Peer & Self Monitoring Game


Decrease unwanted verbalization and distractions by using a group goal or reward to motivate children and their peers to behave appropriately.

Tier 2. Targeted. Disruption. Talking. Noise. Peers. Off Task. Group Contingency.


Steps to Take

  • Step 1: Group 'Em: Children need to be placed in groups of four or five for this one. Be sure to mix groups with students of different skills and abilities.

  • Step 2: Game On: Tell children that you all will be playing a game.

  • Step 3: Say, Show, Check: Review rules by providing examples of appropriate behavior and examples of inappropriate behavior. Role play with children different examples and give them corrective feedback until you are sure they understand the rules.

  • Step 4: Game Board: Place a game board in the middle of each group. The "game board" can be a poster or a piece of paper with a target drawn on it. In the center of the target there will be a green circle. Surrounding green circle there will be a blue circle. Surrounding the blue circle will be a red circle. Each group gets 5 black circle dots. At the beginning of the game, the black circles will be placed in the center of the target on the green.

  • Step 5: Rule Breaking: If a child in the group breaks a rule during the game time, the student who broke the rule will move their circle to the blue. If the child does not, their group members should politely remind them to move their circle. If the child who broke the rule does not move their circle after being reminded by the group, then the adult moves the circle to the red section.

  • Step 6: Caution: Tell the groups that negative behavior toward the child who broke the rule will not be tolerated. If the adult notices any teasing or rude comments from group members when a child breaks a rule, the adult will move a circle from that group into the red.

  • Step 7: Winner, Winner: Groups that have at least one circle in the green section at the end of the game time will receive a reward.

  • Step 8: Game Plan: Allow children time at the beginning of the day to meet with their group to brainstorm ways to win the game. If they want, they can create a team name.


Tips

  • List possible rewards at the beginning of the day. Rewards could be things (candy, pencil, toy) or privileges (game time, free time, outside time).

  • It may be necessary to demonstrate the game to the group before having them try it on their own.

  • If groups are negative, fighting or breaking the rules together, quietly move a circle.


Printables


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Burns, M. K., Riley-Tillman, T. C. & Rathvon, N. (2017). Effective school interventions: Evidence-based strategies for improving student outcomes. The Guilford Press: New York.