EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 1
SAMPLE EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS**
Gail M. Purpura
Autistic Support Consultant
Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit #22
[email protected]
267-885-9125
Coming into School
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Enter the classroom
quietly, unpack your
backpack, put your
homework in the
proper bin and place
your books neatly in
your desk.
You will be ready for
the day, your teacher
may praise you for
doing what’s
expected
You will not be ready
for the day, your
teacher will probably
tell you to follow the
rules, others will be
distracted by you
Check the board to
look at the day’s
schedule
You will be ready for
any changes in the
day
Coming into the
classroom talking
loudly, going to the
teacher to tell
him/her something,
wandering around the
room talking to
others
Going to the teacher
and asking what was
going to happen that
day
Get started
immediately and
quietly on classwork
that is assigned
Others will feel
comfortable around
you
Wandering around
the classroom, talking
to others, telling
others what they
should be doing,
telling others to be
quiet
You may disrupt the
teacher’s morning
routine, she may have
to re-direct to you to
do your expected
work
You will disrupt
others, others will
feel uncomfortable
about you, your
teacher may become
annoyed
Attitude in Class
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Show “whole-body
listening” to the
teacher or other
student asking or
answering questions
The teacher can tell
I’m part of the group
and will have good
thoughts about me,
which will make me
happy
Making unwanted
noises, ‘blurting out,’
being a space invader,
wiggling in seat
Teacher will think I’m
not listening and will
be upset with me,
which will make me
unhappy
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS
2
I get involved. I
answer one or two
questions and remain
on topic during
discussions
The teacher will know
I’m learning and will
have good thoughts
about me. This will
make me happy.
Blurting out answers
or talking about
things that aren’t on
topic
The teacher ‘s lesson
will be disrupted,
making the teacher
‘uncomfortable,’
which will make me
unhappy
Class Participation
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Make comments and
ask questions only
related to the topic
being discussed
Others will be
comfortable and that
will make me happy
Add thoughts, make
comments and ask
questions that aren’t
related to the
discussion
Make only one to
three sentence
comments about the
topic being discussed
Others will have a
turn to talk, making
them feel
comfortable. That will
make me happy
Talk on and on about
the topic without
regard to what others
want to say. Or, don’t
say anything.
Use your brain filter.
If someone says
something you don’t
agree with, say
something kind about
their comments, say
you disagree and why
Share your thoughts
and opinions in a way
that is not offensive
to others’ point of
view
Others will feel you’re
part of the group and
your teacher will feel
comfortable which
will make you happy
Rudely tell the other
student that his/her
ideas are stupid and
you don’t like them
Other people will feel
respected and will
want you to be part
of the group
Share your opinion
with an unfriendly
tone or state your
opinion as fact
The teacher might be
confused and
uncomfortable.
Others may tell me to
be quiet and that will
embarrass me
The teacher and
students will feel
uncomfortable and
students won’t want
me to be part of the
group, which will
make me sad.
Your teacher will be
angry that you are
mean to others,
students won’t want
you to be part of the
group and that will
make me sad.
Others will be hurt by
your comments and
will not want you to
be part of the group,
which will make you
sad
Doing Independent Work in Class
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Work quietly without
distracting others
If you get stuck on
part of an
Others can work
easily
Teacher knows you
are working
Talk loudly, think out
loud, read out loud
Getting really anxious
if you get stuck,
You will distract
others
Teacher can’t help
you because you’re
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 3
assignment, work on
another part first and
come back to it, ask
the teacher, quietly or
ask a partner if you’re
allowed
If you finish your
work, read quietly, do
homework or other
activities that the
teacher has directed
Stay calm and do the
work, even if you
don’t like it or think
it’s pointless
The teacher and the
class know you’re
part of the group
The teacher will
appreciate you
working
sitting without
thinking about a way
to solve the problem
not calm enough to
listen. She will
become frustrated
and so will you
Constantly asking
teacher what you
should do next,
talking loudly to
yourself, shuffling
papers in your desk
Refusing to do the
work because it is
“stupid,” crying,
talking loudly
You will be told to be
quiet, others will feel
uncomfortable
around you
The teacher will
become frustrated
and have
uncomfortable
feelings about you
Standing in Line
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Line up in a straight
line
The teacher may
praise you for
following the rules
Everyone is less likely
to bump into each
other, so you feel
calm
People will want to
stand near you and
will feel comfortable
about you
You will be able to
hear the teacher
when she makes
announcements
Others will feel
comfortable about
you
Standing wherever
you want, cutting in
line
Wiggling and
fidgeting or twisting
in line, getting into
others’ space
Cutting in line,
wiggling or fidgeting
Others may nag you
to get in line
Stand about one
arm’s length away
from others
Stand still, monitoring
your body to see if
you’re fidgeting
Don’t talk unless your
teacher says it’s ok
Walt together with
the class
Distracting others and
letting others distract
you
Not walking with the
class, insisting that
you be first in line and
getting upset if you
aren’t
You might bump into
others, giving them
uncomfortable
thoughts about you
You might bump into
others, giving them
uncomfortable
thoughts about you
The teacher may use
his/her nagging voice
Other kids may tease
you and feel
uncomfortable about
you
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS
4
Free Time in Class
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Take work from the
free-time basket or
ask your teacher what
you can do
Find other things to
do like finishing
unfinished work, read
a book or draw if
that’s allowed
When it’s time for the
next lesson, put your
things away
immediately and
focus on the next
lesson
Teacher may praise
you for following the
rules
Sitting and doing
nothing, talking to
people next to you
Teacher may tell you
to get to work
You could finish your
homework in class
and not have as much
to take home
Fidgeting with things
in your desk, pencils
or paper clips
You will be ready for
your next lesson and
your teacher will feel
comfortable about
you
Distracting others in
any way, wandering
around the classroom
Teacher may tell you
to get to work, others
will feel
uncomfortable about
you
Others will be
distracted by you and
have uncomfortable
thoughts about you
Working in a Small Group
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Contribute to the
group by staying on
topic and doing your
“job,” listen to what
others are saying
Others will want you
to be part of the
group, your teacher
may praise you for
working well with the
group
Others will want you
to be part of the
group, your teacher
will be pleased that
you’re working well in
the group
Others will want you
to be in the group,
will respect your
opinions and feel
good about you
Sitting and saying
nothing, not listening
with your eyes,
hands, feet, brain and
body
People won’t want
you to be part of their
group, you will not
learn as much as you
could by hearing what
others had to say
Others won’t want
you to be part of the
group, you will miss
learning about what
others are thinking
Monitor your talking,
making sure others
have time to
contribute too
If you don’t like
someone’s ideas,
either keep it in your
thought bubble, or
saying one thing you
like about the other’s
ideas then add
another idea without
saying it is “better”
Talking continuously
without regard for
what others want to
say
Telling others their
ideas “stink,” that
yours are better, or
when you add your
own ideas, telling the
others that they’re
wrong
Others won’t want
you to be in their
group
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 5
If you’re bored, keep
it in your head
Others will respect
you
Work politely with
other members of the
group even if you
don’t like them
Group members want
to work with you
again
Putting your head
down, yawning,
announcing you’re
bored, not being part
of the group with
your body
Telling the group/or
teacher you don’t
want to work with
them
Others will feel
uncomfortable about
you and not want you
in their group
Others will feel
uncomfortable about
you and not want you
to be in their group
Unscheduled Time, Waiting Time
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Work quietly at your
desk on homework or
school work
Teacher has good
thoughts about you,
you feel calm
Teacher and others
will have
uncomfortable
thoughts about you,
Think with your eyes
to see how others are
following the rules
Teacher and others
have good thoughts
about you
Repeatedly asking the
teacher what to do,
wandering around the
room, talking to
others
Yelling across the
room, distracting
others around you
Be aware of the
teacher’s plan. Watch
to see if his/her plan
changes
Teacher and others
will have good
thoughts about you
Getting “stuck” on
what you’re doing
and forgetting to
follow the teacher’s
plan
Teacher and others
will have
uncomfortable
thoughts about you
Teacher will be
unhappy and have
uncomfortable
thoughts about you
Visiting the Bathroom
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Only leave class to go
to the bathroom
when you really have
to go. Try to
remember to go
during class breaks or
between classes
When you ask to go,
leave the room
quietly, go directly to
the bathroom and
return quickly
You will be able to do
your work
Repeatedly leave
class to go to the
bathroom just
because you want to
or if you want to get
out of doing work
Your teacher will
become annoyed,
she/he may tell you
you have to finish
your work first, others
will be distracted
You will be productive
Announce loudly to
the class that you
have to go to the
bathroom, take a
really long time in the
bathroom
Others don’t like
being disturbed, they
don’t need to know
that you have to go to
the bathroom, they
won’t be friendly
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS
6
Quietly leave and
return to the
classroom
You will feel calm that
you didn’t bother
anyone
Close the bathroom
door behind you
Telling yourself that
you won’t be afraid
inside the bathroom
Others will be
comfortable with you
Others won’t tease
you and your teacher
will be proud
Wash your hands
after going to the
bathroom
You won’t spread
germs to yourself or
others
Drawing attention to
yourself by talking
loudly or saying
“weird” things about
going to the
bathroom
Leaving the bathroom
door open
Keeping the door
open because you’re
afraid with the door
shut
Wiping your hands on
your clothes or not
cleaning them at all
toward you
Others will be
distracted, your
teacher will be
annoyed
Others will feel
uncomfortable
Others will feel
uncomfortable
You can spread germs
to yourself or others
Preparing to Leave Class Each Day
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Thinking “what is the
homework” and
writing it down as
soon as you are told
Will be prepared to
do homework
If confused,
remember to ask the
teacher questions
Others will see you
are involved in the
group
Not thinking about
homework, not
writing it in your
agenda book, or not
writing it until after
the bell rings
Being confused about
what work you’re
supposed to do
You may forget what
you’re supposed to
do and then not get
your homework done,
you won’t be ready
for the next class
Teacher may become
annoyed and have
uncomfortable
feelings about you
Preparing to go Home from School
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Looking at your
assignment book and
making sure you have
all materials needed
for homework
You will have the
work you need to
complete your
homework and your
teacher will be
pleased
You will have the
work you need to
complete your
homework and your
Not looking at your
assignment book or
the materials you
need
You may forget items
at school or forget to
do some homework
Teacher and parents
will be frustrated,
annoyed
You will be frustrated
when you don’t have
your work done and
your teacher and
Checking the board to
make sure you have
all assignments
written down
Thinking you will
remember
assignments without
writing them down
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 7
teacher will be
pleased
Place all assignments
and materials in your
backpack
Put all books and
materials you don’t
need for homework
neatly in your desk or
cubbie
You will be prepared
to do homework
Teacher will be
pleased that she
doesn’t have to clean
up your mess after
you leave
Leaving assignment
book and materials in
school
Leaving your books
and materials on your
desk, on the floor or
elsewhere in the
room
parents will be
frustrated that you’re
not doing your work
Your teacher, you and
your parents will be
frustrated
Teacher will have to
pick up your mess so
the janitors can
properly clean the
room. She/he will be
frustrated with you
Eating in the School Cafeteria
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Stand appropriately in
line for your food
People will be ok
standing in line with
you
Pushing, fighting,
fidgeting or cutting in
line
Sit an arm’s length
away from others at
your table
Sit with people you
know. Avoid sitting
with people who are
mean to you or
encourage you to do
weird things
Eat your lunch (chew
with your mouth
closed)
People will want to sit
with you
Sitting too close to
others, running,
pushing or acting wild
Sitting with people
you don’t know,
sitting with people
who are mean to you
You may be sent to
the principal’s office,
others will feel
uncomfortable with
you
Others will not want
to be around you
Talk with others, ask
them questions about
their interests, give
feedback
People will enjoy
eating with you
You will be finished by
the time you are
dismissed
Others will want to sit
with you
Playing with your
food, throwing food
or drinks, eating with
mouth open
Telling others how
they should behave,
talking only about
your own interests
You will feel
uncomfortable and
others will be
uncomfortable with
you
Others will feel
uncomfortable
around you
Others won’t want to
sit with you
Recess
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Line up for recess and
walk to the
playground
Everyone gets outside
in an organized
manner
Running, pushing,
yelling
You may lose recess
time, others will feel
uncomfortable about
you
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS
8
Play with others by
thinking about what
they want to do and
how they feel
Use your eyes, brain
and body to observe
what others are doing
and show them
you’re thinking about
them
When playing with
others, use words to
solve problems or ask
an adult to help you
Be a good sport,
congratulate others
for winning, be
flexible
People will think
you’re friendly
Doing only what you
want to do, talking
only about what you
want to talk about
Only doing what you
want to do/talking
only about what you
want to talk about
Others won’t want to
play/talk with you
Others will want to
play with you
Hitting, kicking,
screaming at others if
you don’t like what
they’re doing
Others will want to
play with you
Cry, hit or kick others
if you don’t win
You will get into
trouble, possibly lose
recess, possibly go to
the principal and
others will feel
uncomfortable
around you
Others will not want
to play with you, will
think you’re a baby
and you might get
into trouble
Others will want to
play with you
Others won’t want to
play/talk with you
Initiating Play with Others
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Think about the
people you want to
play with. See if you
can figure out how
they feel by looking at
their face and body
language. Do they
look like they want
you to play with
them? Should you try
again some other
time? Is the activity
full or is there room
for you to play? Have
they been nice to you
before?
Use your eyes to
show others you want
to be part of the
Others will see that
you are thinking
about them and will
feel good about you.
They will likely ask
you to play again.
Walking up to others
and grabbing their
ball when you want to
play. Just joining in
instead of asking first.
Insisting on going
first, yelling at others
or pestering them
when all you really
want to do is play
with them
People will not
understand your
action. They will
think you’re being
mean and won’t want
you to play with
them.
Others will know your
intentions. They will
see that you want to
Not looking at others,
joining games with
others who are mean
Others won’t want
you to be part of their
group
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 9
group. Look at the
person or people you
want to play with.
Observe them, do
they look like they
want you to play with
them? Are they
looking at you and
smiling?
Walk up to others,
put your body one
arms’ length away
from them, face your
shoulders toward
them
Add your words. Ask
if you can play. Use
positive comments;
ask questions about
the rules if you don’t
understand them.
Be flexible. Go along
with the rules, be a
good sport, you are
ok if you lose a game.
Remember it’s only a
game!
play and they may
invite you to play with
them
to you, not showing
others you are
thinking about them
with your body, eyes
and words.
Others will know
you’re thinking about
them
Walking up to a game
and just standing
there
Students won’t know
if you want to play
Others will know
you’re thinking about
being part of the
group
Saying the game is
dumb, getting mad if
someone else is doing
better than you
Students won’t want
to play with you
Others will want to
play with you and will
have comfortable
thoughts about you
Crying, getting angry,
throwing yourself on
the ground if you lose
the game.
Others will not want
to play with you and
may call you names.
Fire Drills
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
When the bell rings,
leave your seat, push
in your chair and walk
quietly to the
classroom door
You will be able to
hear the teacher’s
instructions
Scream, cry, run to
the door to get out of
class
If the bell hurts your
ears, hold your hands
over your ears lightly
Your teacher will
understand
Slamming your hands
over year ears and
crying
Stay in line
Leaving the classroom
will be orderly and no
one will get hurt
Running down the
hallway, down the
stairs and to your
Others will feel
uncomfortable, you
cannot hear
directions and
someone may get
hurt
Others will feel
uncomfortable, you
cannot hear
directions and
someone may get
hurt
You or others could
get hurt, teachers will
scold you
1
0
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS
Do not talk
Line up at your class
position and stand
quietly
When told by your
teacher, walk back to
your classroom and
do not talk until you
return to your seat
You will be able to
hear teacher
directions
You will be able to
hear teacher
directions
You will hear teacher
directions and be safe
class position
Talking with others
Talking with others,
fidgeting in line
Running, screaming,
trying to be first back
to class
You will distract them
from hearing
directions
You will distract
others and you may
not hear teacher
directions
You will distract
others, distract
others, teachers will
scold you, others will
feel uncomfortable
around you
Riding on the School Bus
Expected Behaviors
Consequences
Unexpected
Behaviors
Consequences
Use friendly words
and relaxed body
language with school
bus driver when you
get on and off
Find an open seat as
soon as possible, or
sit in your assigned
seat as soon as
possible
Sit next to people you
know. If you don’t
know anyone, it is ok
to sit next to
someone you don’t
know. Avoid sitting
next to someone who
has been mean to
you.
Use a voice volume
that is the same as
others
The bus driver will
feel good about you
Using unfriendly
words or stressed
body language with
the school bus driver
The driver may show
an unfriendly face and
mean tone of voice
Other people riding
the bus will have
good thoughts about
you
Sitting alone and
away from other
people
Other people riding
the bus will have
uncomfortable
thoughts about you
Next time you ride
the bus other people
may want to sit near
you
Wandering up and
down the aisles
looking for a seat
when the bus is
moving
You may make
everyone late
because the bus
driver will have to
stop the bus
Others will have
comfortable feelings
about you
Talking in a loud voice
or making loud noises
People will feel
comfortable around
you
Invading other
people’s space,
putting your body in
Other people on the
bus won’t want to sit
near you and the
noise will distract the
bus driver
People will feel
uncomfortable
around you because
Keep your body in
your own space on
your seat so you don’t
1
EXPECTED/UNEXPECTED BEHAVIORS 1
crush your seat mate
or block those moving
up and down the
aisles getting on or off
the bus
Follow the bus rules
People will feel
comfortable around
you
the aisle, standing up
to get off before the
bus stops, refusing to
make room for
someone when asked
to slide over in your
seat
Standing before the
bus stops, refusing to
sit next to someone,
throwing objects,
screaming, sitting on
the floor
they can’t move
freely through the bus
or have enough room
in the seat
The bus driver may
write you up and
others will have
uncomfortable
feelings about you
** Taken from “Social Behavior Mapping” by Michelle Garcia Winner