Lesson Plan
Behavior Plan Blueprint
To introduce 7th-grade teachers to a comprehensive Tier 1 behavior plan template, enabling them to proactively define, identify, and address classroom-wide behavioral needs.
Effective behavior plans create a predictable and supportive learning environment, reducing disruptions and fostering student success. This template provides a structured approach for teachers to develop consistent strategies.
Audience
7th Grade Teachers
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction, guided discussion, and template review.
Materials
Slide Deck: Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides, Project Guide: Behavior Plan Template, and Script: Behavior Plan Discussion Script
Prep
Review Materials & Setup
15 minutes
- Review the Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Behavior Plan Template for each teacher or prepare for digital distribution.
- Review the Behavior Plan Discussion Script to prepare for leading the session.
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-up (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Begin by asking teachers to reflect on common classroom behaviors that impact learning.
- Introduce the concept of a proactive behavior plan using the Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides (Slide 1-2).
- Explain the session's objective: to provide a template for creating a Tier 1 classroom-wide behavior plan.
Step 2
Understanding Behavior Plan Components (15 minutes)
15 minutes
- Present each section of the behavior plan template using the Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides (Slide 3-7) and refer to the Behavior Plan Template.
- Discuss 'Target Behaviors,' 'Skills to Build,' 'Individual Communication Supports,' 'Behavioral Signals,' and 'Behavioral Triggers.'
- Provide brief examples for each component, encouraging teachers to think about their own classrooms.
- Facilitate a short discussion after each section, allowing teachers to share initial thoughts or questions.
Step 3
Template Application & Wrap-up (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Distribute or direct teachers to the Behavior Plan Template.
- Guide teachers through the template, emphasizing how to fill out each section for their classroom.
- Encourage them to start thinking about one or two areas they might focus on.
- Conclude by reiterating the benefits of a proactive behavior plan and offering further support (Slide 8).
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Crafting Your Classroom's Calm
A Blueprint for Positive Behavior
- Setting the Stage for Success
- Proactive Strategies for 7th Grade
- Your Guide to a Supportive Learning Space
Ready to build a better classroom environment?
Welcome teachers and introduce the session. Ask them to think about what makes classroom management challenging. Transition to the importance of proactive planning.
What's a Tier 1 Behavior Plan?
Foundational Support for Every Student
- Classroom-Wide: Strategies for all students.
- Proactive: Planning before behaviors occur.
- Universal: Benefits everyone in your 7th-grade classroom.
It's about creating a consistent, positive learning environment.
Explain what a Tier 1 behavior plan is – something for the whole class, foundational. Emphasize it's about prevention and clear expectations for all students.
1. Target Behaviors: What Are We Focusing On?
Clear Expectations for Classroom Conduct
- Specific, Observable Behaviors: What do you want to see or not see?
- Examples:
- Instead of: "Be respectful"
- Try: "Raise hand before speaking in class"
- "Keep cell phones put away during instruction"
- "Complete and submit assignments on time"
Why clear targets matter: Everyone knows the rules!
Introduce the first key component: Target Behaviors. Discuss why defining them clearly is important and provide examples relevant to 7th grade (e.g., cell phone use, participation).
2. Skills to Build: Teaching the 'How-To'
Empowering Students with Positive Actions
- What skills do students need to succeed?
- Examples:
- Active listening skills
- Problem-solving strategies
- Self-regulation techniques (e.g., taking a brain break)
- Effective group collaboration
We teach academics; we also teach behavioral skills.
Move to Skills to Build. This is where we focus on teaching alternative, positive behaviors. Emphasize that students need to be taught these skills, not just told what not to do.
3. Communication Supports: Making Voices Heard
Strategies for Clear Understanding & Expression
- How can students communicate their needs effectively?
- Examples:
- Visual schedules or reminders
- Sentence starters for class discussions
- Designated
Explain Individual Communication Supports. Even in Tier 1, a classroom-wide plan can include general strategies that help students articulate needs or understand expectations. It's about accessibility for communication.
3. Communication Supports: Making Voices Heard
Strategies for Clear Understanding & Expression
- How can students communicate their needs effectively?
- Examples:
- Visual schedules or reminders
- Sentence starters for class discussions
- Designated non-verbal signals for needs (e.g., 'I need a break' card)
- Structured turn-taking for conversations
Ensuring everyone can understand and be understood.
Explain Individual Communication Supports. Even in Tier 1, a classroom-wide plan can include general strategies that help students articulate needs or understand expectations. It's about accessibility for communication. I made a mistake in the previous response and cut the body text short. I will correct it here.
4. Behavioral Signals: Early Warning Signs
Recognizing What Comes Before the Behavior
- What do you observe before a target behavior occurs?
- Examples:
- Fidgeting or restless movement
- Becoming quiet or withdrawn
- Increased talking out of turn
- Staring blankly or disengaging
Catching it early makes a big difference!
Discuss Behavioral Signals – how do we know a behavior might be escalating or about to happen? This helps teachers intervene early.
5. Behavioral Triggers: What Sets It Off?
Identifying the 'Why' Behind the Behavior
- What events or situations tend to precede target behaviors?
- Examples:
- Demanding tasks or complex instructions
- Group work or transitions
- Lack of clear instructions
- Specific peer interactions
Knowing the triggers helps us adapt our environment and instruction.
Explain Behavioral Triggers – what sets off the behavior? Understanding triggers helps us prevent them or prepare students.
Your Blueprint for Success
Building a Positive & Productive Classroom
- A proactive plan supports all students.
- Clear expectations lead to clear results.
- You're equipped to create a more harmonious learning space!
Questions? Let's discuss!
Summarize the benefits and encourage teachers to start using the template. Offer to answer questions or provide further support.
Project Guide
Behavior Plan Template: Your Classroom Blueprint
Teacher Name: ________________________
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Date: ________________________
Introduction: Creating a Proactive Classroom Environment
This template is designed to help you create a Tier 1 (classroom-wide) behavior plan. By clearly defining expectations, identifying necessary skills, and understanding potential triggers, you can foster a positive and productive learning environment for all 7th-grade students.
1. Target Behaviors
- What specific, observable behaviors do you want to encourage or decrease across your entire classroom?
- Think about what you see or hear that impacts learning.
2. Skills to Build
- What positive social-emotional or academic skills do students need to be explicitly taught to meet the target behaviors?
- Consider what students need to 'learn' to be successful.
3. Individual Communication Supports
- What classroom-wide strategies can you implement to support all students in communicating their needs or understanding expectations?
- These are general supports, not for individual students specifically.
4. Behavioral Signals
- What observable actions or cues might indicate that a student is about to engage in a target behavior?
- These are 'early warning signs' you might notice.
5. Behavioral Triggers
- What common classroom situations, tasks, or interactions tend to precede the target behaviors you've identified?
- Understanding the 'why' helps with prevention.
Action Plan & Reflection
- How will you introduce and reinforce this behavior plan with your students?
- How will you monitor the effectiveness of your plan?
- What adjustments might be needed?
Script
Behavior Plan Discussion Script
Part 1: Introduction & Warm-up (5 minutes)
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Thanks for being here. Let's kick off our session today by thinking about our classrooms. Can you take a moment to reflect on some common behaviors that, good or challenging, really stand out in your 7th-grade classroom and impact learning? No need to share out loud just yet, just get it in your head."
(Pause for 30 seconds for reflection)
"Today, we're going to talk about a powerful tool: a proactive classroom behavior plan. We often react to behaviors, but what if we could set things up so that positive behaviors are the norm? That's what a Tier 1, classroom-wide behavior plan helps us do."
"Our goal today is to equip you with a Behavior Plan Template that you can use to build a more supportive and predictable learning environment for all your 7th graders. This isn't about individual student issues, but about setting a strong foundation for everyone."
(Transition to Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides - Slide 1 and 2)
Part 2: Understanding Behavior Plan Components (15 minutes)
"Let's dive into the core components of this blueprint. We'll go through each section, and I'll give you some examples, but I want you to start thinking about how these might look in your classroom."
Slide 3: 1. Target Behaviors: What Are We Focusing On?
"First up, Target Behaviors. This is about being super clear on what we want students to do or not do. Instead of vague ideas like 'be respectful,' we need observable actions. For example, instead of 'be respectful,' we might say 'Raise hand before speaking in class.'"
"Think about a behavior you currently address. How could you make it more specific and observable?"
(Pause for quick reflection/share)
Slide 4: 2. Skills to Build: Teaching the 'How-To'
"Next, Skills to Build. Just like we teach math or history, we also need to teach behavioral skills. If a student is struggling to work in groups, maybe we need to teach 'effective group collaboration skills.' If they blurt out, perhaps 'active listening' and 'waiting for a turn' are skills to build."
"What's a skill your students could benefit from learning more explicitly?"
(Pause for quick reflection/share)
Slide 5: 3. Communication Supports: Making Voices Heard
"Now, Individual Communication Supports. Even in a Tier 1 plan, we can have universal supports that help all students communicate. This could be visual schedules, sentence starters for discussions, or even a simple non-verbal signal for 'I need a break.' It makes communication accessible for everyone."
"What are some simple communication supports you already use or could easily add to your classroom?"
(Pause for quick reflection/share)
Slide 6: 4. Behavioral Signals: Early Warning Signs
"Moving on to Behavioral Signals. These are the subtle clues we notice before a challenging behavior fully emerges. Maybe it's fidgeting, becoming quiet, or avoiding eye contact. If we can spot these signals, we can often intervene early and prevent escalation."
"What are some common 'tells' or signals you observe in your students when they might be struggling or about to act out?"
(Pause for quick reflection/share)
Slide 7: 5. Behavioral Triggers: What Sets It Off?
"Finally, Behavioral Triggers. These are the events, situations, or demands that often precede a target behavior. For example, some students might struggle during group work, complex instructions, or certain transitions. Identifying these helps us modify our environment or prepare students better."
"Can you think of any specific times or activities in your class that seem to consistently lead to certain behaviors?"
(Pause for quick reflection/share)
Part 3: Template Application & Wrap-up (10 minutes)
"Great discussion everyone! Now, let's look at the Behavior Plan Template itself. I've prepared copies (or it's available digitally).
(Distribute or display the Behavior Plan Template.)
"This template is your starting point. Take a few minutes to look it over. Notice how each section corresponds to what we just discussed. Your task is to start filling this out for your classroom.
"I encourage you to pick one or two target behaviors you want to focus on initially and then work through the corresponding skills, supports, signals, and triggers."
"Remember, a well-thought-out, proactive behavior plan makes a huge difference. It creates a clearer, calmer, and more productive learning space for you and your students. It helps your 7th graders know what's expected, feel supported, and ultimately, succeed."
(Transition to Behavior Plan Blueprint Slides - Slide 8)
"Thank you for your engagement today. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions as you begin to develop your own classroom behavior blueprint!"