
________FREE SPACE________
____________________
____________________

Tip: Aim for behaviors that you can observe and count. Keep them specific and within your control.




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Answer Key

Reward Criteria Guide

Use this guide to brainstorm and evaluate interest-based rewards, then match your top choices to specific behaviors.

1. Brainstorm Potential Rewards

List 5–7 activities, items, or privileges you enjoy. Think broadly (hobbies, snacks, short breaks, special tasks, etc.).




2. Evaluate Each Reward

Rate each reward on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high) using these criteria:

  • Enjoyment: How much you like it
  • Feasibility: How easy it is for the teacher to provide often
  • Frequency: How often you could earn it without losing interest
RewardEnjoyment (1-5)Feasibility (1-5)Frequency (1-5)Total (sum)
1. _______________________
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
4. _______________________
5. _______________________
6. _______________________
7. _______________________

Tip: Higher total scores suggest more motivating and practical rewards.

3. Select Your Top 3 Rewards and Pair with Behaviors

Choose the three rewards with the highest totals. For each, write one clear, measurable behavior you’ll do to earn it (e.g., “completes 3 math problems,” “raises hand before speaking”).

#RewardBehavior Target
1________________________________________________________________________________
2________________________________________________________________________________
3________________________________________________________________________________



Remember: Deliver the reward immediately after the behavior to strengthen the connection. Keep behaviors specific and in your control for accurate tracking.

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