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Welcome to FERB FRIENDS

Helping Children Turn Big Reactions Into Better Choices

FERB FRIENDS is a story-based SEL curriculum that helps children turn big emotions into better choices using seven memorable characters and their unique super strengths.

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What Are FERBs?

FERB stands for Functionally Equivalent

Replacement Behavior.

While the name may sound technical, the idea is simple:

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A FERB is a new behavior that helps a child get the same need met in
a more appropriate, effective, and socially accepted way.

All behavior serves a purpose. Children may be trying to:

  • Get help

  • Gain attention

  • Avoid or escape something difficult

  • Access a preferred item or activity

  • Meet a sensory need

  • Express a feeling they do not yet have the words to communicate
     

When children do not yet have the skills to communicate these needs effectively, they may use behaviors that disrupt learning, relationships, or daily routines.
 

A Functionally Equivalent Replacement Behavior teaches children:

"Instead of doing this, I can do that."
 

The replacement behavior serves the same function as the original behavior while helping the child communicate their needs in a safer, more successful way.

I CAN INSTEAD - ASK FOR HELP - ASK FOR BRAIN BREAK - MAKE A CHANGE - I NEED ATTENTION - ASK FOR MORE TIME - GET SENSORY NEEDS MET

Curriculum Journey

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Early Foundations

FERB Friends began with a simple idea: teach children what they can do instead.

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Long before the FERB Friends characters were created, the program started with visual supports that helped children communicate their needs in positive and effective ways. Simple picture symbols such as "Take a Break," "I Need Help," "Can I Have More Time?," "I Need Attention," "Can We Change Activities?," and "I Need a Sensory Break" gave children practical alternatives to challenging behaviors.

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Discovery Level

These teaching tools were successfully implemented throughout classrooms across a public school district, supporting students from preschool through sixth grade in both general education and special education settings.

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As children learned to use these replacement behaviors, they developed stronger communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills. The success of these early FERBs became the foundation for what would eventually grow into the FERB Friends curriculum.

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Emotional Mastery

As students become more familiar with the FERB Friends and their super strengths, they learn to recognize emotional triggers, understand how their feelings influence their behavior, and choose effective responses in challenging situations. Rather than reacting impulsively, children practice pausing, thinking, and using the FERB strategies they have learned.

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Empowered Growth

At this stage, children have developed the skills to recognize their emotions, understand their needs, and choose positive ways to respond to challenges. They are learning to apply these skills across different environments, including the classroom, playground, home, and community.

Curated Growth Resources

Expert Training

We invite you to explore a sample of our video lessons and professional development programs designed for early educators and families.

Curriculum Basics

Meet the FERB Friends and learn how the curriculum helps children recognize big emotions, understand what their behavior may be communicating, and practice safer, more effective ways to ask for what they need.

Family Support

Discover simple ways families can use FERB Friends at home to talk about emotions, practice replacement behaviors, and respond consistently during everyday routines and challenging moments.

Teacher Support

Learn how educators can introduce FERB Friends, teach replacement behaviors, use visual supports, and reinforce communication skills across classroom activities, transitions, and student support plans.

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FERB Friends Starter Pack

Empower your daily routines with our curated selection of resources designed specifically for families and educators.

  • Meet the FERB Friends
  • What is a FERB?
  • Every behavior has a purpose?
  • Character replacement behavior example
  • A printable FERB Friends coloring pages
  • A "Which FERB Friend can help today?" reference chart.

Latest from the Vlog

Welcome to our vlog where we share expert stories, practical tips, and encouraging guidance for your child’s emotional growth journey.

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