Behavior tracking sheets, logs and point sheets

Three sheets for three jobs

These three tracking sheets are simple and useful. They are not decorated, because they are tools for the adult. Each sheet is a one-page PDF in letter and A4, in color and an ink saving version. Print at 100 percent, not fit to page.

The log records one incident per line. The frequency chart uses tally marks per day. The daily point sheet scores blocks of the day. All charts include a blank name line and the reward boxes fit a 1.5 inch round sticker or a 1/2 inch star sticker.

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• The log: used by parents or staff who write each incident as it happens.
• The frequency chart: used by teachers or parents who tally repeated behaviors.
• The daily point sheet: used by both home and school to score blocks of the day.

How to fill in a behavior log

Keep the columns the same each time. Use the same words for each column so patterns are clear later. Fill the page within the hour after the incident so details stay accurate.

Avoid writing opinions or guesses. Record facts you saw or heard, and the exact response you tried. Use the same column headings every time.

• date
• time
• where
• behavior
• response
• notes

For examples of filled logs and simple layouts see our printable examples and tips at guides/behavior-chart-examples.

Reading the pattern after two weeks

Two weeks of steady tracking gives a clear view. Look for repeating times, places and triggers. A short review will point to to one change to try, either before the behavior or after it.

Share the records with anyone else who works with the child. When teacher and parent records match, you can plan the next step more confidently. See ideas for using positive responses at guides/positive-reinforcement-examples.

• Time of day when incidents happen
• The setting where they occur
• What usually came right before
• Which response stopped it fastest
• Days with no entries at all
• Whether teacher and parent see the same pattern

The frequency chart

A frequency chart is a compact grid with a box for each day and a tally mark each time the behavior happens. Use five behaviors across seven days with totals in the last column.

This chart beats a log when a behavior happens many times a day. Tallying is faster than writing full incidents, and totals show whether it is rising or falling. Download a printable frequency sheet at behavior-charts/printable.

• Tally marks in each day box
• Five behaviors listed down the side
• Seven day columns across the top
• A totals column at the end

Use the frequency chart when you need a quick view across days instead of detailed incident notes.

The daily point sheet

Divide the day into four blocks and score each block. Give a small number of points per block, then write a daily total. Keep the scoring the same each day so totals are comparable.

Use one sheet for school and home together. Add a short note home about what worked that day. For guidance on reinforcement methods see guides/positive-vs-negative-reinforcement.

• Four blocks of the day to score
• Points assigned per block
• A daily total line
• A brief note home section

A daily point sheet helps coordinate expectations across settings. It keeps feedback clear for the child and the adults.

From tracking to a support plan

A behavior support plan is a short plan based on what the tracking shows. It is not a medical label. It lays out one clear change to try before the behavior and one clear change to the response after it.

Pick a simple, testable change and set a date to review results. Share the plan with everyone who fills the sheets. See clasroom and staff versions at classroom/behavior-charts/.

• The pattern you saw in two weeks
• One change to what comes before
• One change to what comes after
• A review date to check progress

Keep plans short and specific. Track the same way after the change so you can see if it helped.