Behavior Sort: Expected vs. Unexpected - Teacher Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for our classroom: our behavior! Has anyone ever heard the words 'expected' or 'unexpected' before? What do you think they mean?"

"That's right! 'Expected' means what we think is going to happen, or what we usually do. Like, when you come to school, you expect to learn, right? And 'unexpected' means a surprise, something we didn't think would happen. Today, we're going to learn about expected and unexpected behaviors in our classroom. We'll learn how to tell the difference and why it matters. By the end of our lesson, you'll be pros at spotting them!"

What's the Difference? (3 minutes)

"Let's look at our Expected vs. Unexpected Behavior Slide Deck to help us understand this better. Take a look at this first slide. It asks, 'How do our actions impact our classroom?'"

"(Click to Slide 2) Now, let's talk about 'Expected Behaviors.' These are the actions we expect to see in our classroom. They help everyone learn, feel safe, and have a good day. Look at these examples: 'Raising a hand to speak,' 'Listening to the teacher and friends,' 'Keeping hands and feet to yourself,' 'Following directions,' and 'Walking in the hallways.' Why do you think these are expected behaviors? How do they help our classroom?"

"(Listen to student responses) Excellent ideas! These behaviors make our classroom a calm and happy place."

"(Click to Slide 3) Now for 'Unexpected Behaviors.' These are the actions that are surprising or don't really help our classroom. They can make it hard for others to learn or feel comfortable. Look at these examples: 'Calling out answers,' 'Running in the classroom,' 'Interrupting others,' 'Not sharing materials,' and 'Talking when the teacher is talking.' How do these behaviors make our classroom harder?"

"(Listen to student responses) You got it! Unexpected behaviors can be noisy, distracting, or even unsafe. They stop us from doing our best work and being good friends."

Interactive Sort Activity (7 minutes)

"Alright, now it's your turn to be behavior detectives! I'm going to put two labels on the board: 'Expected' and 'Unexpected.' I have some Behavior Scenario Cards here. I'm going to give a few to each group/person. We'll read them one by one, and as a class, we'll decide which column it belongs to."

"(Hand out cards. Guide students through reading and sorting. For each card, ask: 'Is this an expected behavior or an unexpected behavior? Why do you think so?')"

"(After sorting a few cards as a class, use Slide 4 for a quick check-in) "Great job sorting those! Let's do a quick check-in. If someone... shares their crayons? Expected or Unexpected? Why? How about if someone... pushes a friend? Expected or Unexpected? Why?"

"(Allow time for discussion.)"

"Now, I have a Behavior Sort Worksheet for each of you. This is your chance to show what you've learned on your own. You'll read the behaviors and decide if they are expected or unexpected, just like we did together."

"(Distribute worksheets. Circulate and assist as needed.)"

Wrap-Up & Reflection (3 minutes)

"(Bring the class back together, even if not everyone is finished with the worksheet.) You all did such a great job thinking about behaviors today. Let's quickly review one or two from the worksheet."

"(Ask students to share answers from their worksheets.)"

"(Click to Slide 5) Remember, 'You Choose!' Every day, you get to choose how you behave. When you choose expected behaviors, you help make our classroom a great place to learn and play! What is one expected behavior you will try your best to show today? Think about it, and let's try to make our classroom the best it can be! Thank you, everyone!"

Classroom Behavior Warm-Up

Think about our classroom. What does it mean to be a good friend or a good student here?

Write down one thing you do that helps our classroom be a good place to learn.

Behavior Reflection Cool Down

1. What is one expected behavior you will try to show more often in our classroom today or tomorrow?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one unexpected behavior you will try to avoid doing in our classroom today or tomorrow?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Behavior Scenario Cards

Cut out each card below. Discuss if the behavior is EXPECTED or UNEXPECTED in the classroom.

Scenario 1

Sharing crayons with a classmate who forgot theirs.

Scenario 2

Calling out an answer without raising your hand.

Scenario 3

Listening quietly while the teacher is giving instructions.

Scenario 4

Running inside the classroom during free time.

Scenario 5

Helping a friend pick up books that fell.

Scenario 6

Leaving your backpack in the middle of the aisle.

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Scenario 7

Cleaning up your art supplies after using them.

Scenario 8

Tapping your pencil loudly on the desk during a test.

Scenario 9

Waiting patiently for your turn on the playground.

Scenario 10

Interrupting a classmate while they are speaking.

Scenario 11

Walking quietly in the hallway.

Scenario 12

Pushing past friends to be first in line.

Behavior Sort Worksheet

Read each behavior below. Write "Expected" or "Unexpected" in the space provided. Then, explain why.

1. Walking quietly in the classroom.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Yelling out your answer before the teacher calls on you.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Keeping your hands to yourself during group work.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Tattling on a classmate for a small mistake.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Sharing your art supplies when a friend needs some.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Leaving your papers and books messy on the floor.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Waiting patiently for your turn to speak.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   
   
   
   
   Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Behavior Sort Answer Key

Here are the answers and reasoning for the Behavior Sort Worksheet.

1. Walking quietly in the classroom.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Expected
   Why?
   This behavior helps keep the classroom calm and allows everyone to focus on learning without distractions. It shows respect for others who are working.

2. Yelling out your answer before the teacher calls on you.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Unexpected
   Why?
   This behavior can interrupt the teacher and classmates, making it hard for everyone to hear and participate fairly. It doesn't show respect for classroom procedures.

3. Keeping your hands to yourself during group work.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Expected
   Why?
   This behavior ensures personal space and prevents accidental touching or arguments, helping everyone feel safe and comfortable while working together.

4. Tattling on a classmate for a small mistake.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Unexpected
   Why?
   While it's good to report serious problems, tattling on small mistakes can make classmates feel bad and disrupt the flow of the classroom. It's often better to try and solve small issues respectfully or ask for adult help if a behavior is dangerous or continuously disruptive.

5. Sharing your art supplies when a friend needs some.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Expected
   Why?
   This behavior shows kindness and cooperation. It helps classmates who might be missing something and builds a positive, supportive classroom community.

6. Leaving your papers and books messy on the floor.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Unexpected
   Why?
   This behavior makes the classroom untidy and can be a tripping hazard. It shows a lack of responsibility for personal and shared spaces.

7. Waiting patiently for your turn to speak.
   Is this behavior Expected or Unexpected?
   Expected
   Why?
   This behavior shows respect for the speaker and ensures that everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts without being interrupted. It helps maintain order in discussions.