Lesson Plan

Behavior Detectives

Students will become “Behavior Detectives” by identifying and sorting expected versus unexpected behaviors in classroom and playground scenarios, and will explain their reasoning to support positive interactions.

Building foundational social skills helps kindergarteners develop self-awareness, fosters a respectful classroom culture, and encourages positive peer interactions by clarifying what behaviors keep everyone safe and happy.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Behavior Detectives

5 minutes

Step 2

Think-Pair-Share

5 minutes

Step 3

Sorting Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Group Discussion

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Behavior Detectives

Welcome students and introduce yourself as the lead detective. Explain that today everyone becomes a “Behavior Detective” to spot expected vs unexpected behaviors.

Today’s Mission

Point to each bullet and read aloud. Clarify any questions.

Expected Behaviors

Ask: Can you name more expected behaviors? Encourage responses like “raising hand,” “walking,” or “sharing.”

Unexpected Behaviors

Invite students to act out one unexpected behavior (safely) and discuss why it’s unexpected.

Scenario: What’s Happening?

Display the image on the smartboard. Ask: “Detectives, is this expected or unexpected? How do you know?”

Think-Pair-Share

Hand each student one picture card. Circulate as they think. Encourage full sentences.

Sorting Activity

Divide into groups of 3–4. Provide each group with sorting mats and cards. Prompt students to explain why each card goes where.

Group Discussion

Invite each group to the front. Have them place one card on the chart and explain their reasoning. Record key student language.

Reflection & Closing

Lead reflection by asking the whole class the two key questions. Hand out badges and explain how to earn them.

Lesson Plan

Behavior Detectives

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

Step 1

Introduction to Behavior Detectives

Step 2

Think-Pair-Share

Step 3

Sorting Activity

Step 4

Group Discussion

Step 5

Reflection and Closing

Slide Deck

Behavior Detectives

Today’s Mission

Expected Behaviors

Unexpected Behaviors

Scenario: What’s Happening?

Think-Pair-Share

Sorting Activity

Group Discussion

Reflection & Closing

Worksheet

Activity

Activity

Behavior Detectives

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