Lesson Plan
Unmasking Behavior Functions Lesson Plan
Participants will learn to identify and apply the four primary functions of student behavior—escape, attention, sensory, and tangible—and develop proactive strategies to minimize challenging behaviors in their classrooms.
Understanding behavior functions empowers teachers to address root causes of disruptions, create supportive environments, and boost student engagement and learning.
Audience
K-12 Teachers
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Interactive presentations, group analyses, and strategy planning.
Materials
- Behavior Functions Slide Deck, - Behavior Function Case Studies Handout, - Behavior Function Identification Chart Posters, - Behavior Strategies Matrix, - Chart Paper, - Sticky Notes, and - Colored Markers
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Behavior Functions Slide Deck
- Familiarize yourself with the Behavior Function Case Studies Handout
- Place Behavior Function Identification Chart Posters around the room
- Print copies of the Behavior Strategies Matrix for participants
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Display the session overview using Behavior Functions Slide Deck
- Icebreaker: In pairs, share a challenging behavior scenario and guess its function
- Collect a few examples to discuss with the group
Step 2
Overview of Behavior Functions
15 minutes
- Present the four functions (escape, attention, sensory, tangible) via Behavior Functions Slide Deck
- Illustrate each with real classroom examples
- Check for understanding with brief Q&A
Step 3
Case Study Analysis
20 minutes
- Distribute Behavior Function Case Studies Handout
- In small groups, analyze scenarios and identify the behavior function
- Record analysis on sticky notes and post on corresponding Behavior Function Identification Chart Posters
Step 4
Strategy Development
20 minutes
- Introduce proactive strategies for each function using Behavior Strategies Matrix
- Groups match strategies to their case scenarios
- Update posters with strategy sticky notes for peer review
Step 5
Action Planning and Reflection
15 minutes
- Provide chart paper and markers for individual action plans
- Teachers draft an implementation plan for a chosen strategy
- Partner share for feedback and refinement
Step 6
Wrap-Up and Q&A
10 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways using Behavior Functions Slide Deck
- Open floor for questions and discussion
- Encourage participants to set next steps for classroom application
Slide Deck
Unmasking Behavior Functions
Tier 1 Professional Development • 90 minutes
Exploring why behaviors occur and proactive strategies to support all students.
Welcome participants and introduce the session topic and goals. Emphasize that understanding behavior functions helps create supportive classrooms.
Agenda
- Introduction & Warm-Up (10 min)
- Overview of Behavior Functions (15 min)
- Case Study Analysis (20 min)
- Strategy Development (20 min)
- Action Planning & Reflection (15 min)
- Wrap-Up & Q&A (10 min)
Review the agenda so teachers know what to expect and how time will be allocated.
Learning Objectives
• Identify the four primary functions of student behavior
• Describe examples of escape, attention, sensory, and tangible functions
• Apply proactive strategies to address each function
• Develop an action plan to implement strategies in your classroom
Read the objectives aloud and connect each one to the session activities. Invite participants to watch for these outcomes.
Why It Matters
• Behavior is communication of unmet needs
• Functional approach prevents guesswork
• Proactive support builds a positive climate
• Improves learning time for all students
Explain how addressing the root cause of behavior increases engagement and reduces disruptions. Provide a quick example.
The Four Functions of Behavior
Escape: Avoid tasks or demands
Attention: Gain teacher or peer notice
Sensory: Seek or avoid stimulation
Tangible: Obtain objects or activities
Introduce the four functions at a high level. Tell participants they'll dive deeper into each one.
Function 1: Escape
Definition: Behavior to get out of tasks or demands
Example: A student repeatedly asks to go to the restroom during math to avoid work
Define escape behaviors and share an example of a student who avoids work. Ask if anyone has seen similar behaviors.
Function 2: Attention
Definition: Behavior to gain notice from adults or peers
Example: Calling out answers without raising hand to get teacher focus
Explain attention functions with examples of both positive and negative attention seeking. Invite quick participant stories.
Function 3: Sensory
Definition: Behavior that provides or reduces sensory input
Example: Rocking back and forth to calm oneself during loud activities
Discuss sensory behaviors and how they might appear (self-stimulation or avoiding sensory input). Show a brief video clip if available.
Function 4: Tangible
Definition: Behavior to obtain a preferred item or activity
Example: A student cries to get a turn on the tablet during centers
Cover tangible functions and how items or activities can drive behavior. Ask participants for other tangible examples.
Case Study Analysis
• Distribute the Behavior Function Case Studies Handout
• In small groups, read scenarios and identify the function
• Record on sticky notes and post to chart posters
Explain the case study handout. Instruct groups to identify the function for each scenario and prepare to post findings.
Strategy Development
• Review the Behavior Strategies Matrix
• In groups, match strategies to your case scenarios
• Add strategy sticky notes under each function on posters
Introduce the Behavior Strategies Matrix. Model how to match a proactive strategy to a function before groups begin.
Action Planning & Reflection
• Use chart paper to draft one implementation plan
• Specify steps, supports, and timeline
• Partner share for feedback and refinement
Guide teachers through drafting an action plan. Encourage specificity (when, where, how) and partner feedback.
Wrap-Up & Q&A
• Recap the four functions and proactive strategies
• Encourage setting next steps for classroom application
• Questions and group discussion
Summarize the key takeaways and remind teachers of next steps. Open the floor for questions and final thoughts.
Activity
Behavior Function Case Studies Handout
Instructions:
- Read each scenario below.
- For each, identify the primary function of the behavior.
- Note the evidence in the scenario that supports your choice.
- Propose a proactive strategy you could implement in your classroom.
Scenario 1
Maria, a 3rd grader, often asks to sharpen her pencil or get a drink of water every time math class begins. She returns after only a minute and resumes lingering by the pencil sharpener or water fountain before the teacher calls her back.
1. Function: ___________________________
2. Evidence: ___________________________
3. Proactive Strategy: ___________________________
Scenario 2
Darius frequently calls out answers without raising his hand, even when he doesn’t know the answer, and makes loud comments to get the teacher’s attention. When others ignore him, he begins tapping his pencil loudly on the desk.
1. Function: ___________________________
2. Evidence: ___________________________
3. Proactive Strategy: ___________________________
Scenario 3
Sophie rocks back and forth and hums softly during independent reading time. When the room gets noisy, her rocking intensifies and she covers her ears before returning to her reading spot.
1. Function: ___________________________
2. Evidence: ___________________________
3. Proactive Strategy: ___________________________
Scenario 4
Liam cries and holds onto a set of colored markers any time he’s asked to transition from free play to the next activity. He only calms down when a teacher allows him one more minute with the markers.
1. Function: ___________________________
2. Evidence: ___________________________
3. Proactive Strategy: ___________________________
After completing the handout, post your responses on the Behavior Function Identification Chart Posters to share with your peers.
Activity
Behavior Strategies Matrix
Use this matrix to explore and match proactive strategies to each behavior function. In your groups, identify which strategies align with your case scenarios and jot down any classroom-specific examples.
| Behavior Function | Proactive Strategy | Example Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Escape (Avoid or delay tasks) | • Offer task choice (e.g., let students pick the order of assignments) • Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps • Pre-teach or preview challenging content | Maria struggles at the start of math. Break her assignment into two 5-minute chunks and let her choose which to do first. |
| Attention (Gain notice from adults/peers) | • Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins • Teach an appropriate signal for help (e.g., hand signal, “question card” ) • Use nonverbal praise (e.g., thumbs up, quick nod) | Darius receives a “question token” when he raises his hand. He trades in the token for 30 seconds of teacher attention at set times. |
| Sensory (Gain or avoid sensory input) | • Provide a sensory toolkit (e.g., fidget, stress ball) • Incorporate scheduled movement or calming breaks • Offer environmental adjustments (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, dim lighting) | Sophie uses a wobble cushion and noise-cancelling headphones during independent reading to regulate her sensory needs. |
| Tangible (Obtain preferred items/activities) | • Use a visual schedule or countdown timer for access to preferred items • Implement a token economy to earn tangible rewards • Provide structured choice (e.g., “work first, then play” board) | Liam follows a visual strip showing 2 minutes of marker time, then transitions when the timer ends. |
After matching strategies to your assigned case study, write an additional “classroom fit” example below that you can implement this week:
Function: ___________________________
Chosen Strategy: ___________________________
Specific Implementation Steps:
Cool Down
Reflection Exit Ticket
Please take a few minutes to reflect on today’s session and plan your next steps.
- What is one new insight you gained about the functions of behavior?
- Which proactive strategy will you implement first in your classroom?
- What is one concrete next step you will take this week to support a student’s behavior function?
- What question remains or what additional support do you need?
Thank you for your reflections. Use these insights to guide your action plan and share any questions with your colleagues or instructional coach.
Reading
Behavior Function Chart Posters
Use these chart posters to organize your group’s analysis and strategy ideas. Under each function heading, post your sticky notes with:
- Identified behavior function from your case study
- Evidence from the scenario
- Proactive strategy suggestion
Escape (Avoid or delay tasks)
Post sticky notes here:
Attention (Gain notice from adults or peers)
Post sticky notes here:
Sensory (Gain or reduce sensory input)
Post sticky notes here:
Tangible (Obtain preferred items or activities)
Post sticky notes here: