Spotlight Smart Moves Lesson Plan Spotlight Smart Moves
Tier 3 Individual Lesson Plan
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Using positive attention-seeking behaviors builds confidence, improves social skills, and reduces disruptive bids for attention, supporting better peer and adult interactions.
Prep (5 min)
Print and cut Strategy Cards .
Review Appropriate vs Inappropriate Chart .
Copy Seek & Shine Worksheet .
Set up Token Jar with tokens.
Gather markers and a timer.
Materials
Strategy Cards
Behavior Chart
Seek & Shine Worksheet
Token Jar & Tokens
Whiteboard/Markers
Timer
Objective
The student will identify and demonstrate at least three positive strategies for seeking attention appropriately in social and classroom settings.
Step-by-Step Guide
5
Warm-Up: Spotlight Intro
Greet and explain the focus: positive ways to get attention.
Use the Appropriate vs Inappropriate Chart to discuss one example of each column. Set the stage for "shining" correctly.
8
Instruction: The Strategy Script
Introduce the Strategy Cards.
"Let's look at three ways to shine!"
Model raising a hand, using a polite greeting, and asking permission. Have the student repeat the physical actions and "script" for each.
8
Game: Strategy Swap
Shuffle the Strategy Cards.
Student draws a card and acts it out. Award stars in the Token Jar for every successful performance. Keep the energy high and positive!
6
Worksheet: Seek & Shine
Hand over the Seek & Shine Worksheet.
Ask them to list 3 strategies and draw/write a scenario. Review together to ensure they can visualize using these in class.
3
Reflect & Cool-Down
"Which strategies feel like your best moves?"
Name two confident strategies. Count tokens, celebrate effort, and remind them to "keep shining" throughout the day.
Appropriate vs Inappropriate Chart Appropriate vs Inappropriate
Choosing the Right Way to Shine
Appropriate
"Smart Moves"
Raising my hand and waiting for the teacher to call on me.
Saying "Excuse me" politely when I want to join a group.
Giving a peer a compliment on their work to start a chat.
Waiting until my friend finishes talking before I start speaking.
Asking "May I please have a turn?" when playing a game.
This builds strong friendships and helps you learn!
Inappropriate
"Distracting Moves"
Shouting out answers without being called on.
Making loud noises or silly faces during quiet work time.
Interrupting two people while they are in the middle of talking.
Tapping on someone's shoulder over and over until they look.
Saying something unkind to get others to look at you.
This makes it hard for others to focus or feel safe.
Attention Seeking Strategy Cards Strategy Cards Guide
Print these cards on heavy paper or cardstock and cut them along the dotted lines. Use them for role-play, "Guess the Strategy," and the Strategy Swap Game .
How to Use:
Introduction: Review one card at a time.Modeling: Demonstrate the strategy yourself.Guided Practice: Have the student act it out.Game: Shuffle and draw for points!
Target Skills:
Impulse control
Social communication
Self-advocacy
Emotional regulation
Raise My Hand
Raise my hand and wait quietly until the teacher says my name.
Classroom Move
Polite Greeting
Walk up to a friend and say, "Hi! Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Social Move
Ask Permission
Wait for a break, then ask, "May I share something with you?"
Respectful Move
Give a Compliment
Start a conversation by saying, "I really like your drawing!"
Kindness Move
Ask for Help
When I'm stuck, I can say, "Could you please help me with this?"
Helpful Move
Wait for My Turn
Take a deep breath and wait until it is my turn to speak.
Patient Move
Attention Chart Warm-Up Worksheet Attention Chart Warm-Up
Spotlight Smart Moves
Name:
Date:
Objective
Quickly identify the difference between Appropriate and Inappropriate ways to get attention.
Instructions:
Review the Appropriate vs Inappropriate Chart with your teacher.
Think about things you see or hear in your own classroom.
Write down two more examples for each side below.
Appropriate
1. A good way to get attention is...
2. Another smart move is...
Inappropriate
1. A distracting way to get attention is...
2. A move that makes it hard to learn is...
When finished, review your examples with your teacher to earn your first token!
Positive Reinforcement Token Jar Resource My Spotlight Token Jar
Collect stars for every "Smart Move" you make!
Star Bank
"Shine bright by choosing the right way to get attention!"
Token Cut-Outs
Print and cut these stars to place in your jar!
Strategy Swap Game Guide Strategy Swap Game
Active Role-Play & Practice
8 Minutes
Objective
Practice and reinforce positive attention-seeking strategies through role-play and reflection.
Materials
Strategy Cards
Token Jar & Tokens
Timer (optional)
Setup
Shuffle Strategy Cards face down.
Place Token Jar within reach.
How to Play
1
Student draws the top card and reads the strategy aloud (e.g., "Raise my hand when I have something to share" ).
2
Student acts out a short role-play demonstrating that strategy. Teacher provides a scenario (e.g., "Imagine I'm teaching math and you have a question").
3
Praise & Reward:
Teacher gives specific praise ("Great job waiting politely!" ) and awards one token.
4
Real-Life Link:
Student names one classroom situation where they could use this strategy. Write it down if needed.
Variations:
Guess the Strategy: Teacher acts, student names the card.Challenge Round: Combine two strategies in one scene!
Follow-Up Questions
Which strategy did you enjoy practicing the most, and why?
Which strategy felt tricky? How can we make it easier?
Seek & Shine Worksheet Resource Seek & Shine
Strategy Reflection Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Think about the three positive strategies you learned today. For each one, write the name, explain how it works, and draw or describe a situation where you could use it!
Strategy 1
Name of Strategy: ____________________
How It Works:
Draw or Describe a Situation:
Strategy 2
Name of Strategy: ____________________
How It Works:
Draw or Describe a Situation:
Strategy 3
Name of Strategy: ____________________
How It Works:
Draw or Describe a Situation:
Reflection Questions
1. Which strategy do you feel most confident using, and why?
2. What will you do to remind yourself to use this strategy in class?
3. Who can help support you if you forget? (Teacher, friend, signal, etc.)
"Great job! Keep this worksheet handy and practice your strategies every day to shine in class!"
Strategy Reflection Discussion Guide Strategy Reflection
Teacher Facilitation Guide
2 Minutes
Purpose
Help the student articulate understanding and create a concrete plan for using positive attention-seeking strategies in their daily environment.
1
Which strategy felt most helpful to you, and why?
Follow-up if needed: "What did you like about using that strategy? Can you tell me more?"
2
Think of one time at school when you could use this. Describe it.
Teacher prompt: "Imagine you need to get your teacher's attention—what would you do first?"
3
What challenges might come up? How could you handle them?
Follow-up if needed: "Who or what could remind you to try this strategy?"
4
Who can support you if you forget to use your new strategies?
Teacher prompt: "Would you like a checklist or a special signal from me/your teacher?"
Closure Tip
"Praise the student for their thoughtful answers. Remind them their tokens represent progress. Let them know you'll check in soon to see how their smart moves are going!"
Token Treasure Cool-Down Resource Token Treasure
Cool-Down & Celebration
1
Count Your Progress
How many tokens did you earn today by practicing your "Smart Moves"?
Tokens Earned:
__________
2
Thinking Back
Which strategy was most helpful to you?
Which strategy will you practice next time?
Time to Shine!
"I am so proud of your hard work today. You showed exactly what it means to be a Star Student !"
High-Five for Finishing!
Keep your tokens as a reward for your amazing progress!
