Teacher Script: Impulse Control: Think First!

Warm-Up: What's Your First Reaction? (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something that affects every single one of us, every single day: impulse control. To get us started, I want you to imagine this scenario: You're at lunch, waiting patiently in line, and someone just cuts right in front of you. What's your very first reaction? Don't overthink it. Just write down the first thing that comes to mind on a piece of scratch paper. You won't be sharing these specifically, but we'll discuss the types of reactions."

(Allow 1-2 minutes for students to write.)

"Alright, put your pens down. Now, without sharing your exact reaction, can anyone tell me what kind of reactions came to mind? Did anyone feel anger? Frustration? Did some of you think about just ignoring it? Or maybe even confronting the person?"

(Listen to a few voluntary responses, guiding them to broad categories rather than specific details.)

"Those immediate thoughts and urges? That's what we call an impulse. And our ability to manage those impulses is what we're here to explore today."

Introduction to Impulse Control (10 minutes)

"Let's dive deeper. Take a look at the screen. [Show Slide 1: Impulse Control: Think First!]"

"As you can see, our lesson today is all about learning to 'Think First!'" [Show Slide 2: What is Impulse Control?]

"So, what exactly is an impulse? It's that sudden, strong, unthinking urge to act. It's like your brain's quick reaction button. And impulse control? That's the superpower that lets you hit the 'pause' button before you react. It's about making thoughtful choices, not just going with your automatic reactions."

"Why is this such an important skill, especially for you all in 10th grade?" [Show Slide 3: Why Does it Matter?]

"Think about it: better grades often come from resisting the impulse to procrastinate. Stronger relationships come from resisting the impulse to say something hurtful in the heat of the moment. And achieving your personal goals, whether it's getting into a certain college or learning a new skill, all rely on making thoughtful decisions. Impulse control helps you build self-respect and sets you up for future success."

"But sometimes, those impulses are really powerful, aren't they?" [Show Slide 4: The Power of Impulses]

"Our brains are wired for quick reactions. It's an evolutionary thing. But in modern life, those quick reactions aren't always helpful. Can anyone think of a time they acted on impulse and later wished they hadn't? You don't have to share the details, just reflect on that feeling."

(Allow a moment for silent reflection.)

Identifying Impulse Triggers (15 minutes)

"The first step to gaining control over your impulses is understanding what triggers them." [Show Slide 5: Spotting Your Impulse Triggers]

"I'm going to hand out a My Impulse Triggers Worksheet. On this worksheet, I want you to think about what situations, emotions, or even specific thoughts tend to lead you to act impulsively. Be honest with yourselves. This is a personal reflection, and we'll discuss it generally, not individually. For example, maybe you tend to snap when you're tired, or spend money impulsively when you're bored."

(Distribute the worksheets. Allow 7-8 minutes for students to complete it.)

"Alright, let's take a few minutes to discuss what you've noticed. Remember, you don't have to share anything too personal. Looking at the Impulse Control Discussion Prompts, did anyone find common themes in their triggers? Did you realize certain emotions are big triggers for you? What's one general type of situation you identified where you often feel impulsive?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to share types of triggers rather than specific impulsive actions. Refer to the discussion prompts as needed.)

Strategies for Better Impulse Control: Role-Playing (15 minutes)

"Now that we know what triggers impulses, how do we handle them? Let's look at some strategies." [Show Slide 6: Strategies for Smart Choices]

"Here are five powerful tools you can use: Pause & Breathe, Think A.C.T. (Alternatives, Consequences, Time), Walk Away, Distract Yourself, and Talk it Out. We're going to practice these. I'm going to divide you into small groups, and each group will get a scenario from the Role-Playing Impulse Control Activity. Your task is to act out the scenario twice: first, with an impulsive reaction, and then again, showing how one of these strategies can lead to a more controlled, thoughtful reaction."

(Divide students into small groups. Distribute the Role-Playing Impulse Control Activity. Allow 10 minutes for groups to plan and practice.)

"Alright, groups, let's bring it back together. Who would like to share a quick summary of one of their role-plays? What strategy did your group find most effective for your scenario? What was challenging about choosing a thoughtful reaction over an impulsive one?"

(Facilitate a brief debrief, highlighting the effectiveness of different strategies.)

Game: Impulse Control Jeopardy (10 minutes)

"Excellent work, everyone! To solidify our learning and have a little fun, we're going to play a quick game of Impulse Control Jeopardy Game! I'll divide you into two teams. The categories will focus on definitions, triggers, and strategies we just discussed. Let's see how well you 'Think First!'"

(Divide the class into two teams. Explain the rules of Jeopardy as described in the game material. Facilitate the game, keeping it fast-paced and engaging.)

Cool-Down & Quiz (5 minutes)

"Great job playing Jeopardy, everyone! You've shown a good grasp of impulse control. For our final activity today, I have a short Impulse Control Quiz for you. This is an individual quiz that will help you reflect on what you've learned today. Please complete it and turn it in as you leave."

(Distribute the quizzes. Collect them as students finish. Remind them that the Impulse Control Quiz Answer Key will be provided for review.)

"Remember, practicing impulse control is a lifelong journey. Every thoughtful choice you make strengthens this vital skill. Have a great rest of your day!"

Impulse Control Discussion Prompts

These prompts are designed to facilitate a reflective and open discussion after students have completed the My Impulse Triggers Worksheet. Encourage students to share general observations and types of triggers rather than overly personal details.

Opening the Discussion:

1. "After reflecting on your worksheets, what's one general type of situation where you often find yourself acting on impulse?"

2. "Did anyone notice a particular emotion or feeling that seems to be a big trigger for their impulsive actions?"

3. "Sometimes, it's a specific thought that pops into our heads right before we act impulsively (like 'I'll just do it later'). Did anyone identify any common 'impulse thoughts'?"

Deeper Reflection:

4. "How did recognizing these patterns on your worksheet make you feel? Was it surprising, or did it confirm something you already suspected?"

5. "Why do you think it's important to be aware of your personal impulse triggers? How can this awareness help you?"

6. "Can anyone think of a positive outcome that resulted from pausing and not acting on an immediate impulse? What happened?"

Connecting to Strategies:

7. "Thinking ahead, how might knowing your triggers help you choose a better strategy for managing an impulse next time?"

8. "What's one challenge you anticipate when trying to pause and think instead of acting on an impulse?"

My Impulse Triggers Worksheet

Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________

Sometimes we react without thinking, and other times we make careful choices. Understanding what makes us react impulsively is the first step to gaining more control.

Part 1: Identifying Your Triggers

Think about times you've acted on impulse (e.g., said something you regretted, bought something you didn't need, reacted angrily, procrastinated). What usually leads to these moments?

1. Situations: What specific places or events often lead to you acting impulsively?

   • Example: When I'm playing video games, I sometimes lose track of time for homework.
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2. Emotions: What feelings often trigger an impulsive reaction?

   • Example: When I feel bored, I scroll endlessly on my phone.
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3. Thoughts: What thoughts pop into your head just before you act impulsively?

   • Example: "It's just this once," or "I'll do it later."
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4. People: Are there certain people or groups of people whose presence or actions tend to trigger your impulses?

   • Example: When my friends dare me to do something.
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Part 2: Reflecting on Patterns

5. Looking at your answers, do you notice any common themes or patterns in your impulse triggers?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. How does recognizing these triggers help you understand your own behavior better?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Role-Playing Impulse Control Activity

Objective: To practice applying impulse control strategies in realistic (but hypothetical) high school scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Work in your assigned small groups.
2. Read your group's scenario carefully.
3. First, act out the scenario with an impulsive reaction. What's the immediate, unthinking response?
4. Next, act out the scenario again, but this time, incorporate one or more of the impulse control strategies we discussed (e.g., Pause & Breathe, Think A.C.T., Walk Away, Distract Yourself, Talk it Out).
5. Be prepared to briefly share with the class what strategy you used and how the outcome changed.

Scenarios:

Group 1: The Social Media Drama

Scenario: You see a screenshot of a group chat circulating that seems to be making fun of your best friend. Your first instinct is to immediately post an angry comment on the public story where you saw it, defending your friend fiercely and calling out the person who posted it. You feel your blood pressure rising.

Impulsive Reaction:

Controlled Reaction (using strategies):

Group 2: The Procrastination Trap

Scenario: You have a major research paper due in two days, and you haven't started. You sit down at your computer, but then you get a notification for a new episode of your favorite show, or a new video game update. Your brain immediately tells you, "Just one episode/game, then I'll start." You know this is a lie.

Impulsive Reaction:

Controlled Reaction (using strategies):

Group 3: The Classroom Distraction

Scenario: You're in a crucial lecture, and the student next to you keeps whispering, tapping their pen, and fidgeting loudly. You can't focus, and you're getting increasingly annoyed. Your first thought is to loudly tell them to stop, or to dramatically sigh and glare.

Impulsive Reaction:

Controlled Reaction (using strategies):

Group 4: The Snack Attack

Scenario: You've been trying to eat healthier, but you're feeling stressed after a tough test. You walk past a vending machine, and your favorite sugary snack is staring you down. Your immediate thought is, "I deserve this; it will make me feel better." You know it won't actually help in the long run.

Impulsive Reaction:

Controlled Reaction (using strategies):

Impulse Control Jeopardy Game

Objective: To review key concepts of impulse control in a fun, competitive format.

How to Play:

1. Divide the class into 2-3 teams.
2. Draw a simple Jeopardy board on the whiteboard with categories and point values.
3. Categories:
   • What's an Impulse? (Definitions & Characteristics)
   • Trigger Trouble (Identifying Triggers)
   • Strategy Superstars (Applying Control Strategies)
   • Real-Life Reactions (Scenario-Based Questions)
4. Point Values: Each category will have questions worth 100, 200, 300, 400 points.
5. Teams take turns choosing a category and point value.
6. The teacher reads the "answer" (question prompt).
7. Teams must buzz in (or raise their hand, etc.) to answer. The first team to correctly state the question (e.g., "What is an impulse?") gets the points.
8. If incorrect, other teams have a chance to steal.
9. Keep score on the board.
10. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Game Board Questions (Teacher Key):

What's an Impulse?

• 100 Points: This is a sudden, strong, unthinking urge to act.

  • Answer: What is an impulse?

• 200 Points: This is the ability to resist immediate urges and think before acting.

  • Answer: What is impulse control?

• 300 Points: Impulsive actions are often described as this, rather than carefully considered.

  • Answer: What are automatic reactions / not thoughtful choices?

• 400 Points: Give one reason why developing impulse control is important for a 10th grader.

  • Answer: (Examples: better grades, stronger relationships, achieving goals, personal growth, future success)

Trigger Trouble

• 100 Points: This is something that often causes an impulsive reaction (a situation, emotion, or thought).

  • Answer: What is a trigger?

• 200 Points: Feeling tired, angry, or stressed are examples of this type of trigger.

  • Answer: What are emotions?

• 300 Points: Seeing your phone light up with a new notification during homework time is an example of this type of trigger.

  • Answer: What is a situation / external trigger?

• 400 Points: Why is identifying your personal impulse triggers the first step in improving impulse control?

  • Answer: What is because it allows you to anticipate and prepare for those moments?

Strategy Superstars

• 100 Points: Taking a deep breath and counting to five is part of this strategy.

  • Answer: What is Pause & Breathe?

• 200 Points: Asking yourself "What are the consequences?" is a key part of this three-letter strategy.

  • Answer: What is Think A.C.T.?

• 300 Points: If a situation is making you feel very impulsive, physically moving away from it is using this strategy.

  • Answer: What is Walk Away?

• 400 Points: Name two strategies for impulse control and briefly explain how they work.

  • Answer: (Accept any two from: Pause & Breathe, Think A.C.T., Walk Away, Distract Yourself, Talk it Out, with brief explanation)

Real-Life Reactions

• 100 Points: You're about to send a heated text. You delete it and call your friend instead. This is an example of good _________.

  • Answer: What is impulse control?

• 200 Points: You planned to study for an hour, but your favorite streaming service autoplayed another episode. You watch it instead. This is an example of acting on ______.

  • Answer: What is impulse / an impulsive reaction?

• 300 Points: Your friend makes a rude joke about you. Instead of yelling, you take a deep breath and say, "Hey, I don't appreciate that." Which strategy did you use?

  • Answer: What is Pause & Breathe / Talk it Out?

• 400 Points: You're starving and about to grab the first unhealthy snack you see. You stop, think about your goal to eat healthier, and grab an apple instead. Explain how you used impulse control.

  • Answer: What is using "Think A.C.T." (considering alternatives/consequences) and choosing a healthier option instead of the immediate urge? (Also accept "Pause & Breathe" before making the choice.)

Impulse Control Quiz Answer Key

Here are the answers and explanations for the Impulse Control Quiz. Review these to understand the concepts better!

**1. Which of the following best defines an impulse?

• Correct Answer: B. A sudden, strong, unthinking urge to act.
• Explanation: An impulse is that immediate, automatic reaction or desire. It's often not based on careful thought.

**2. Why is impulse control important for a high school student?

• Correct Answer: C. It leads to thoughtful decisions, better relationships, and achieving goals.
• Explanation: Impulse control helps you pause and think, which improves decision-making in all areas of life, from academics to social interactions and future planning.

**3. Name two common types of impulse triggers (e.g., emotions, situations, thoughts).

• Possible Answers (accept any two):
  • Emotions: Feeling angry, stressed, bored, anxious, excited.
  • Situations: Being around certain people, seeing social media notifications, being tired, being hungry, encountering unexpected problems.
  • Thoughts: "I deserve this," "I'll just do it later," "It's not a big deal."
• Explanation: Triggers are the internal or external cues that often lead to an impulsive urge. Recognizing them is vital for prevention.

**4. You're frustrated with a friend's comment and immediately want to send a harsh text. Instead, you close your phone and count to ten. Which strategy are you using?

• Correct Answer: C. Pause & Breathe
• Explanation: Taking a moment to breathe and count allows you to create distance from the immediate urge and prevents an immediate, unthinking reaction.

**5. Explain the "Think A.C.T." strategy for impulse control. What does each letter stand for?

• A: Alternatives: What else could I do?
• C: Consequences: What might happen if I do this (short-term and long-term)?
• T: Time: Will I feel differently about this in 10 minutes, an hour, or tomorrow?
• Explanation: This strategy provides a structured way to quickly evaluate a situation before acting impulsively, encouraging a more rational decision.

**6. You see a new video game released and immediately feel the urge to buy it, even though you're saving for something else important. You decide to wait a day and see if you still want it. This is an example of good impulse control because you are considering the ________.

• Correct Answer: B. Consequences of your actions
• Explanation: By waiting, you are considering the consequence of spending your savings (not having enough for your important item) versus the immediate gratification of the game. This aligns with the 'C' in Think A.C.T. (Consequences).