Warm-Up: My Behavior Barometer

Instructions: Think about how you are feeling and how ready you are to focus today. On the barometer below, mark where you are by circling the word or drawing an X.

Today, my focus and emotional 'weather' feels...

Quick Reflection:

1. Without sharing details, what's one thing you might do today to move towards a 'sunnier' forecast?
   
   
   
   
2. What does a 'sunny' learning environment look like and sound like in our classroom?
   
   
   
   

Activity: Tool Time Practice

Instructions: Read each scenario below. Then, choose one or more of the behavior tools we discussed (The Pause Button, Focus Finder, Active Listening) that would be most helpful in that situation. Explain why you chose those tools.

Our Behavior Tools Reminder:

• The Pause Button: Deep breathing to calm down and focus.
• Focus Finder: Mindful observation to redirect attention.
• Active Listening: Fully concentrating on what others are saying.

Scenario 1: Group Project Grumbles

Your group is working on a presentation. Two of your teammates keep talking over each other, and you can barely get a word in to share your ideas. You start to feel frustrated and ignored.

Which tool(s) would you use?

Explain your choice:

Scenario 2: Distraction Dilemma

The student next to you is tapping their pen rhythmically, and another student keeps shuffling papers. You're trying to read a passage for an important assignment, but you can't concentrate.

Which tool(s) would you use?

Explain your choice:

Scenario 3: Test Anxiety Twist

You look at the first question on your math quiz, and your mind goes blank! Your heart starts to beat faster, and you feel a wave of panic. You know this material, but you can't seem to think clearly.

Which tool(s) would you use?

Explain your choice:

Challenge Scenario: Your Own Moment!

Think about a time in class when you struggled with focus, emotions, or communicating. Describe the situation briefly, and then identify which tool(s) you could have used.

My Situation:

Which tool(s) would have helped?

Explain how:

Cool-Down: One Word Wisdom

Instructions: Think about today's lesson on behavior tools. In one word, describe:

• How you feel about using these tools.
• What you learned that was most important.
• A new habit you might try.

Write your chosen word below, and then briefly explain why you chose it.

My One Word:

Why I chose this word:

Behavior Breakthroughs! Script

Warm-Up: My Behavior Barometer (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start our day by checking in with ourselves. Please take a look at the Warm-Up: My Behavior Barometer that I've projected/handed out. Think about how you are feeling right now, and how ready you are to focus. What's your personal 'weather forecast' for learning today? Circle the words that best describe how you feel."

(Pause for students to complete. Circulate and observe.)

Teacher: "Now, without sharing any private details, can anyone tell us what a 'sunny' learning environment looks and sounds like in our classroom? What makes it feel that way?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share ideas about a positive classroom atmosphere. Emphasize that it's okay if their barometer isn't 'sunny' right now, and that's why we're here today.)

Introduction: What Are Behavior Tools? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Great start, everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something really powerful: behavior support tools. Think of these as your personal toolkit for success, not just in school, but in life!"

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 1: Behavior Breakthroughs!)

Teacher: "Have you ever wished you had a secret tool to help you stay focused when things get noisy, or calm down when you feel frustrated? Today, we're going to unlock some of those tools. They're all about helping you be your best self in the classroom."

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 2: What Are Behavior Tools?)

Teacher: "These tools are small, powerful actions you can take to help you stay focused, manage your emotions, and communicate clearly with others. Why do you think having these kinds of tools might be important for everyone in our class?"

(Allow 1-2 student responses. Guide them to ideas about personal growth, better learning, and a more positive classroom for all.)

Exploring Tools: Focus & Calm (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive into some specific tools we can start using right away. Our first one is perfect for when you feel a little stressed, overwhelmed, or even just have a lot of energy."

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 3: Tool #1: The Pause Button (Deep Breathing))

Teacher: "This is 'The Pause Button' – deep breathing. Let's try it together. I invite you to close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or just focus on a spot in front of you. We'll inhale deeply through our nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and then exhale slowly through our mouth for 6 counts. Ready? Let's do it three times."

(Lead students through three deep breaths.)

Teacher: "How do you feel after that? Even a few deep breaths can make a big difference in calming your brain and helping you focus."

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 4: Tool #2: Focus Finder (Mindful Observation))

Teacher: "Next up is the 'Focus Finder'. When your mind is wandering, or you're easily distracted, this tool helps sharpen your senses and bring you back to the present. I want everyone to pick one small object in the room – it could be a pencil, a plant, a spot on the wall, anything. For the next 15 seconds, just observe it closely. What color is it? What texture? What small details do you notice?"

(Time 15 seconds.)

Teacher: "What did you notice? How did focusing on that one object change your awareness of other things around you?"

(Allow a few students to share their observations.)

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 5: Tool #3: Active Listening)

Teacher: "Our third tool is crucial for working with others and having great discussions: 'Active Listening'. This means really hearing to understand, not just to reply. When someone is speaking, we make eye contact (if comfortable), nod occasionally to show we're engaged, and most importantly, we don't interrupt. Sometimes, we can even paraphrase what they said or ask a clarifying question to show we truly understood. How might active listening prevent misunderstandings in a group project or a classroom discussion?"

(Allow responses, emphasizing clarity and respect.)

Activity: Tool Time Practice (5 minutes)

Teacher: "You've just learned about some powerful behavior tools! Now it's 'Tool Time' to practice using them in different situations."

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 6: Time to Practice: Tool Time! and distribute/display Activity: Tool Time Practice.)

Teacher: "I'd like you to work individually or with a partner/small group on the Activity: Tool Time Practice. Read each scenario and decide which of our tools – The Pause Button, Focus Finder, or Active Listening – would be most helpful. Then, explain why you chose those tools. We will go through the first scenario together, and then you will complete the rest on your own."

(Go through Scenario 1 as a class, modeling how to choose and justify a tool. Then, allow students to work.)

Teacher: "I'll be circulating to answer questions and see your great ideas. You have about 5 minutes for this."

(Circulate and provide support.)

Cool-Down: One Word Wisdom (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Great work applying those tools! To wrap up our lesson today, we're going to reflect on what we've learned with 'One Word Wisdom'."

(Display Behavior Breakthroughs! Slide Deck - Slide 7: Your New Superpowers! and distribute/display Cool-Down: One Word Wisdom.)

Teacher: "On your Cool-Down: One Word Wisdom sheet, I want you to choose one single word that sums up how you feel about using these tools, what you learned that was most important, or a new habit you might try. Write down your word, and then briefly explain why you chose it. This is your exit ticket for today."

(Allow students a few minutes to write.)

Teacher: "Would anyone like to share their 'One Word Wisdom' and tell us why they chose it?"

(Allow a few students to share. Collect the cool-downs as students leave.)

Teacher: "Excellent job today, 7th graders! Remember, these tools are always available to you. Use your new superpowers!"