Who Are Scouts?

In a Be GLAD® classroom,  scouts are students chosen to act as “teacher assistants” for the day.  Their job is to observe their peers and recognize positive behaviors aligned with classroom standards—such as showing respect, making good decisions, and solving problems. Scouts also continue learning alongside their classmates, modeling attentiveness and engagement. In short, scouts are students entrusted with leadership responsibilities that support both classroom management and social-emotional growth.

Why Scouts Work

Incorporating scouts into your daily lessons unlocks numerous benefits for students and teachers alike. Here are five powerful ways this strategy can transform your classroom:

1. Peer-to-Peer Feedback

When scouts observe and recognize their classmates, they’re practicing  metacognition —thinking about their own thinking. This process strengthens communication skills as students articulate what they notice and practice attentive listening.

2. Boosting Self-Esteem

Being chosen as a scout is an honor. Positive recognition from peers builds a sense of purpose, showing students that their voice matters and that they are trusted leaders in the classroom.

3. Strengthening Relationships

Scouts highlight the positive behaviors of their peers, which fosters empathy and connection. As students celebrate one another’s efforts, relationships are strengthened, and a supportive classroom culture grows.

4. Enhancing Collaboration

Before launching into a team task or collaborative project, scouts set the stage. Knowing their work may be recognized encourages students to contribute thoughtfully, while scouts model what teamwork and active participation look like.

5. Encouraging Critical Thinking

Scouts don’t just notice behaviors—they explain  why  those behaviors matter. By asking, What did this student do? Was it showing respect, a good decision, or solving a problem? Scouts develop critical thinking skills and reinforce the classroom’s personal standards.

Scouts in Action

Here’s how it might look in practice:

• A teacher announces two students as scouts for the day.

• Scouts are given two jobs: (1) observe peers who demonstrate respect, problem-solving, and good decision-making, and (2) continue being active learners themselves.

• Throughout the lesson, scouts share their observations. For example:

  • “I noticed Ava congratulated her friend—she was showing respect.”

  • “Damian kept his eyes on the speaker—that’s making a good decision.”

• The class joins in by repeating the observation and celebrating the recognized student.

This simple process creates ripple effects of positivity, accountability, and connection.

The Impact

The integration of scouts into daily routines goes far beyond classroom management. It nurtures social development, cultivates meaningful relationships, and builds a culture of encouragement. Students learn to notice, reflect, and celebrate each other’s strengths—all while strengthening their own leadership skills.

Scouts aren’t just watching. They’re engaging, uplifting, and modeling what it means to be a respectful, thoughtful learner.

Ready to try scouts in your classroom?  Add them into your routines this week and watch how quickly your students light up with confidence and connection. Check out a demonstration of Scouts in action here: