Circle Up Lesson Plan Circle Up!
Behavior Boost Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
3rd Grade
Objective
Students will be able to identify and demonstrate at least three positive behaviors for circle time, including active listening, respectful sharing, and turn-taking.
Why it Matters
Positive behavior during circle time helps everyone learn better, feel respected, and enjoy group activities. It's an important life skill for working with others!
Preparation
• Review the Slide Deck and Script.
• Print Behavior Chart Worksheets for each student.
• Cut out the Good Listener / Bad Listener Activity Cards.
• Set up projector and gather markers/pencils.
Materials
Circle Up! Slide Deck
Behavior Chart Worksheet
Activity Cards
Markers or Pencils
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduction & Hook
5 MIN
"What Makes a Great Circle?"
Begin with the warm-up slide. Ask: "What comes to mind when you think about our circle time? What makes it great, or sometimes tricky?"
Introduce the objectives: "Today, we're going to become behavior detectives and discover how to make our circle time the best it can be!"
2. Explore Positive Behaviors
10 MIN
"Our Circle Time Superpowers!"
Display Slide 3. Facilitate a discussion using the Script about key behaviors: active listening, respectful sharing, and turn-taking .
Use the Activity Cards for a quick sorting activity. Ask students to identify which behaviors help and which hinder a productive circle.
3. Practice & Apply
10 MIN
Distribute the Behavior Chart Worksheet.
Guide students to fill in the chart with specific examples of the behaviors discussed.
Lead a brief role-playing session. Model both positive and challenging behaviors and have students identify what they observe.
4. Wrap-Up & Commitment
5 MIN
Revisit the objectives on the Slide Deck.
Ask students to share one behavior they commit to practicing during the next circle time.
Conclude with the "High Five for Good Vibes" cool-down, reinforcing their commitment.
Circle Up Slide Deck Circle Up!
Behavior Boost
Let's make our circle time awesome!
Why Are We Here Today?
To learn how to make our circle time super successful!
Understand what makes a great circle.
Practice positive behaviors like listening and sharing.
Help everyone feel comfortable and heard.
Our Circle Time Superpowers!
Active Listening
Using our ears, eyes, and brains to understand.
Respectful Sharing
Speaking kindly and waiting for our turn.
Turn-Taking
Giving everyone a chance to participate.
Good Listener,
Bad Listener Activity
What does good listening look like?
What does it sound like?
Let's sort some behaviors together!
Behavior Chart Challenge!
Worksheet Time
Think about:
• How can we show active listening?
• How can we share respectfully?
• What does fair turn-taking look like?
Practice Time: Role-Playing!
Let's try out these superpowers! Who wants to show us:
Active Listening
Respectful Sharing
Turn-Taking
Our Commitment
What one "superpower" will YOU focus on next time?
Let's make a promise to ourselves and our classmates!
High Five for Good Vibes!
We've got this! Let's make every circle time a great time!
Circle Up Script Circle Up! Teacher Script
Facilitator Guide for Behavior Boost Lesson
Teacher Resource
SLIDE CUE
ACTION
Bold Text = Say Out Loud
1
Introduction & Hook
5 MIN
Slide 1
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Can you all find a spot in our circle today? Let's get comfortable and ready to learn."
Action
Pause for students to settle into the circle format.
Slide 2
"To start us off, I want you to think for a moment. What comes to mind when you think about our circle time? What makes it great, or sometimes a little bit tricky? Turn and talk to a partner for about 30 seconds about your ideas."
Action
Allow 30 seconds for partner discussion. Signal for attention back to the group.
Slide 2
"Alright, let's hear a few ideas. (Call on 2-3 students). Thank you for sharing! Today, we're going to become 'behavior detectives' and discover how to make our circle time the best it can be for *everyone*! We're going to learn about some 'circle time superpowers' that will help us all participate better and enjoy our learning time together."
2
Explore Positive Behaviors
10 MIN
Slide 3
Active Listening:
"Yes, great ideas! Active listening means we use our ears to hear, our eyes to look at the speaker, and our brains to think about their words. It shows respect and helps us understand."
Slide 3
Respectful Sharing:
"Exactly! Respectful sharing means using a calm voice and focusing on our own ideas without interrupting. It's okay to have different opinions, but we always share them kindly."
Slide 3
Turn-Taking:
"That's right! It makes sure everyone gets a chance to share. Now, let's play a game! I have some cards that describe behaviors. Tell me if it helps our circle or makes it harder. Ready?"
Action
Use the Activity Cards here. Show a card, have students vote 'Good' or 'Bad' with thumbs up/down, and discuss briefly.
3
Practice & Apply
10 MIN
Circle Up Behavior Chart Worksheet Behavior Chart Challenge
Circle Up! Superpowers
Name:
Date:
We are learning how to make our circle time the best it can be! For each "Circle Time Superpower," write down one specific way you can show that behavior in our circle.
1. Active Listening
SUPERPOWER
What does Active Listening look like? How can I show it?
2. Respectful Sharing
SUPERPOWER
What does Respectful Sharing sound like? How can I show it?
3. Turn-Taking
SUPERPOWER
How can I make sure everyone gets a turn?
My Circle Time Commitment!
What ONE superpower will you focus on practicing during our next circle time? Write it here!
I commit to:
Good Listener Bad Listener Activity Cards Circle Time Behavior Cards
Cut out each card to sort into "Good" or "Bad" behaviors!
Behavior 1
Looking at the speaker and nodding to show you understand.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 2
Yelling out your idea while someone else is still talking.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 3
Raising your hand and waiting patiently for the teacher to call on you.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 4
Fiddling with a toy or looking around the room instead of paying attention.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 5
Using a clear voice so everyone can hear your thoughts.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 6
Whispering to a friend while another student is sharing.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 7
Giving a quiet thumbs-up or a small smile when a friend shares an idea.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 8
Standing up and walking around while someone else is speaking.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 9
Asking a question after someone finishes sharing to better understand.
GOOD BAD
Behavior 10
Starting to talk before the previous speaker has finished their sentence.
GOOD BAD
Circle Time Behavior Bingo Game Circle Time Bingo!
Spot the Superpowers in Action!
Name:
How to Play
Watch carefully during our circle time! When you see a classmate (or yourself) using a Circle Superpower , mark the square. Get five in a row (up, down, or diagonal) to get BINGO!
Helpful Comment
Listened with Eyes
Waited for Turn
Spoke Clearly
Kind Words Used
Quiet Voice
Gave a Thumbs Up
Looked at Speaker
Asked a Question
Respected Others
Participated
Shared an Idea
Free Space!
Sat Nicely
No Interruptions
Good Manners
Shared a Feeling
Calm Body
Raised a Hand
Eye Contact
Took a Breath
Showed Respect
Followed Rules
Thoughtful Idea
Smiled at Friend
"When we respect each other, we all grow together!"
