Good Behavior Game
The
“Good Behavior Game” is a strategy that is effective in promoting
appropriate social skills in the classroom. Such social skills that can be
targeted are taking turns, using polite words, being helpful to others, sharing,
etc.
Individuals
or teams compete against each other for the “big prize”. During the
competition, students are evaluated on using appropriate/desired behaviors and
gain points for displaying the behavior(s). The teacher will determine the
amount of time that the evaluations will last; this could be during a specific
activity, class period, or throughout the day. The class can be divided up into
teams and work cooperatively throughout the day on practicing appropriate social
behaviors. When the teacher observes the team engaging in these behaviors she
will indicate a point earned by placing a marble in the team jar, making a tally
mark on the board, handing the team leader a point cards, etc. Initially the
teacher can verbally tell the class which team just received the point and what
behavior she observed that earned the point. This verbalization can be faded
when students are more aware of the objectives.
The
teacher will tell the students how many points are needed to earn the reward
during the predetermined time period.
This
strategy could be used for an individual to encourage appropriate social
interactions throughout the day. This would involve informing various teachers,
whom come in contact with the student, how the strategy works.
For example, inform teachers that when they observe the target student
(in the hall, during transitions, during recess, in related arts, etc.) engaged
in appropriate social interaction during the day they can give the student a
“good behavior” ticket. The teachers involved should be specific as to the
behavior that earned the ticket. For example, if a teacher observes the target
student helping another student then they should say, “I liked the way you
opened the door for Sally, that was very thoughtful of you, you have earned a
ticket.” Or if the student is observed walking quietly down the hall then the
teacher can say, “You did a good job walking quietly down the hall to music,
you have earned a ticket.” The student can turn in their earned tickets at the
end of the day/week and receive a reward.
Click here for a Good Behavior Game Worksheet
ETSU Make a Difference Project 2002-2003