PAX Good Behavior Game

 

PAX is a research-based, trauma-informed collection of management and engagement strategies.  In TTSD, we use PAX as part of our Tier 1 (“every student, every day”) foundation in PreK-5th grade classrooms.  PAX, also known as the PAX Good Behavior Game, empowers teachers and students to co-create a nurturing environment with the help of evidence-based kernels.  PAX promotes peer reinforcement to encourage prosocial behavior and inhibit problematic behavior.  The ten PAX kernels are:

1. PAX Vision - the framework for establishing what we want to see more of and less of...  The PAX Vision creates common expectations in the classroom/at school.

2. PAX Leader - one who exhibits making positive choices.

3. PAX Quiet - a universal cue for getting students’ attention.

4. PAX Prizes - intrinsically motivating rewards (short games/activities) to increase prosocial behavior.

5. Beat the Timer - an activity using a timer to increase task completion and decrease the time needed to complete tasks (e.g. lining up in the classroom).

6. PAX Stix - random calling on students to increase active student engagement using a popsicle stick.

7. Tootles - writing a positive note/compliment to another student or adult.

8. PAX Voices - increasing the ability to use an appropriate voice level for different activities.

9. PAX Hands & Feet - an understanding of behavioral expectations involving the hands and feet before, during, and after activities.

10. OK/Not OK - visual cues to increase prosocial behavior and maximize learning time (e.g. thumbs up/thumbs down).

Reinforcing PAX is an ongoing process.  Once students have learned the ten kernels, the PAX Good Behavior Game is implemented.  During the PAX GBG, students predict, monitor, and reflect on expectations for a specific activity.  Students will carry out their normal tasks in teams while the teacher keeps tracks of Spleems (unexpected behaviors).  At the conclusion of the predetermined time, all the winning teams participate in a prize together.


PAX Language
PAX = Peace ● Productivity ● Health ● Happiness
Spleem = A made up word to describe an unexpected behavior 
GBG = Good behavior game
Kernel = A unit of behavioral influence.  PAX has ten kernels (or ingredients) needed for the Good Behavior Game

For more information: https://www.paxis.org/