Lesson Plan

Impulse Control Arcade Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify situations requiring impulse control and practice strategies to pause, think, and act thoughtfully in a fun, low-stakes environment.

Developing impulse control is crucial for managing emotions, making good choices, and fostering positive social interactions and academic success. This lesson provides practical strategies in an engaging format.

Audience

2nd Grade Group

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and activities.

Materials

Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck, and - Stop, Think, Act Game Cards

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Review the Impulse Control Arcade Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck and Stop, Think, Act Game Cards.
Print and cut out the Stop, Think, Act Game Cards.
Ensure technology for the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck is ready.

Step 1

Introduction: Welcome to the Impulse Control Arcade!

5 minutes

Greet students and introduce the concept of impulse control. Explain that everyone sometimes acts without thinking, and this 'arcade' is a place to practice pausing and thinking.
Ask students to share a time they wished they had thought before acting. (Brief discussion)
Introduce the idea of 'Pause & Play Strategies' using the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck. Show the first few slides to explain what impulse control is and why it's important.

Step 2

Strategy Spotlight: Pause, Think, Act

5 minutes

Use the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck to introduce the core strategy: Pause, Think, Act.
Explain each step: Pause (take a deep breath, count to three), Think (What are my choices? What might happen?), Act (Choose the best option).
Model a simple scenario and ask students how they would use Pause, Think, Act.

Step 3

Game Time: Stop, Think, Act Challenges

10 minutes

Introduce the Stop, Think, Act Game Cards.
Explain the rules: Students will take turns drawing a card with a scenario. For each scenario, they will describe how they would use the 'Pause, Think, Act' strategy.
Encourage peer feedback and discussion on different approaches.
Facilitate the game, ensuring all students participate and understand the application of the strategy.

Step 4

Cool Down: Reflection and Takeaways

5 minutes

Gather students and ask: 'What was one new strategy you learned today to help you control your impulses?'
Emphasize that practicing impulse control helps them make better choices and feel more in control.
Encourage students to try using 'Pause, Think, Act' in their daily lives. Conclude by praising their participation and effort.

Slide Deck

Welcome to the Impulse Control Arcade!

Get ready to play and learn about a super skill: Impulse Control!

Welcome students to the 'Impulse Control Arcade' and introduce the concept of impulse control. Explain that this is a fun place to practice a very important skill.

What is Impulse Control?

• An 'impulse' is doing something without thinking.
• Impulse control is learning to PAUSE and THINK before you ACT.
• It helps you make smart choices!

Ask students what 'impulse' might mean. Guide them to understand it's acting without thinking. Ask if they've ever done something they wished they could take back.

Why is it Important?

• Helps you be a good friend
• Helps you do well in school
• Helps you feel calm and in control
• Stops you from doing things you might regret

Explain why it's a valuable skill. Connect it to classroom behavior, friendships, and even personal feelings.

Our Secret Strategy: Pause, Think, Act!

It's like a traffic light for your brain!

PAUSE (Red Light)
THINK (Yellow Light)
ACT (Green Light)

Introduce the core strategy: Pause, Think, Act. Emphasize that these are three clear steps.

Step 1: PAUSE (Red Light)

• Stop! Don't do anything yet.
• Take a deep breath.
• Count to 3 (or 5, or 10!).
• Give your brain a moment to catch up.

Elaborate on the 'Pause' step. Give examples like taking a deep breath or counting. Emphasize stopping physical reactions.

Step 2: THINK (Yellow Light)

• What are my choices?
• What will happen if I do _____?
• What's the best choice for me and others?

Explain the 'Think' step. Encourage students to consider consequences and alternatives.

Step 3: ACT (Green Light)

• Choose the best action.
• Do what you decided was the right thing.
• Feel proud of your self-control!

Finally, the 'Act' step. This is about choosing the thoughtful option.

Let's Practice: A Quick Example!

Scenario: Your friend has a toy you really want to play with, and you grab it from them!

How can we use PAUSE, THINK, ACT?

PAUSE: Stop before grabbing.
THINK: What will happen if I grab it? My friend might get upset. What's a better way? I could ask to share or ask when I can have a turn.
ACT: Ask my friend,

Provide a simple example and walk through it using the strategy. Ask students how they would apply it.

Time for the Game!

Now that we know our secret strategy, it's time to put it into action with some fun game cards!

Ready to be an Impulse Control Superstar?

Transition to the game activity. Explain that the game cards will give them more practice scenarios.

Game

Stop, Think, Act Game Cards

Instructions: Cut out each card. Students take turns drawing a card and describing how they would use the "Pause, Think, Act" strategy to respond to the scenario.

Card 1

Scenario: Your classmate accidentally knocks over your tower of blocks right before you finished it. You feel really angry and want to yell at them.