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Impulse Control Arcade

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Lesson Plan

Arcade Games for Self-Control

Students will identify and practice strategies for impulse control through engaging game-based scenarios.

Developing impulse control is crucial for making thoughtful choices, managing emotions effectively, and fostering positive interactions in both school and personal life.

Audience

2nd Grade Group

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and direct instruction.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper for each student, Markers or pencils, Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck, and Stop, Think, Act Game Cards

Prep

Materials Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Do You Do?

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck and ask students: "Have you ever wanted to do something right away, even if you knew it might not be the best idea? What happened?"
    - Facilitate a brief discussion about situations where impulse control is important (e.g., blurting out answers, grabbing a toy, interrupting).
    - Introduce the concept of impulse control as 'stopping, thinking, and then acting.'

Step 2

Introduce Pause & Play Strategies

5 minutes

  • Present the 'Pause & Play Strategies' using the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck.
    - Explain each strategy: 'Stop, Breathe, Think,' 'Count to Ten,' 'Ask Yourself: What's the best choice?'
    - Model how to use one of the strategies with a simple scenario (e.g., wanting to shout out an answer).

Step 3

Game Time: Stop, Think, Act Arcade

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Stop, Think, Act Game Cards. Explain that students will draw a card and practice using a 'Pause & Play' strategy.
    - Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    - Each student takes turns drawing a card, reading the scenario, and verbally explaining which 'Pause & Play' strategy they would use and why.
    - Encourage partners to provide positive feedback or suggest other strategies.

Step 4

Cool-Down: My Strategy

5 minutes

  • Bring the group back together.
    - Ask students to share one 'Pause & Play' strategy they found helpful and a situation where they could use it in real life.
    - Conclude by emphasizing that practicing these strategies helps them become 'Impulse Control Arcade Masters!' (referencing the lesson title)
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Slide Deck

Welcome to the Impulse Control Arcade!

Ever wanted to do something super fast, but then thought... 'Hmm, maybe not?'

What happens when you act without thinking?

Welcome students and introduce the exciting theme of the 'Impulse Control Arcade'! Ask an open-ended question to get them thinking about quick decisions.

What is Impulse Control?

It's your superpower to STOP, THINK, and then ACT!


It helps you make smart choices, even when you really want to do something right away.

Explain what impulse control means in simple terms. Emphasize that it's a superpower for making good choices.

Strategy 1: Stop, Breathe, Think

  • STOP! Freeze like a statue.
  • BREATHE! Take a deep breath in through your nose, out through your mouth.
  • THINK! What's happening? What can I do?

Introduce the first strategy: Stop, Breathe, Think. Encourage students to practice a deep breath.

Strategy 2: Count to Ten

  • When you feel like acting fast, COUNT to TEN in your head.
  • This gives your brain a moment to catch up and think about the best choice.

Introduce the second strategy: Count to Ten. Explain how this simple trick gives their brain time to catch up.

Strategy 3: Ask Yourself: What's the best choice?

  • Before you act, ask:
    • "Is this fair?"
    • "Is this kind?"
    • "Is this safe?"
    • "Is this the best choice right now?"

Introduce the third strategy: Ask Yourself. Guide them to consider the consequences of their actions.

Time to Play! Impulse Control Arcade Game

Now that you have your 'Pause & Play' superpowers, it's time to practice!

We're going to use Stop, Think, Act Game Cards to become masters of impulse control!

Transition to the game, explaining that they'll get to practice these new superpowers!

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Game

Stop, Think, Act Game Cards

Instructions: Cut out each card. Students take turns drawing a card, reading the scenario, and explaining which "Pause & Play" strategy they would use (Stop, Breathe, Think; Count to Ten; or Ask Yourself: What's the best choice?) and why.

Scenario Card 1

Your friend has a really cool new toy. You really, really want to play with it right now, even though they are still playing. What do you do?





Scenario Card 2

The teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You want to shout it out right away. What do you do?





Scenario Card 3

You are lining up for recess, and someone accidentally bumps into you. You feel angry and want to push them back. What do you do?





Scenario Card 4

You are working on a drawing, and your classmate leans over and starts coloring on your paper without asking. What do you do?





Scenario Card 5

It's snack time, and there's only one cookie left. You really want it, but you see your friend also reaching for it. What do you do?





Scenario Card 6

You are playing a game, and it's not your turn, but you see a way to win for your team if you just move one piece. What do you do?





Scenario Card 7

Someone tells a joke that isn't very kind about another student. You want to laugh along with everyone else. What do you do?





Scenario Card 8

Your mom says you need to clean your room before you can play video games. You really want to play video games right now! What do you do?





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Impulse Control Arcade • Lenny Learning