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Brain Balance: Managing Impulses

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Lesson Plan

Brain Balance: Managing Impulses

Impulsive Behaviors

This lesson introduces 3rd graders to the concept of managing impulsive behaviors through understanding the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain. By using a video, interactive activities, and a worksheet, students will learn practical strategies to control their emotions. This lesson is crucial as it equips students with emotional regulation skills, fostering a supportive and understanding classroom environment.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Game-Based Learning, Experiential Learning

Materials

Video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?, Worksheet: Brain Balance, Exit Ticket: Impulse Control Reflection, Markers, and Whiteboard

Step 1

Introduction

2 mins

  • Briefly introduce the topic of impulsive behaviors and why it's important to manage them.
  • Explain that we'll watch a short video to learn more about how our brain works when we feel strong emotions.

Step 2

Video Viewing

3 mins

Step 3

Discussion and Activity

5 mins

  • Discuss the video briefly, asking students what they learned about the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain.
  • Conduct a quick activity: Have students practice deep breathing and counting to ten as a group.
  • Use markers and a whiteboard to draw a simple brain model, labeling the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' parts.

Step 4

Worksheet Completion

3 mins

  • Distribute the 'Brain Balance' worksheet.
  • Guide students to complete the worksheet, focusing on identifying situations where they might 'flip their lid' and strategies to stay calm.

Step 5

Closure and Exit Ticket

2 mins

  • Recap the key points of the lesson.
  • Hand out the 'Impulse Control Reflection' exit ticket for students to complete.
  • Collect exit tickets as students leave.
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Worksheet

Brain Balance Worksheet

This worksheet helps students identify situations where they might lose control and strategies to manage their impulses.

Draw a picture of your 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' brain.








Write about a time you felt like you were going to 'flip your lid.' What did you do?








List three strategies you can use to stay calm when you feel upset.








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Quiz

Impulse Control Reflection

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