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Impulse Control Arcade

Olaoluwa

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Impulse Control Arcade

Students will learn and practice impulse control strategies through engaging games and activities.

Developing impulse control is crucial for 2nd graders to succeed in social interactions and academic tasks, helping them make thoughtful decisions and manage their emotions.

Audience

2nd Grade Group

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Interactive games and guided discussions.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck, Stop, Think, Act Game Cards, and Markers or dry-erase pens

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print and cut out the Stop, Think, Act Game Cards.
    - Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Impulse Control?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to act on impulse? Can you think of a time you did something without thinking first?"
    * Discuss student responses, guiding them to understand that impulse control is about pausing before acting.
    * Introduce the idea that we're going to play some

Step 2

Stop, Think, Act Game

15 minutes

  • Explain the game: When you show a Stop, Think, Act Game Card, students need to

Step 3

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Bring students back together. Review the 'Pause & Play' strategies from the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck.
    * Ask: 'What are some ways we can remember to pause before we act?'
    * Hand out a simple exit ticket asking students to name one strategy they will try to use.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Impulse Control Arcade!

Ready to master your superpower?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of impulse control. Ask them to share what they think it means to 'act without thinking'.

What's an Impulse?

A quick feeling or thought that makes you want to act right away!

Sometimes, we act without thinking.

Like when you really want to talk and shout out an answer!

Or when you want to grab the last cookie!

Explain what an impulse is – a sudden urge to do or say something without thinking it through. Give simple, relatable examples like blurting out an answer or grabbing a toy.

Pause & Play: Your Superpower!

Pause: Stop! Take a deep breath.

Think: What are my choices? What might happen next?

Play: Choose the best action!

Introduce the 'Pause & Play' idea. Emphasize that 'Pause' means to stop and think, and 'Play' means to choose a good action.

Example: The Wobbly Tower

You are building a super tall block tower. Your friend bumps the table and it starts to wobble! Your first thought is to shout, "Hey!"

Pause! What can you do instead?

Think! What are my choices?

Play! Choose the best action.

Provide a concrete example. Ask students to think of what they might do in this situation.

Why is this important?

• Helps you make smart choices

• Helps you be a good friend

• Helps you learn better in school

• Makes you feel proud of yourself!

Explain why practicing impulse control is important – it helps them be better friends, better learners, and feel good about their choices.

Let's Practice Our Superpower!

Time to play a game and practice our Pause & Play strategies!

Briefly introduce the game they're about to play and encourage them to use their new superpower.

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Game

Stop, Think, Act Game Cards

Instructions: Cut out each card. Read a scenario aloud to the students. Have them discuss and demonstrate how they would "Stop," "Think," and "Act" in each situation. Encourage them to use the strategies discussed in the Pause & Play Strategies Slide Deck.

Card 1: The Exciting Answer

Your teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You really want to shout it out right away!













Card 2: The Toy You Want

Your friend has a cool new toy you really want to play with. You feel like grabbing it from them.













Card 3: Line Up!

It's time to line up for recess, and you want to be first. You see a gap and feel like pushing past someone.













Card 4: Loud Laughter

Someone in your group tells a funny joke, and you want to laugh really loudly, even though others are still working quietly.













Card 5: Dropped Pencils

You accidentally drop all your pencils, and they roll under desks. You feel frustrated and want to kick the desk.













Card 6: The Snack Time Temptation

It's snack time, and you have cookies. Your friend doesn't have a snack, and you really want to eat all of yours right away.













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