Lesson Plan
Kickoff to Kindness
Students will learn the principles of PBIS and MTSS, brainstorm ways to build a positive classroom climate, and commit to actionable behaviors to foster kindness and respect.
Introducing PBIS and MTSS early empowers students to understand and embody shared expectations, promotes empathy, and creates a supportive environment that reduces misbehavior and enhances learning.
Audience
5th Grade Class
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Blend of direct instruction, group brainstorming, circle discussion, and personal reflection.
Materials
Projector or interactive whiteboard, Positive Vibes Presentation, Chart paper and markers, School Climate Brainstorm Worksheet, PBIS & MTSS Circle Chat Discussion Guide, Sticky notes, and Commitment Corner Prompt Cards
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the slides in Positive Vibes Presentation
- Print enough copies of School Climate Brainstorm Worksheet for small groups
- Print or display the PBIS & MTSS Circle Chat Discussion Guide
- Prepare chart paper posters for group idea posting
- Cut out or print Commitment Corner Prompt Cards and gather sticky notes
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Display slide 1 of the Positive Vibes Presentation
- Ask: “What makes someone a kind classmate?”
- Students turn-and-talk for 1 minute, then 2–3 share with whole class
Step 2
Introduce PBIS & MTSS
10 minutes
- Walk through slides 2–5 of the Positive Vibes Presentation
- Define PBIS, tiers of support, and MTSS framework
- Pause for questions and check understanding with quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down
Step 3
Activity: School Climate Brainstorm
10 minutes
- Divide into groups of 3–4 and give each a School Climate Brainstorm Worksheet
- Groups list 3 positive behaviors or actions per PBIS expectation
- Post completed worksheets on chart paper around the room
Step 4
Discussion: PBIS & MTSS Circle Chat
10 minutes
- Form a whole-class circle and display the PBIS & MTSS Circle Chat Discussion Guide
- Each student shares one idea for improving our classroom climate
- Teacher notes common themes for reference
Step 5
Cool-Down: Commitment Corner
5 minutes
- Distribute Commitment Corner Prompt Cards and sticky notes
- Students write one specific action they promise to take
- Students place notes on the “Commitment Corner” board
Step 6
Assessment & Reflection
5 minutes
- Ask students to complete a quick exit ticket:
- One new thing learned about PBIS/MTSS
- One action they will take this week
- Collect exit tickets as they leave
Slide Deck
How Can We Build Positive Vibes?
An Introduction to PBIS & MTSS
Greet students and display the title slide. Invite them to think quietly about what makes a classroom feel positive.
Learning Objectives
• Learn what PBIS means
• Explore the MTSS tiers of support
• Identify positive behaviors in our classroom
• Commit to one positive action
Read each objective aloud. Pause after each to check student understanding with a quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down.
What Is PBIS?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework for teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Key ideas:
• Proactive teaching of expectations
• Consistent positive reinforcement
• Clear rules and routines
Define PBIS. Ask if anyone has heard of PBIS and invite a brief response.
Understanding MTSS Tiers
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
• Tier 1: Universal supports for all students
• Tier 2: Targeted supports for some students
• Tier 3: Intensive supports for a few students
Introduce MTSS as the layered support system. Use examples (e.g., extra help vs. classroom-wide supports).
Examples of Positive Behaviors
Be Safe:
– Walk in the hallways
– Keep hands to yourself
Be Respectful:
– Listen when others speak
– Use kind words
Be Responsible:
– Follow directions
– Clean up your area
Use this slide to solicit student examples. Call on volunteers to share one behavior per expectation.
Why PBIS & MTSS Matter
A positive school climate:
• Reduces conflicts
• Encourages respect and empathy
• Supports academic success
• Builds a caring community
Discuss why these frameworks benefit the whole class. Ask: “How does a positive climate help us learn?”
Think & Share
Discuss with your group:
- Which positive behavior do you use most?
- What new behavior would you like to practice?
- How can we help each other stay positive?
Explain the discussion prompts. Students will share in small groups or whole-class circle.
Next Steps: Commitment Corner
Write one specific action you will take this week to build positive vibes in our classroom.
Place your sticky note on the board when done.
Introduce the Commitment Corner activity. Show where students will place their sticky notes.
Activity
School Climate Brainstorm Worksheet
Group Members: _______________________________
Instructions: In your group of 3–4, list three positive behaviors or actions for each PBIS expectation. Be specific! When you’re done, post your completed worksheet on the chart paper around the room.
1. Be Safe
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
2. Be Respectful
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
3. Be Responsible
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
Reflection Question (optional):
- Which behavior on this sheet do you think will have the biggest impact on our classroom climate? Why?
Discussion
PBIS & MTSS Circle Chat Discussion Guide
Overview:
In this whole-class circle chat, students will build on the ideas generated in small groups to deepen their understanding of PBIS, MTSS, and how each of us contributes to a positive classroom climate.
Materials:
- A “talking piece” (e.g., small token or soft ball)
- Chart paper and marker
- Classroom arranged in a circle
Discussion Norms:
- One mic, one speaker: Only the person with the talking piece speaks; others listen actively.
- Be respectful: Listen without interrupting and respond with kind words.
- Share openly: Everyone’s ideas matter—no “wrong” answers!
- Build on ideas: You may agree, add on, or ask a question to clarify.
- Keep it positive: Focus on solutions and strengths.
Discussion Prompts
- What does “Be Safe,” “Be Respectful,” or “Be Responsible” look like in our classroom?
- Follow-up: Which of these do you see most in yourself? In others?
- Think about our school as a team: what small action can each of us take to lift someone’s mood or help them learn better?
- Follow-up: How would you encourage a friend to do the same?
- MTSS supports students at different levels. What could Tier 1 look like for our whole class?
- Follow-up: If someone needed extra help (Tier 2 or 3), what might that look like in our room?
- How can our class use PBIS and MTSS ideas to solve a problem before it becomes a conflict?
- Follow-up: Share an example of a small problem you’ve fixed with a classmate.
- Looking ahead: what one thing will you notice or check for each day to make sure our class stays positive?
- Follow-up: How can we remind each other if someone forgets?
Teacher’s Role:
- Facilitate and keep time (5–6 minutes per prompt)
- Record key ideas on chart paper
- Encourage quieter students by inviting them with gentle prompts (e.g., “What do you think, Maya?”)
After the Chat:
- Review the chart paper notes aloud.
- Highlight 2–3 recurring themes to revisit in future lessons.
- Transition to the Commitment Corner by asking: “Which of these ideas will you turn into action today?”
Cool Down
Commitment Corner Prompt Cards
Instructions for Students:
- Choose one prompt card from the stack.
- Write your response on a sticky note, using at least three complete sentences.
- Place your sticky note on the Commitment Corner board under the matching prompt.
- We’ll review these tomorrow to support each other’s commitments!
Card 1: My PBIS Promise
I learned that PBIS helps us...
This week, I promise to:
Card 2: MTSS in Action
I now understand that MTSS Tier 1 means...
To support my classmates, I will:
Card 3: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
The expectation I find easiest is ____ because...
The expectation I will focus on is ____ by:
Card 4: Helping Hands
One small action I can take to lift someone’s mood is...
I will remind myself by:
Card 5: Classroom Goal
A positive goal I have for our class is...
I will check in on this goal each day by:
Card 6: Daily Reminder
To keep our classroom vibes strong, I will notice and celebrate when someone...
And I will share my celebration by: