Lesson Plan
The Challenge Accepted Plan
Students will learn strategies to improve their impulse control and apply these strategies in a series of engaging, low-stakes games.
Developing impulse control is crucial for making good decisions, managing emotions, and achieving personal goals. This lesson provides practical experience in building these vital self-regulation skills.
Audience
6th Grade Students
Time
55 minutes
Approach
Experiential learning through games and reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Challenge Rules & Strategies, Impulse Obstacle Course, My Challenge Wins, and Pencils or pens
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: The Challenge Accepted Plan, Challenge Rules & Strategies, Impulse Obstacle Course, and My Challenge Wins.
- Set up the classroom for the Impulse Obstacle Course game. This might involve clearing some space, arranging desks, or setting up simple 'obstacles' like walking around a chair or touching a specific spot on the wall.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Make copies of the My Challenge Wins handout for each student (or prepare for digital distribution).
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What is Impulse Control?
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students what they think 'impulse control' means. Discuss real-life examples of when they might need it (e.g., not interrupting, waiting their turn, thinking before speaking).
- Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to talk about a superpower that helps us make smart choices: impulse control! We'll learn how to master our impulses and then put our skills to the test in some fun challenges."
- Present the learning objective and explain why impulse control is important using Challenge Rules & Strategies (Slide 1-2).
Step 2
Strategies for Success
10 minutes
- Introduce key strategies for impulse control (e.g., Stop, Think, Act; deep breaths; counting to ten; visualizing consequences). Use Challenge Rules & Strategies (Slide 3-5).
- Lead a brief class discussion on how these strategies could be applied in different situations.
- Have students share their own strategies or ideas for managing impulses.
Step 3
Impulse Obstacle Course Game
25 minutes
- Explain the rules of the Impulse Obstacle Course game in detail. Emphasize that the goal is not just to win, but to practice using impulse control strategies.
- Divide students into small groups or pairs.
- Facilitate the game, moving around to observe students and offer gentle reminders to use their strategies.
- Encourage students to reflect on their performance during the game.
- After the game, gather the class for a brief debrief. Ask: "What was challenging? What strategies did you use? Did they help?"
Step 4
Reflection and Wrap-up
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Challenge Wins handout.
- Instruct students to complete the cool-down activity, reflecting on their experience and identifying specific impulse control strategies they plan to use in the future.
- Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
- Conclude by reiterating the importance of impulse control and praising students for their efforts and participation.
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Slide Deck
Impulse Control: Your Inner Boss!
What does it mean to control your impulses?
Why is it important to be your own boss?
Welcome students and ask them to think about what impulse control means to them. Encourage sharing of real-life examples. This slide serves as a hook to get them thinking about the topic personally.
Master Your Impulses, Master Your Day!
Today, you will:
- Understand what impulse control is.
- Learn awesome strategies to help you pause and think.
- Practice these strategies in fun challenges!
Why this matters: Making smarter choices, staying calm, and reaching your goals!
Clearly state the objective of the lesson and explain why learning impulse control is a valuable life skill. Connect it to their everyday experiences in school, at home, or with friends.
Strategy 1: Stop, Think, Act!
STOP! Pause before you do or say something.
THINK! What are your options? What might happen if you act on impulse? What's the best choice?
ACT! Make the smart choice!
Introduce the first strategy: 'Stop, Think, Act.' Explain each step with simple examples. Ask students to brainstorm scenarios where this could be useful.
Strategy 2: Breathe It Out!
When you feel an impulse building:
- Take a deep breath in through your nose.
- Hold it for a few seconds.
- Slowly let it out through your mouth.
This gives your brain a mini-break to catch up!
Introduce breathing as a quick and effective impulse control tool. Lead a short, guided deep breathing exercise.
Strategy 3: Count to Ten!
Feeling super impulsive? Just count!
- Count slowly to ten (or even twenty!)
- This gives you time to calm down and think clearly.
Try it: If someone bumps you in the hall, instead of reacting immediately, count to ten in your head.
Explain counting to ten as another simple strategy. Discuss how it provides a moment to re-evaluate the situation. Ask for student examples.
Challenge Accepted! Let's Play!
Now it's time to put your impulse control to the test!
Get ready for the Impulse Obstacle Course – where your brainpower is your superpower!
Introduce the game and build excitement. Explain that the game is a fun way to practice the strategies they just learned. Briefly hint at the 'Impulse Obstacle Course' without giving away all the details.
Game
Impulse Obstacle Course
Goal: Navigate the course by demonstrating excellent impulse control! This isn't about speed, it's about thoughtful action.
Instructions:
- You will move through a series of stations.
- At each station, you will be given a task that requires you to STOP, THINK, and ACT deliberately.
- Follow the rules carefully. Rushing or acting impulsively will result in a penalty (e.g., repeating the station, taking an extra step backwards).
- Work with your team (if applicable) to encourage good impulse control.
Station 1: The Silent Shuffle
Challenge: Walk from one side of the designated area to the other without making a sound. If you scuff your feet, drop something, or talk, you must go back to the start of the station.
Impulse Control Focus: Physical restraint, awareness of actions.
Station 2: The Delayed Grab
Challenge: Place an object (like a small ball, eraser, or pencil) on a desk in front of you. Your partner will count down from 5. You must not touch the object until they say "Go!". If you grab it early, you restart the countdown.
Impulse Control Focus: Waiting, resisting immediate gratification.
Station 3: The Story Stopper
Challenge: One person starts telling a very interesting but unfinished story. The listener's job is to listen intently without interrupting for 30 seconds. If the listener interrupts, the story restarts from the beginning.
Impulse Control Focus: Verbal inhibition, active listening.
Station 4: The Mindful Maze
Challenge: Using only your non-dominant hand, carefully draw a simple maze on a piece of paper, starting from a designated point to an end point. You must go slowly and not lift your pencil from the paper. If you rush, lift your pencil, or use your dominant hand, you must restart this station.
Impulse Control Focus: Fine motor control, patience, deliberate action.
Cool Down
My Challenge Wins
Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Thinking back on today's Impulse Control Challenge, let's reflect on what we learned and how we can use these skills in our daily lives.
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What was one part of the Impulse Obstacle Course that you found challenging? Why was it challenging for you?
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What is one impulse control strategy (e.g., Stop, Think, Act; deep breaths; counting to ten) that you learned or practiced today?
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How did using that strategy help you during the game?
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Think about a time outside of class (at home, with friends, during another activity) where you might need to use your impulse control. Describe the situation and how you could use one of the strategies we discussed today.
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What is one specific thing you will try to do this week to practice your impulse control?