Across Ohio many schools are using a strategy and practice called the PAX Good Behavior Game. It is a classroom-based behavior management strategy that teaches students self-regulation and reinforces positive behaviors through rules, rewards, and team-based competition. The “game” is designed to increase focus, decrease disruptive behaviors, and promote a positive classroom environment. The game involves clear rules, and students are rewarded for adhering to those rules in a cooperative way for short increments of time throughout the day.
Scenario: Training a Student in PAX Good Behavior Game Rules
Setting:
Polly is a paraeducator introducing a new student, Alex, to the PAX Good Behavior Game in their classroom. Alex has been struggling with staying on task and following directions during lessons. The goal is to teach Alex the rules of the game in a structured, positive way.
Step-by-Step Training for Alex in PAX Good Behavior Game Rules:
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Introduction to the PAX Good Behavior Game:
- Polly: “Hi, Alex! Today we’re going to play a special game in class called the PAX Good Behavior Game. This game will help you focus, stay on task, and work well with your classmates. I’ll explain the rules, and we’ll practice them together.”
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Explaining the Game Rules:
- Polly: “In this game, there are a few simple rules that everyone has to follow. Here are the main ones:
- Stay on task: You focus on the activity and do your best work.
- Be respectful: You don’t interrupt others, and you listen when someone else is speaking.
- Raise your hand if you need help: If you’re stuck, ask for help without calling out.
- Keep your body to yourself: No hitting, pushing, or touching others.
- Work quietly: We want to keep the noise level down, so you can focus.”
- Polly: “In this game, there are a few simple rules that everyone has to follow. Here are the main ones:
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Explaining the Team Aspect:
- Polly: “In the PAX Good Behavior Game, you’ll be working with a team. Your team’s goal is to follow the rules and earn points. Every time your team does something great—like staying on task or raising your hand—your team can earn a point. At the end of the game, the team with the most points gets a special reward!”
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Setting Expectations for Positive Behavior:
- Polly : “If you do something that goes against the rules, like talking out of turn or not staying on task, the game stops for a moment, and we’ll remind you of the rules. Don’t worry—everyone makes mistakes, and the game will start again as soon as you are ready to follow the rules.”
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Modeling the Behavior:
- Polly: “Let me show you how the game works. I’m going to start the timer, and I’ll do a quick activity. Let’s say we’re reading together. Watch me: I’ll raise my hand to speak, I’ll stay focused on the book, and I’ll work quietly. Now, let’s try to do that together!”
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Initial Practice Round:
- Polly : “Alright, Alex, we’re going to start our first round of the PAX Good Behavior Game! Remember the rules, and let’s focus on staying on task and raising your hand if you need help. I’ll give you a reminder if needed, and we’ll stop the game for a moment to refocus.”
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Reinforcing Positive Behavior:
- During the practice round, the teacher should give specific praise whenever Alex is following the rules:
- Polly: “Great job, Alex! You’re staying on task and raising your hand when you need help. That’s awesome!”
- Polly (if needed): “I noticed you’re talking while someone else is speaking. Let’s take a moment to remember our rule about being respectful and quiet while others are talking.”
- During the practice round, the teacher should give specific praise whenever Alex is following the rules:
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Providing Immediate Feedback:
- After a short practice session, the teacher offers feedback:
- Teacher: “You did a great job today, Alex! You followed the rules, stayed focused, and worked quietly. Your team is earning points because of your hard work. We’re going to keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a PAX pro!”
- After a short practice session, the teacher offers feedback:
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Discussing Rewards and Consequences:
- Polly: “Remember, when we play the game, if you follow the rules and work with your team, you can earn points toward a reward. If the rules aren’t followed, we might stop the game for a quick reminder. The more you follow the rules, the more points you earn, and the more fun we have!”
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Ending the Session and Preparing for the Next Round:
- Polly: “Great job today, Alex! We’ll keep practicing this game so you can get better and better. Tomorrow, we’ll try it again, and I know you’ll do even better. Keep up the awesome work!”
In the Scenario There are…
- Clear Rule Explanation: The teacher explains the rules in simple terms and models the behaviors.
- Immediate Reinforcement: Positive behaviors (e.g., staying on task, raising hands) are reinforced right away with praise.
- Supportive Environment: The teacher creates a safe space for learning and offers reminders as necessary.
- Team-Based Motivation: Alex is part of a team, which encourages collaboration and accountability.
- Gradual Practice: The teacher provides opportunities for Alex to practice the rules in real time, offering feedback and support throughout.
By providing a structured, clear introduction to the game and emphasizing positive behaviors, Alex can start to learn the PAX Good Behavior Game rules in a supportive environment. As the game is played over time, Alex will gain more confidence and begin to internalize the behaviors that lead to success in the game.
Reflection: Does your district use the PAX Good Behavior Game or some other kind of set routine approach to supporting student behavior?
Have you been trained in this approach, yourself? Or did you have to learn through watching?
Do you ever have to pause and teach a new student the systems you have for positive behavior intervention at your school?
Pausing and reteaching all kids might be a good idea? Why?