About This Lesson
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and at Proof Positive, we’re taking the conversation further–by helping educators prioritize wellbeing for every student. Showcase the Good is an evidence-informed skill in which students learn how to respond to others’ good news and success in a way that deepens connection and spreads joy. By becoming joy multipliers, students learn to recognize and celebrate positivity, building strong relationships and fostering a more connected, inclusive classroom.
Whether you support one student or many, these tools can boost happiness, connection, and success for all learners. When we prioritize wellbeing, we create a learning environment where everyone thrives.
This community bulletin board describes each of the four response styles to good news. Place “Good News” slips next to the board and invite people to post their good news. If you see someone you know who shared good news, be sure to seek them out and engage in an Active Constructive response!
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Printable poster (2 sizes, 8.5x11 and 24x36) featuring the four response styles
- Good News slips to display with your poster
- Access to lesson plans and a unit study about responding to good news
Why you’ll love this activity:
- The poster is easy to print and customize in your classroom or at home
- You can use this resource as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study
- The associated free unit study for Showcase the Good comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
- Encourages emotional literacy and growth in social-emotional learning (SEL)
Ways to Use
- Display in your classroom or learning space, administrative offices, or staff rooms
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Use as a brain break to help with transitions
- Families can use this at home, too!
What is Showcase the Good?
When we experience something positive, we want to share it! This process, known as capitalization, allows us to savor good moments—but the way others respond to our good news can either strengthen or strain our relationships. Researcher Shelly Gable identified four response styles to good news–only one truly builds connection: leaning in, asking engaging questions, and amplifying others' joy.
Science of Showcase the Good
The science is clear — only 1 of 4 response styles strengthens relationships and benefits wellbeing. Active Constructive responding, otherwise known as Showcasing the Good, is the only response style that boosts wellbeing, trust, social connections, and positive affect. Passive Destructive, Passive Constructive, and Active Destructive all deteriorate relationships and wellbeing.
People who regularly give and receive Active Constructive Responses to good news (otherwise known as Showcasing the Good) are more likely to experience:
- Increased wellbeing
- Stronger memories of positive events
- Increased positive affect
- Increased trust
- Stronger social connections
Learn more about the science behind Showcase the Good.
Looking for more Showcase the Good Resources?
- Explore the free Showcase the Good Unit Study, which comes with teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center
