Behavior Narration

What Is It?

A protocol for emphasizing and restating expected behaviors in an overall positive manner.

Why Use It?

This strategy draws focus on the expected behavior, rather than the problem behavior, and helps maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions.

Instructional Steps:

1. Don’t respond to students who are off task

2. Narrate the behavior of 2 students who are on task

- “Tim has his book out and opened to page 108. Maria has her book opened to page 108.”

Be targeted and specific

-Pick a student and identify the specific appropriate behavior

-Watch the students who were initially off task

-Notice a student who chooses to engage in the appropriate behavior and

narrate their behavior as the 3rd narration

3. Fluently redirect in a calm, instructional manner any others who remain off task.

4. Alternatively, narrate a percentage or number of students who are on task.

- “I see 20% of the students on page 108.”

- “I see 5 students on page 108 . . . now I see 7 students on 108. I need everyone on page 108.”