How to Succeed with the Good Behavior Game

You are the Master of the Game

  • You can manipulate the game for which ever outcome you desire.
  • You control how many points are earned/taken away, who earns them, and ultimately who wins.

Focus More on Target Students

  • These are the students who need extra behavioral support
  • Acknowledge them when awarding points and identifying MVPs.
  • Shape their behavior by reinforcing closer and closer approximations to your goals for their positive behavior.

Be Supportive and Sincere

  • This game will not be effective if the students believe the teacher does not genuinely care about them.
  • It is your positive encouragement and relationship skills that are the foundation of any intervention.
  • Strive to provide a ratio of 5 positive statements, gestures, or actions for every correction given. These classrooms get the greatest results with GBG.

Don't Play All Day

  • Students want to play all day, but don't fall into this trap.
  • The GBG was designed to be played within specific time limits, other than on-going table points systems.
  • This can result in satiation as the incentives cannot be delivered with enough power and frequency to maintain interest.

Award Points Non-Verbally

  • Verbally awarding points can disrupt the flow of instruction or the group's on-task behavior during seat work.
  • Think of your role in GBG as a coach in a sport.
    • The coach does not run onto the field to correct behavior.
    • Rather, coaches debrief and encourage players during downtime.
  • Consider alternatives (e.g., striking a chime) to alert teams that points have been rewarded.

Have Fun and Change It Up

  • As with any game, over time, the novelty of the game begins to wear off.
  • Changing aspects of the game over time will keep it fresh and exciting.
  • However, don't make too many changes at one time. You don't want to give away all the good ideas at once!

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