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Behavior Boosters

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Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Session 1: Understanding Emotions

Students will learn to recognize and name common emotions by listening to a story, discussing feelings, and completing an emotion chart to build self-awareness and vocabulary.

Understanding and labeling emotions is the foundation for self-control and positive interactions. This session helps 2nd graders identify feelings in themselves and others to promote empathy and cooperation.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Story, discussion, charting, role-play

Materials

  • Emotion Chart Worksheet, - Emotion Role-Play Cards, and - Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print enough copies of Emotion Chart Worksheet for each student
  • Cut and shuffle the Emotion Role-Play Cards
  • Write sample emotion words (happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared) on the whiteboard
  • Review both new materials so you can guide students through examples

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “What is an emotion? Can you name a feeling you had today?”
  • Write their answers on the whiteboard under “Emotions”

Step 2

Read-Aloud

7 minutes

  • Share a brief story that highlights changing emotions (e.g., When Sophie Gets Angry… or a similar class favorite)
  • Pause at key moments and ask: “How do you think Sophie feels now?”

Step 3

Emotion Chart Activity

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Emotion Chart Worksheet
  • Model filling in one row: draw a face, name the emotion, and write when you felt it
  • Students complete two more rows independently or with partner support

Step 4

Role-Play Practice

7 minutes

  • Shuffle and hand out Emotion Role-Play Cards
  • Each student reads their card (e.g., “You dropped your ice cream.”) and acts out that emotion
  • Classmates guess the emotion and label it

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Reflection

3 minutes

  • Gather back in a circle
  • Ask: “Which emotion was easiest to name? Which was hardest?”
  • Encourage students to use these words throughout the day for self-control
lenny

Worksheet

Emotion Chart Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Instructions: For each row, draw a face that shows the emotion, write the name of the emotion, and then describe a time you felt that feeling.


1. Draw the face:














Emotion Name: ____________________________




When I felt it:







2. Draw the face:














Emotion Name: ____________________________




When I felt it:







3. Draw the face:














Emotion Name: ____________________________




When I felt it:






lenny
lenny

Activity

Emotion Role-Play Cards

Cut along the lines. Each card describes a short situation. Students draw a card, read it aloud, and act out how they would feel in that moment. Classmates guess the emotion and name it.


Card 1: You dropped your ice cream cone on the ground.


Card 2: Your friend shared their snack with you.


Card 3: You got a new book for your birthday.


Card 4: Someone took the crayon you were using without asking.


Card 5: You saw a big bug crawling on your desk.


Card 6: You scored the winning point in a game.


Card 7: It started raining on the day of your outdoor recess.


Card 8: You gave your teacher a picture you drew.


Card 9: A classmate told you a funny joke.


Card 10: You couldn’t find your backpack in the morning.


Card 11: You helped tie a friend’s shoe lace.


Card 12: You had to wait a long time for your turn to speak.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 2: Cool-Down Strategies

Students will learn to use deep breathing techniques and simple muscle relaxation exercises to calm their bodies when they feel upset, and practice recording feelings before and after to build self-regulation skills.

Learning to calm down with breathing and relaxation helps students gain control over strong emotions, reduces classroom disruptions, and supports focus and positive behavior.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Modeling, guided practice, reflection

Materials

  • Balloon Breathing Worksheet, - Breathing Exercise Cards, and - Calm chime or soft timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Balloon Breathing Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle the Breathing Exercise Cards
  • Place chime or soft timer within reach
  • Review each breathing exercise so you can demonstrate clearly

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “Can you think of a time you felt upset or angry? What happened?”
  • List examples on the whiteboard

Step 2

Introduce Breathing Techniques

7 minutes

  • Explain that breathing deeply can help calm our bodies
  • Demonstrate ‘balloon breathing’: place hands on belly and breathe in slowly to fill the belly, then exhale to deflate
  • Invite students to try three balloon breaths together

Step 3

Guided Practice with Cards

10 minutes

  • Shuffle and distribute Breathing Exercise Cards
  • Students take turns reading a card and leading the group in that exercise
  • Use the chime or timer to set exercise duration (10–20 seconds per exercise)

Step 4

Reflection Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Hand out Balloon Breathing Worksheet
  • Students draw the balloon at inhale and exhale, then write one word about how they felt before and after breathing exercises

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Gather back in a circle
  • Ask: “Which breathing exercise did you like best? How can you use it when you feel upset?”
  • Encourage students to try one new technique during the day
lenny

Worksheet

Balloon Breathing Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Instructions: Place your hands on your belly and take slow, deep breaths like you’re filling and emptying a balloon. Follow the steps below.


1. Draw your belly when you inhale (fill the balloon):











2. Draw your belly when you exhale (empty the balloon):











3. How did you feel before the breathing exercise? (Write one word or draw a face):







4. How did you feel after the breathing exercise? (Write one word or draw a face):







lenny
lenny

Activity

Breathing Exercise Cards

Cut along the lines. Each card describes a breathing exercise. Students draw a card, read it aloud, and lead the group in that exercise.


Card 1: Balloon Breathing
Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your belly like a balloon. Exhale through your mouth, letting the balloon deflate. Repeat three times.


Card 2: Rainbow Breathing
Pretend you’re tracing a rainbow overhead with one hand. Inhale as you trace the arc up from one side to the top. Exhale as you trace down the other side. Keep tracing big, slow rainbows until your breath feels calm.


Card 3: Bunny Breathing
Take three quick “sniff-sniff-sniff” breaths in through your nose, just like a bunny. Then take one long, slow breath out through your mouth. Repeat this sniff-sniff-sniff and slow exhale sequence three times.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 3: Teamwork Tools

Students will practice cooperation and communication through group challenges and reflect on teamwork skills to strengthen collaboration in class.

Collaboration and positive social skills foster classroom harmony and success. This session helps students practice working as a team, share responsibility, and build trust through hands-on activities.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Cooperative games and reflection

Materials

  • Teamwork Reflection Worksheet, - Cooperation Game Cards, and - Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Teamwork Reflection Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle the Cooperation Game Cards
  • Clear a space for group activities
  • Review each game to ensure you can explain instructions clearly

Step 1

Teamwork Introduction

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “What makes a good teammate? Share a time you worked well with others.”
  • Record key ideas on the whiteboard as guiding teamwork rules

Step 2

Introduce the 3 C’s

5 minutes

  • Explain the 3 C’s of teamwork: Communication, Cooperation, Care
  • Write each C on the whiteboard and ask students to give an example of using each one

Step 3

Cooperative Game Activity

12 minutes

  • Shuffle and hand out Cooperation Game Cards
  • Students take turns drawing a card and leading the group in the challenge (e.g., pass the ball without talking)
  • Encourage use of the 3 C’s during each activity

Step 4

Reflection Worksheet

6 minutes

  • Distribute the Teamwork Reflection Worksheet
  • Students complete prompts about how they used the 3 C’s and how teamwork felt
  • Circulate to support writing and discussion

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Goal Setting

2 minutes

  • Reconvene in a circle
  • Ask: “Which teamwork tool will you try tomorrow?”
  • Encourage students to use one of the 3 C’s during the school day
lenny

Worksheet

Teamwork Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Instructions: Think about the teamwork challenge you just completed. Answer the questions below to reflect on how you and your group used the 3 C’s (Communication, Cooperation, Care).


  1. What group challenge did you do today? Describe it in your own words:







  1. Which of the 3 C’s did you use? (Circle or check all that apply)
  • Communication - Cooperation - Care




  1. Give an example of how you used Communication:







  1. Give an example of how you used Cooperation:







  1. Give an example of how you used Care:







  1. How did working as a team make you feel? (Write a word or draw a face):










  1. What is one teamwork goal you have for next time?






lenny
lenny

Activity

Cooperation Game Cards

Cut along the lines. Each card describes a group challenge. Students draw a card, read it aloud, and lead the group in that activity. Encourage use of communication, cooperation, and care.


Card 1: Pass the Ball Silently
Stand in a circle and pass a soft ball around without talking. Keep the ball moving until everyone has had a turn.


Card 2: Hula Hoop Circle
Hold hands in a circle. Without letting go, pass a hula hoop all the way around the circle—step through the hoop one by one.


Card 3: Quiet Line-Up
Without speaking, line up in order of your birthdays (month first). Use gestures and teamwork to get in the right order.


Card 4: Mirror Movements
Pair up. One partner makes slow movements (arms, legs, head) and the other mirrors exactly—no talking allowed.


Card 5: Block Tower Talk
In small teams, build a tower with blocks. Each student may only say one word per turn when giving instructions.


Card 6: Silent Shapes
As a group, use your bodies to form a shape (circle, square, triangle) without talking. Hold the shape for five seconds.


Card 7: Team Drawing
On a large sheet of paper, each student adds one part to a picture in turn. No talking—use gestures or draw guides.


Card 8: Pass the Clap
Stand in a circle. One student claps once to their neighbor, who claps to the next—see how fast you can go around without mistakes.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 4: Impulse Control

Students will learn to pause and think before acting by practicing 'Stop-Think-Choose' steps and applying strategies in real scenarios to strengthen self-control.

Impulse control reduces disruptions, helps students make better choices, and supports a respectful classroom by teaching children to stop, think, and choose positive actions.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Modeling, scenario practice, reflection

Materials

  • Impulse Control Worksheet, - Stop-and-Think Cards, and - Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Impulse Control Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle the Stop-and-Think Cards
  • Have a timer or stopwatch ready
  • Review the Stop-Think-Choose steps and scenarios

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “Can you share a time when you did something without thinking and later felt sorry?”
  • List examples and highlight impulsive actions

Step 2

Introduce Stop-and-Think Steps

5 minutes

  • Explain the three steps: Stop (pause your body), Think (consider what might happen), Choose (decide a positive action)
  • Demonstrate with a gesture (hand stop sign), and think out loud
  • Invite students to practice steps with you

Step 3

Scenario Practice

10 minutes

  • Shuffle and hand out Stop-and-Think Cards
  • Students take turns reading a card describing an impulsive situation
  • The group practices using the Stop-Think-Choose steps, with each student demonstrating the gesture and decision
  • Use the timer for 30 seconds per scenario

Step 4

Worksheet Reflection

7 minutes

  • Distribute the Impulse Control Worksheet
  • Students complete sections by drawing the steps and writing one word or sentence about how they will use Stop-Think-Choose
  • Circulate to support understanding

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Gather back in a circle
  • Ask: “Which step will you try when you feel like acting without thinking?”
  • Encourage each student to set a personal impulse-control goal for the day
lenny

Worksheet

Impulse Control Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Instructions: Use the Stop–Think–Choose steps to help you pause and make good decisions. Draw and write about each step below.


1. STOP

Draw what Stop looks like to you:













What does “Stop” mean?







2. THINK

Draw what it looks like to Think before you act:













What could happen if you act without thinking?







3. CHOOSE

Draw what Choose means to you:













What is a positive choice you can make?







4. Think of a time you felt like acting without thinking. Describe or draw what happened and how you used Stop–Think–Choose:




















5. My impulse-control goal for today:





lenny
lenny

Activity

Stop-and-Think Cards

Cut along the lines. Each card describes a situation where you might feel like acting without thinking. Draw a card, read it aloud, then follow the Stop–Think–Choose steps:

  1. Stop: Pause your body
  2. Think: Consider what might happen next
  3. Choose: Decide a positive action

Card 1: You know the answer to the teacher’s question and feel like shouting it out before anyone else.


Card 2: Your friend is playing with a toy you want. You feel like grabbing it from their hands.


Card 3: Someone accidentally bumps into you in line, and you feel like pushing them back.


Card 4: You dropped your snack on the floor and want to pick it up and eat it quickly without telling the teacher.


Card 5: You got a drawing back that you didn’t like and want to crumple and throw it away.


Card 6: During partner work, you finish first and want to walk away instead of waiting patiently.


Card 7: You feel like interrupting your classmates while they are speaking or sharing.


Card 8: You want to leave the circle during group time because you feel bored.


Card 9: Another student takes the block you were reaching for and you feel like snatching it back.


Card 10: You can’t wait to line up for recess and feel like cutting in front of your classmates.


Reminder: After reading your card, say: “Stop… Think… Choose…” and then act out or share the positive choice you made.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 5: Kindness Counts

Students will learn to recognize and enact simple acts of kindness by role‐playing scenarios and reflecting on how kindness makes themselves and others feel.

Kindness builds empathy, strengthens friendships, and promotes a positive classroom climate. Practicing kind actions helps students build social skills and fosters respect and cooperation.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Role‐play, discussion, reflection

Materials

  • Kindness Scenarios Cards, - Kindness Reflection Worksheet, and - Sticky Notes and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Kindness Reflection Worksheet
  • Cut and shuffle the Kindness Scenarios Cards
  • Provide each student with a sticky note and marker
  • Review scenario cards so you can guide role‐plays smoothly

Step 1

Warm‐Up Discussion

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “What does it mean to be kind? Can you share a time someone was kind to you?”
  • List student examples on the whiteboard

Step 2

Introduce Kindness Scenarios

7 minutes

  • Explain that small acts of kindness can make a big difference
  • Show a few sample cards from Kindness Scenarios Cards
  • Model one scenario: read it and demonstrate a kind response

Step 3

Role‐Play Practice

10 minutes

  • Shuffle and distribute the remaining Kindness Scenarios Cards
  • Students take turns reading a scenario aloud and acting out a kind response
  • Classmates give feedback: “That was kind because…”
  • Use sticky notes to write one kind word about each performance and stick it on the presenter’s desk

Step 4

Reflection Worksheet

5 minutes

  • Hand out Kindness Reflection Worksheet
  • Students answer prompts: describe their favorite kind act and how it made them/them feel
  • Circulate to support writing and drawing

Step 5

Wrap‐Up and Goal Setting

3 minutes

  • Reconvene in a circle
  • Ask: “What kind act will you try today? How will you show kindness?”
  • Encourage each student to share one goal and keep it in mind throughout the day
lenny

Activity

Kindness Scenarios Cards

Cut along the lines. Each card describes a situation where you can show kindness. Students draw a card, read it aloud, and act out a kind response.


Card 1: Your friend drops all their crayons on the floor.


Card 2: A classmate looks sad at lunch and is sitting alone.


Card 3: A new student is standing by themselves at recess.


Card 4: Someone spills their art supplies on the table.


Card 5: You notice a classmate forgot to bring a snack.


Card 6: The teacher is carrying a stack of heavy books.


Card 7: A friend is struggling to tie their shoelaces.


Card 8: A classmate drops their papers while lining up.


Card 9: You see another student being teased quietly by a peer.


Card 10: Someone finishes their work early and looks bored.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Kindness Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Instructions: Think about the kind act you practiced or saw today. Answer the questions below to reflect on the situation and how kindness affects you and others.


  1. Which scenario card did you have? Describe the situation in your own words:









  1. What kind action did you choose or see? Describe or draw what you did:









  1. How did being kind make you feel? (Write one word or draw a face):







  1. How do you think your kindness made the other person feel? (Write one word or draw a face):







  1. Why is kindness important? Explain in your own words:







  1. My kindness goal for tomorrow:




lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 6: Celebration & Review

Students will review the behavior strategies they've learned, reflect on their progress, and celebrate their achievements with a personalized certificate.

Consolidating and revisiting skills ensures retention. Celebrating accomplishments boosts motivation and reinforces positive behaviors.

Audience

2nd Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, review, reflection, celebration

Materials

  • Behavior Strategies Review Board, - Celebration Certificate Template, and - Stickers or small tokens

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and assemble the Behavior Strategies Review Board
  • Print certificates from Celebration Certificate Template
  • Gather stickers or small tokens for celebration
  • Review students’ progress notes to personalize each certificate

Step 1

Warm-Up Reflection

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle
  • Ask: “What was your favorite strategy you learned? How has it helped you?”
  • Invite a few students to share briefly

Step 2

Review Activity

10 minutes

  • Lay out the Behavior Strategies Review Board
  • Shuffle the strategy cards and have students take turns drawing one
  • Each student reads their card, explains the strategy, and places it under the matching session number on the board

Step 3

Goal Recommitment

5 minutes

  • Provide each student with a sticky note
  • Ask them to write one behavior goal they’ll work on next week
  • Have students stick their notes on the board under “My Next Goal”

Step 4

Certificate Ceremony

7 minutes

  • Hand out the Celebration Certificate Template
  • Personalize each with the student’s name and a note on their best skill
  • Invite each student to stand, receive their certificate, and share their proudest moment

Step 5

Closing Celebration

3 minutes

  • Distribute stickers or tokens to each student
  • Encourage them to continue using strategies and celebrate classmates’ efforts throughout the day
lenny

Activity

Behavior Strategies Review Board

Materials Needed:

  • A large chart or bulletin board divided into six labeled sections: “Session 1” through “Session 6.”
  • A deck of strategy cards (one card for each key tool learned in Sessions 1–6).
  • A basket or container for the shuffled cards.

Setup:

  1. On chart paper or a bulletin board, draw six boxes in two rows of three. Label each box:
    • Session 1
    • Session 2
    • Session 3
    • Session 4
    • Session 5
    • Session 6
  2. Place all strategy cards face down in the basket.

How to Use:

  1. Gather students around the board.
  2. One student draws a card from the basket.
  3. The student reads the strategy name aloud (e.g., “Balloon Breathing,” “Stop–Think–Choose,” “Pass the Ball Silently”).
  4. The student explains which session the strategy came from and how it works.
  5. The student places the card in the matching session’s box on the board.
  6. Continue around the circle until all cards have been placed and every strategy has been reviewed.

Follow-up Discussion:

  • After all cards are on the board, review each session box by asking:
    • “Which strategy from this session do you use most often?”
    • “How has this tool helped you in class?”
  • Encourage students to point to the board and share examples.

Extension:

  • Leave the board displayed for the week as a visual reminder.
  • Invite students to add sticky notes under each session box with personal examples of when they used a strategy.
lenny
lenny

Reading

🎉 Certificate of Achievement 🎉

This certifies that




______________________________




has successfully completed the

Behavior Boosters Program




on this day:

______________________________




In recognition of outstanding behavior and skill in:





Presented with pride by:

______________________________ (Teacher Signature)




Date:





Keep using your new tools every day to make our classroom a positive place!

lenny
lenny