Paws-itive Behavior Power-Up Script

Introduction (Slide 1: Paws-itive Behavior Power-Up!)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps us all have a great time and learn a lot in our classroom. We're calling it our 'Paws-itive Behavior Power-Up!' because, like a strong team, our positive actions power up our learning environment."

Warm-Up Review & Discussion (Slide 2: What Does 'Positive Behavior' Even Mean?)

"To start, you just completed a quick warm-up. Take a look at your answers. What are some of the positive behaviors you thought were essential for a successful classroom?"

Pause for student responses, validate and affirm ideas.

"Excellent ideas! When we talk about positive behavior, we're really thinking about the actions and attitudes that make our classroom a fantastic place for everyone. It's about how we treat each other and how we show up to learn."

"Let's think about this: How do your actions affect others?"

"What makes a classroom feel safe and fun?"

"And most importantly, what helps everyone learn their best?"

Encourage a few students to share their thoughts, connecting their responses to the idea of a shared, positive space.

Why It Matters (Slide 3: Why Does It Matter?)

"So, why is all this 'positive behavior' stuff so important? It's not just about 'rules' for the sake of rules. It's about creating a space where every single one of you can thrive."

"Positive behavior creates:"

• "A Safe Space for everyone to share ideas without fear."
• "A Respectful Environment where every voice is heard and valued."
• "A Focused Learning Zone where we can all concentrate and achieve our goals."
• "And a Team Spirit where we support and uplift each other."

"Think about a time you were in a group where everyone was respectful and supportive. How did that feel?"

Examples in Action (Slide 4: Examples in Action)

"Let's get more specific. What does positive behavior look like in our classroom?"

• "Active Listening: This means really hearing what someone is saying, making eye contact, and waiting your turn to speak, even if you disagree with their point. It shows you value their contribution."
• "Kind Communication: This isn't just about avoiding mean words, but actively choosing words that build others up, offer constructive feedback, and keep our conversations positive and productive."
• "Taking Responsibility: When mistakes happen – and they will, because we're all human – this means owning up to your actions, apologizing if needed, and learning how to do better next time. It's about growth, not blame."
• "Helping Hands: This is about looking out for your classmates and your teacher. If you see someone struggling, offering help. If you notice something needs to be done, lending a hand. We're a community here."

"Can anyone think of another example of positive behavior they've seen or done in school?"

Allow for student examples.

Your Mission: Classroom Contract (Slide 5: Your Mission: Classroom Contract!)

"Now that we've talked about what positive behavior means and why it's so important, it's your turn to take the lead. I don't want to just tell you what the rules are; I want us to decide what kind of classroom we want to build together."

"I'm going to divide you into small groups. Your mission is to collaboratively develop a short list of 3-5 key positive behavior expectations that we as a class agree to uphold. Think about what would make our classroom the best possible place to learn and grow."

"You'll have about 10 minutes for this activity. Choose a scribe to write down your group's ideas. I'll be circulating to answer any questions and hear your fantastic ideas."

Transition to group activity. Circulate and support groups.

Wrap-up & Reinforcement (Slide 6: Our Shared Commitment)

"Alright, let's bring it back together. Can each group share one or two of their most important positive behavior expectations with the class?"

Facilitate brief sharing from each group, possibly writing common themes on the board to create a collective class contract.

"These are fantastic ideas, everyone! What we've created here today isn't just a list of rules; it's our shared commitment to each other. By working together and living out these positive behaviors, we truly create a classroom where everyone thrives and feels ready to learn."

Cool-Down (Collecting Exit Tickets)

"To wrap up today, I have one final, quick reflection for you. Please take a moment to fill out this 'Behavior Reflection Cool-Down' on your own. It will help us think about how we can individually contribute to our awesome classroom environment."

Distribute Behavior Reflection Cool-Down and collect upon completion.

Behavior Brainstorm: My Ideal Classroom

Instructions: Take a few minutes to think about what makes a classroom a great place to learn. List at least 3-5 positive behaviors that you believe are essential for our classroom to be successful, respectful, and productive.

Think about:

• How students treat each other.
• How students participate.
• How students work with the teacher.

1. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
2. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
3. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
4. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
5. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   

Bonus: Why do you think these behaviors are important?

Classroom Contract: Our Shared Commitments

Instructions: In your small groups, discuss and agree upon 3-5 key positive behaviors that you believe are crucial for our classroom. These are the behaviors that we, as a class, will commit to upholding to create the best possible learning environment.

Think about:

• What helps everyone feel respected and heard?
• What helps us stay focused and learn effectively?
• What makes our classroom a positive and supportive community?

Write your group's agreed-upon behaviors below. Be ready to share your top 1-2 ideas with the whole class!

Our Group's Positive Behavior Commitments:

1. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. ___________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

Group Discussion Prompts:

• Why is each behavior important?
• What does each behavior look like in action?
• How can we remind ourselves and each other to practice these behaviors?

Behavior Reflection: My Pledge

Instructions: Please take a moment to reflect on today's discussion about positive behavior. Answer the questions below honestly.

1. Out of the behaviors we discussed today (or your group's ideas), what is ONE positive behavior you personally commit to practicing more often in our classroom?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why is this particular behavior important to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think your commitment to this behavior will positively impact our classroom and your own learning?