Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the Classroom

by Bailey Payne, Jen Lill Brown (primary_contributor)

In Behavior Breakthrough, a whimsical blend of storytelling and science combines to help parents and educators increase desired behaviors in the home and classroom.

There’s one thing most people have in they wish to live in an environment of joy and harmony. But sometimes, challenging behaviors can make it seem like their best efforts aren’t enough. That’s where tangible behavioral strategies come into play—practical tools and techniques that can transform chaos into order, frustration into cooperation, and resistance into engagement.

Welcome to Behavior Breakthrough—where happy endings are the result of utilizing reinforcement to its fullest and relying on evidence-based strategies that are proven to increase desired behaviors. In Behavior Breakthrough, readers will travel to the streets of Brightville, where Mrs. Emerson, the town behavioral specialist, sprinkles her data-driven magic into the lives of parents, educators, and children and transforms lives by increasing desired behaviors.

Introducing 12 behavioral skills for encouraging desired behavior and decreasing challenging behavior, this invaluable guide highlights success stories from Brightville, and individuals have the opportunity to put immediately into practice the strategies they learn. It may not be “magic” (it’s actually science), but the changes witnessed in homes and classrooms will feel nothing short of enchanted.

Geared toward parents and educators who want to use data-driven, evidence-based strategies to change their responses, alter their environments, and of course, positively affect the children in their care, it offers a holistic approach to behavior modification and focuses on long-term change over temporary fixes. The aim is to make Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) topics attainable and understandable for the caretaker or educator who wants to create a more peaceful environment.

Genres: Nonfiction

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that used easy to understand language to help transform behavior with proactive strategies to support kids of all ages. Hands down one of my favs 🔥

[Katie Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Behavior Breakthrough, the authors provide twelve skills to help manage challenging behaviors at home and in the classroom. Within each chapter, they weave in a fairy tale to provide a simple example of what we are about to read. It lightens up materials that may otherwise be heavy. I love that the authors breaks down each idea into simple, easy to understand (and apply) concepts. The application section within each chapter provides specific scripts or suggestions to put the sklls into practice, either in your home or a classroom setting. I also appreciate that each chapter offers space to fill in my own questions, thoughts, answers or information.

Often, books like this offer skills that are best used with neurotypical children. I have two neurodivergent children and am always looking for ways to better encourage them in positive behaviors. I was pleased that this book provides skills that are applicable to a range of children. I have already begun putting them into practice within my home and have seen positive response. I would definitely recommend this for parents or teachers who are looking to gently guide their children to more positive behaviors.

[Aaron Lockwood]

I have been a behavior specialist for 10 years now & even with my experience, I was completed blown away with how amazing this book is. I loved the creativity of how the writer connected the story of using “Mrs. Emerson, the town behavioral specialist,” to the 12 behavioral skills that “encourage desired behavior” and “decrease challenging behavior in multiple settings.”

Not only does the writer explain the 12 skills in depth, but she also shows you how to apply them at home, in a school, or community setting. What’s even better is that these skills can be used with all ages. I cannot tell you how many trainings I have been to over the years and have gained absolutely nothing from them. These 12 skills are data-driven and evidence-based strategies that are proven to increase desired behaviors. I’m telling you now, you will be blown away by this book whether you are a parent, a teacher, or literally anyone that deals with behavior on a daily basis. Don’t walk— R U N—to get a copy of this today or be sure to put it on expedited shipping!

[Brandi Metts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author, Bailey Payne has created a timely text for all parents, teachers and others who work with students/children displaying troublesome behaviors. With these steps and strategies you can impact your own understanding as well as the outcomes and promotion of prosocial behavior for the future. As an elementary school administrator I was in need of this information to help my teachers and ultimately make my students more successful in the school setting. These same strategies are incorporated with not only classroom examples but home examples for the behaviors parents are working with in that setting. Using a fun theme of fairy tales, the author gives actionable steps to set you up for success as you work with behavior modifications and transform your child's future. I would encourage all parents, teachers or those who supervise students to read this book and take these steps for the best outcomes.

[Jeannine Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It presents material in a clear and concise way and gives so many real life examples. It is easy to bring these ideas and strategies directly into my classroom and home and make changes that are truly impactful! I wish I had this information when my kids were younger but am glad that I can use all ABA principles in this book in my classroom! The best part of this book is that no matter your background in behavior analysis I believe everyone will find gems to help them be better teachers and parents.

[Katie Miller-Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend the his book for parents, caregivers and professionals it is such an easy read with its fairytale. It keeps you intrigued to learn more instead of reading like a textbook. It explains the why of behaviors and helps you understand the professional terminology. The book is for all ages and developmental stages of life. There are many examples on how to use the techniques. Gift it to your teachers, child cares, friends and family.
Jeanna

[Tammy Scheidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for college class on classroom behavior management. I have worked in classrooms for 20+ years and it was a good reminder of the things I already do. It would be a great book for someone just starting or a parent who is struggling with behavior at home. The strategies are all researched based and not something that worked for one person.

[crystal bojniewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a stay at home mom of 3 girls who homeschools, I've found this book has helped me to narrow down what behaviors I need to focus on and pin point what is triggering my girls to behave in undesired ways. I'm looking forward to applying these methods to change the way I respond in these situations in order to change the undesired behavior!

[Kathy Pederson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited along time for this book to come out. I follow Bailey on Facebook and find her to be full of valuable information. The phrase that made me want to follow her and read her book is " you don't know, what you don't know" I say that all the time, so I knew she was my person!

If you neec some insite into behavior, this is the lady for you!!

[Fafani Weinzierl · Rating 3 out of 5]

My personal rating is more about how applicable this book is to me. For a parent struggling with some of typical behaviors of children or for teachers who are in the thick of it and just feel like they’ve tried everything - this would be a fantastic book! The strategies are easy to understand. It’s all presented in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming but rather pretty manageable.

[Michelle Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a behaviorist, this book has been so informative and helpful. I’ve used it with parents of my clients and they have enjoyed the material as well. Highly recommend!