Model, Model, Model!

 I can't say this word enough: MODEL!

To model is to imitate.  If you aren't seeing your students playing the board games correctly by now, take a break and start model how to play a board game. 

Maybe your reading specialist, cross categorical teacher, a paraprofessional, or even better your principal come in a play on of the board games and model positive behavior and negative behavior. 

EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE: 

*Model using a game that your students love to play but struggle regulating their feelings.  Have at least three adults playing and play the game.  Say nice things to each other, follow the rules, and when you lose say oh well, next time. The winner will say good job and give high fives.  During this whole time, you are explaining your thinking.  Say out loud because it is going clockwise. 

EAMPLE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO REGULATE FEELINGS:  

*Now, model how to play negatively.  Start by arguing who goes first, then start by arguing about who goes next.  Then, whomever is losing will cry the entire time they are losing, once they start winning, they need obnoxious.  Then at the end of the game the lose with throw a fit.  Now these actions are modeled over dramatically.  

The students will think it is funny.  But now is the perfect time to discuss which group did the best work. Which group got to play longer? Which group was could go through rest of the day with a great attitude? Which group at had fun and wants to play again? Sometimes the students need to see their behavior in order to see what their actions are doing to them and the people around them.