Lesson Plan
PBIS Power-Up Lesson Plan
Equip teachers with foundational PBIS knowledge and practical strategies to foster positive classroom climates, including setting goals, applying reinforcement techniques, and designing behavior matrices.
Understanding PBIS enables educators to proactively support student behavior, reduce disruptions, and establish consistent positive learning environments that improve engagement and outcomes for all learners.
Audience
K-12 Teachers
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Blend presentation, interactive game, and hands-on activity.
Prep
Prepare Materials and Review Content
10 minutes
- Review the full PBIS Power-Up Slide Deck.
- Print enough copies of the PBIS Reinforcement Bingo Game for small groups.
- Print the PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet for each participant.
- Gather handouts for the Behavior Matrix Creation Activity.
- Arrange table groups for collaborative work.
Step 1
Welcome and Overview
5 minutes
- Greet participants and introduce session objective.
- Share the agenda and desired outcomes.
- Quick icebreaker: Ask teachers to name one positive behavior strategy they currently use.
Step 2
PBIS Fundamentals Presentation
8 minutes
- Present key PBIS concepts and tiers using the PBIS Power-Up Slide Deck.
- Define expectations, reinforcements, and data-driven decision-making.
- Highlight real-world examples of Tier 1 supports.
Step 3
Interactive Reinforcement Bingo
8 minutes
- Divide teachers into small groups and distribute the PBIS Reinforcement Bingo Game.
- Instruct groups to identify and discuss reinforcement examples from the bingo cards.
- First group to complete a row shares insights on effective strategies.
Step 4
Behavior Matrix Creation Activity
5 minutes
- Provide the Behavior Matrix Creation Activity handout.
- In small groups, select a common school setting and populate the matrix with expected behaviors and teaching/response strategies.
- Encourage groups to consider consistency and visibility of expectations.
Step 5
Reflection and Action Planning
4 minutes
- Distribute the PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet.
- Ask teachers to individually list two PBIS strategies they will implement and next steps.
- Invite a few volunteers to share their commitments and set a follow-up reminder.
Slide Deck
PBIS Power-Up: Creating Positive Classroom Climates
One-session, 30-minute professional development for K-12 teachers
Learn PBIS fundamentals and practical strategies to foster positivity in your classroom
Welcome everyone to the PBIS Power-Up session! Introduce yourself and the purpose of today’s 30-minute module. Emphasize that we’ll cover PBIS fundamentals, play an interactive game, create a behavior matrix, and leave with concrete action steps.
Session Objectives & Agenda
• Define PBIS and its importance
• Explore evidence-based reinforcement strategies
• Practice through interactive activities
Agenda:
- PBIS Overview (8 min)
- Reinforcement Bingo (8 min)
- Behavior Matrix Activity (5 min)
- Reflection & Action Planning (4 min)
Walk through the session objectives and agenda. Invite a quick icebreaker: ask teachers to name one positive behavior strategy they already use.
What Is PBIS?
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• A proactive framework for teaching and reinforcing expected behaviors
• Creates safe, consistent, and positive learning environments
Define PBIS clearly. Emphasize proactive vs. reactive approaches and highlight how PBIS focuses on teaching expectations rather than only correcting misbehavior.
The Three Tiers of PBIS
• Tier 1: Universal supports for all students (e.g., schoolwide expectations, routines)
• Tier 2: Targeted supports for students at risk (e.g., small group interventions)
• Tier 3: Intensive individualized supports (e.g., wraparound services)
Today’s focus: Tier 1 Universal Supports
Explain each tier in turn. Stress that Tier 1 is universal supports for all students, and it’s the focus of today’s session.
Reinforcement Strategies
• Verbal Praise: Specific, timely feedback (e.g., “Great job lining up quietly!”)
• Tangible Rewards: Stickers, tokens, “Class Cash”
• Privileges: Extra recess, classroom helper roles
• Social Reinforcers: Positive notes or calls home
Share examples of effective reinforcers. Ask participants to brainstorm additional ideas from their own experience.
Interactive Activity: Reinforcement Bingo
Instructions:
- Form groups of 3–4
- Each group receives a Bingo card
- Identify reinforcement examples on the card
- First group to complete a row shares insights
Introduce the bingo game. Explain group formation, objectives, and time limit. Circulate to support discussion and note effective reinforcement examples.
Behavior Matrix Creation
Instructions:
- In your group, select a common setting (e.g., cafeteria, hallway)
- List 3–4 expected behaviors for that setting
- Determine how you will teach and reinforce each behavior
- Prepare to share your matrix with the whole group
Explain how to fill out the behavior matrix. Provide an example (e.g., hallway expectations) and encourage groups to think about teaching and reinforcing each behavior.
Reflection & Action Planning
• Complete the PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet
• Identify two PBIS strategies you will implement
• Outline next steps and timeline
• Volunteer to share your commitment
Distribute the PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet. Give participants a few minutes to reflect and write down two strategies they’ll implement. Invite volunteers to share and establish a follow-up plan.
Game
PBIS Reinforcement Bingo Game
Instructions:
- Form groups of 3–4 teachers.
- Each group receives one Bingo card and a marker (e.g., a paperclip or token).
- As you discuss PBIS reinforcement strategies, identify each example on your card.
- When your group finds an example, mark that square.
- The first group to complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line shouts “Bingo!” and shares insights on the strategies in their winning row.
Sample Bingo Card
| B | I | N | G | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Praise | Stickers | Tokens | Extra Recess | Positive Phone Call |
| Class Cash | Peer Recognition | Preferred Seating | Homework Pass | Praise Photo on Board |
| Certificate of Success | Positive Note Home | FREE | Leadership Role | Free Choice Activity |
| Praise Sticker Chart | Lunch with Teacher | Homework Pass | Positive Text to Family | Extra Computer Time |
| Token Economy Points | Positive Public Announcement | Mystery Prize Ticket | Positive Postcard Home | Classroom DJ Privilege |
Customize: You may swap in other reinforcement examples relevant to your context (e.g., “Special Badge,” “Extra Art Time,” “Classroom Helper Role”).
Worksheet
PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet
1. Reflect on Your Current Practices
- List two positive behavior strategies you are already using in your classroom:
- _______________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________________
2. Select Two PBIS Strategies to Implement
Based on today’s session, identify two strategies you will introduce or refine in your classroom.
Strategy 1: ____________________________________________
Strategy 2: ____________________________________________
3. Develop Your Action Plan
For each strategy, outline the steps, resources needed, and a timeline for implementation.
Strategy 1 Action Plan
- Steps (e.g., teach expectation, model behavior, reinforce regularly):
____________________________________________________________________________ - Resources/Supports Needed (e.g., materials, team members, data tools):
____________________________________________________________________________ - Timeline (e.g., start date, check-in dates):
____________________________________________________________________________
Strategy 2 Action Plan
- Steps:
____________________________________________________________________________ - Resources/Supports Needed:
____________________________________________________________________________ - Timeline:
____________________________________________________________________________
4. Accountability & Follow-Up
- How will you monitor student progress and fidelity of implementation?
____________________________________________________________________________ - With whom will you share your goals and progress (e.g., colleague, coach, administrator)?
____________________________________________________________________________
Consider using insights from the Behavior Matrix Creation Activity to support consistent teaching and reinforcement of your chosen strategies.
Activity
Behavior Matrix Creation Activity
Instructions
- In your group, select a common school setting (e.g., cafeteria, hallway, playground).
- Complete the behavior matrix by identifying expected behaviors and how you will teach, model, and reinforce them.
- Be ready to share your matrix with the whole group.
Behavior Matrix Template
| Expected Behavior | Teaching/Modeling Strategies | Reinforcement & Response Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
| 2. ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
| 3. ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
| 4. ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
Tip: Refer back to insights from the PBIS Reinforcement Bingo Game and your PBIS Goal-Setting Worksheet to inform your strategies.