Behavior Detectives: Session 2 – Role-Play Scenarios

In this activity, each student will receive a Behavior Scenario Card. They will act out the scenario and classmates will identify whether it shows an expected or unexpected behavior. This helps reinforce understanding and gives them practice reading social cues.

Materials:

• Role-Play Scenarios
• Expected vs Unexpected Behavior Chart (from Session 1)
• Optional: small stage area or open space for acting

Instructions:

1. Gather students in a semicircle facing the acting area.
2. Shuffle the scenario cards and place them face down.
3. Invite one student at a time to draw a card and quietly read the caption (or have an adult read it).
4. The student silently acts out the scenario (1–2 behaviors).
5. After the performance, the class calls out “expected” or “unexpected.”
6. The actor places the card on the matching side of the Expected vs Unexpected Behavior Chart.
7. Repeat until all students have had a turn.

Follow-Up Questions:

• "How did you know that was an expected/unexpected behavior?"
• "What could someone do instead if it was unexpected?"
• "How do you feel when your classmate shows expected behavior?"

Extension:

• Pair students up and let them create their own scenario card with a drawing and caption, then swap with another pair to act out.

Cool Down:

• Return to the Feeling Faces Poster and ask each child to point to how they feel after today’s detective work.
• Lead three deep breaths together using the calm face as a model.

Great job, Behavior Detectives! Keep watching for expected behaviors around you throughout the day.

Sorting Showdown

A fast-paced, team-based game to reinforce sorting of expected and unexpected behaviors. Students race to correctly categorize behavior cards and earn points for their team.

Materials:

• Behavior Scenario Cards
• Behavior Sorting Game Kit
• Two baskets or mats labeled “Expected” and “Unexpected”
• Timer or stopwatch
• Score sheet and marker

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Divide the class into two or three teams of 3–4 students each.
2. At each team’s station, place one basket/mat labeled “Expected” and one labeled “Unexpected.”
3. Shuffle the Behavior Scenario Cards and place them face down in a central pile.
4. Give each team a copy of the Behavior Sorting Game Kit if extra sorting pieces are needed.

Game Play (5 minutes):

1. On “Go,” the first student from each team draws one card from the central pile.
2. The student reads (or has an adult read) the scenario and decides if it shows an expected or unexpected behavior.
3. They place the card in their team’s appropriate basket/mat and tag the next teammate.
4. Teams continue taking turns drawing and sorting cards as quickly as possible.
5. A round lasts 1 minute or until the central pile is gone—whichever comes first.

Scoring:

• +1 point for each correctly sorted card.
• –1 point for each card sorted incorrectly.
• Bonus 2 points to the team that finishes sorting all their cards first (if the pile runs out).

Debrief (3 minutes):

• Gather students and review the top 4 cards that were sorted incorrectly. Refer to the Expected vs Unexpected Behavior Chart to discuss why each belongs in its category.
• Ask teams:
  • “What made this behavior tricky to sort?”
  • “How can you remember if a behavior is expected?”
  • “Which behaviors help our classroom feel safe and happy?”

Cool Down:

• Bring the class together near the Feeling Faces Poster.
• Invite students to point to how they feel after the exciting game.
• Lead two deep breaths together using the calm face as a model.
• Praise all teams for their detective skills and sportsmanship!

Feelings Reflection

Materials:

• Feeling Faces Poster

Instructions:

1. Gather the students in a quiet circle near the Feeling Faces Poster.
2. Invite each child, one at a time, to point to the face that shows how they feel right now and say one word about why.
3. After everyone has shared, model three slow, deep breaths. Encourage students to place a hand on their belly to feel it rise and fall.
4. Lead the group in three calming breaths together: inhale for a count of three, hold for one, exhale for three.
5. Praise students for sharing their feelings and for being thoughtful Behavior Detectives.

Take a moment to notice how calm and ready you feel to move on to your next activity!