Impulse Control Fun

Jaclyn Andon

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Impulse Control Fun

To help students decrease impulsivity

This lesson is designed to help 1st-grade students understand and practice impulse control through engaging activities. By using active learning and game-based strategies, students will learn to pause and think before acting, which is crucial for their social and academic development. The lesson includes a fun game, a worksheet, and a discussion to reinforce the concepts.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Active Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Impulse Control Game Instructions, Impulse Control Worksheet, Discussion Questions, and Video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion about what it means to be impulsive.
Ask students if they can think of a time when they acted without thinking and what happened as a result.
Explain that today they will learn how to pause and think before acting.

Step 2

Impulse Control Game

10 mins

Introduce a simple game where students must wait for a signal before they can move or speak.
Explain the rules clearly: when you say 'Go,' they can move, but if you say 'Stop,' they must freeze.
Play several rounds, gradually increasing the difficulty by adding more signals or actions.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

10 mins

Hand out the Impulse Control Worksheet.
Guide students through the worksheet, which includes scenarios where they must decide the best action to take.
Encourage students to discuss their answers with a partner.

Step 4

Discussion and Closure

5 mins

Use the discussion questions to reflect on the game and worksheet activities.
Ask students how they felt when they had to wait or think before acting.
Reinforce the importance of impulse control in everyday situations.

Discussion

Impulse Control Discussion

A discussion to help students reflect on their experiences with impulse control during the lesson.

What was challenging about waiting for the signal in the game?

Encourage students to think about their feelings and reactions during the game.

How did you decide what to do in the worksheet scenarios?

Guide students to discuss their thought process and decision-making.

Why is it important to think before we act?

Help students connect impulse control to real-life situations and consequences.

Worksheet

Impulse Control Worksheet

A worksheet designed to help students practice thinking before acting through various scenarios.

You see a toy you want to play with, but someone else is using it. What should you do?

Your friend says something that makes you angry. How can you respond?

You finished your work early and want to talk to your friend. What should you consider first?

Reading

Parent Handout: Supporting Impulse Control at Home

This handout provides parents with information on impulse control and practical strategies to help their children practice these skills at home.

Understanding Impulse Control

Impulse control is the ability to pause and think before acting. It is an essential skill for children as it helps them make thoughtful decisions, manage their emotions, and interact positively with others.

How You Can Help at Home

Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine helps children know what to expect and reduces impulsive behavior.
Model Impulse Control: Demonstrate how to pause and think before acting in your daily activities.
Practice Deep Breathing: Teach your child to take deep breaths when they feel overwhelmed or excited.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when they demonstrate good impulse control.
Play Impulse Control Games: Engage in games that require waiting for a turn or following instructions, such as 'Simon Says.'

Activities to Try

Story Time Discussions: After reading a story, discuss the characters' actions and what they could have done differently.
Role-Playing Scenarios: Act out different situations where your child can practice thinking before acting.

Reinforcing Skills

Consistent Reminders: Gently remind your child to pause and think in various situations.
Encourage Reflection: Ask your child how they felt after making a thoughtful decision and what they learned from the experience.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your child develop strong impulse control skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.