TEACH PERMA+ Snapshot

Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) are more than just behavior supports — they’re pathways to learning and success. By prioritizing wellbeing and happiness in BIPs, you can help create structure and consistency while also making space for joy, connection and resilience. With the right supports in place, students can feel empowered, successful and experience more happiness at school.

1. [Student Name] will complete a daily or weekly PERMA+ Snapshot using a visual rating scale (e.g., dragging their photo or an icon or filling out the PERMA+ Snapshot worksheet) to indicate how they are doing in each domain, with support as needed. If the student is unable to complete the PERMA+ Snapshot on their own, parents, family members, caregivers and/or teachers can complete a PERMA+ Snapshot on behalf of the student each week, track their wellbeing progress and initiate daily changes or focus-areas as needed.
2. [Student Name] will engage in one personalized activity per week that aligns with a low-rated PERMA+ element (e.g., a mindfulness break for Health, play a game with friends for Relationships, listen to a favorite song for Positive Emotions).
3. Provide context and background for wellbeing and PERMA+ by verbally labeling the elements when your student exhibits them. When you see [student name] exhibiting engagement, say “you look so engaged!” to them out loud. “You look like you are experiencing positive emotions — joy and love — right now!” — or — “Finishing that project must make you feel accomplished and proud.”
4. [Student name] will identify three activities they can do to boost each element of PERMA+ and create a schedule to incorporate the activities each week.

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Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) ensure every student has access to the supports they need to thrive. When happiness and wellbeing is included and prioritized in IEPs, students are more likely to flourish in learning and in life. By shifting from a deficit-based approach to one of strengths and potential, IEPs can open doors to learning, connection and joy — at school and beyond.

1. [Student Name] will receptively and expressively identify or sort pictures that correspond to each of the six PERMA+ elements (e.g., “point to a picture that demonstrates people in a positive relationship” or “show me the engaged students”) in 4 out of 5 trials.
2. [Student Name] will receptively and expressively identify or sort pictures within each element of PERMA+ (e.g., positive versus negative emotions, engaged versus disengaged individuals, positive versus not positive relationships) in 4 out of 5 trials.
3. [Student Name] will complete a modified PERMA+ Snapshot at least once per week, using picture supports or assistive technology.
4. [Student Name] will participate in structured reflection time to identify one PERMA+ element they would like to improve, and choose an action step with a teacher or support staff (e.g., “I want to make a new friend this week” or “I want to read a new book”).

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Bringing wellbeing to the forefront doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your classroom routine. By integrating happiness skills into what you’re already teaching, you can help students learn and practice happiness in simple, meaningful ways. From morning meetings and check-ins to reading, writing, and relationship-building, there are countless ways to make wellbeing part of everyday learning.

1. Are your students learning how to report information from their day? Try adding a PERMA+ Snapshot so that they can report on their wellbeing for the day.
2. Are your students learning to identify emotions or actions in pictures? You might add a program that helps them sort / identify photos across the elements of PERMA+.
3. Are your students learning to self-monitor and/or self-regulate their emotions and behaviors?
   Try the PERMA+ Snapshot Blueprint to help them monitor and regulate their wellbeing.

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