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Impulse Control Toolkit

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Lesson Plan

One-on-One Support Plan

In this 20-minute one-on-one session, the student will identify impulse triggers, practice two calming strategies using visual aids, and reflect on their ability to self-manage impulses.

This lesson builds essential self-regulation skills, helping the student reduce impulsive behaviors and gain emotional control, which promotes success in academic and social settings.

Audience

4th Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Use visual prompts, guided practice, and reflection to teach impulse control.

Materials

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Connect and Set Goals

2 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and build rapport
  • Explain the session’s objectives: identifying impulses and practicing control
  • Briefly preview the Calming Corner Tips Reading

Step 2

Identify Triggers

4 minutes

Step 3

Teach and Practice Calming Strategies

8 minutes

  • Guide the student through the Mindful Breathing Guide using the 4-4-4 technique (inhale-4s, hold-4s, exhale-4s)
  • Introduce two additional strategies from the Calming Corner Tips Reading (e.g., counting to 10, squeezing a stress ball)
  • Practice each strategy together, coaching proper technique

Step 4

Apply Strategies and Track

4 minutes

  • Present a brief scenario where the student might feel an impulse
  • Have the student select and use a calming strategy in that scenario
  • Complete the Trigger Tracker Chart entry: trigger, strategy used, and outcome

Step 5

Reflect and Plan Next Steps

2 minutes

  • Review the completed chart with the student
  • Ask reflective questions: What worked? Which strategy was most helpful?
  • Help the student set a goal for using these strategies during the upcoming week
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Slide Deck

Impulse Control Visuals

In this slide deck, we’ll look at common impulse triggers and learn simple strategies to help you stay in control.

Welcome the student and introduce the purpose of these visuals: to spot impulse triggers and learn calming strategies.

Trigger: Blurting Out

[Image: Student blurting out an answer without raising hand]

When you feel an answer pop into your head, you might speak out before you’re called on.

Point to the image and ask: "Have you ever felt like blurting out before raising your hand?" Record their response.

Trigger: Fidgeting

[Image: Student tapping pencil and bouncing in seat]

Sometimes your body moves when you’re excited or restless.

Ask: "What do you notice the student is doing with their hands/feet in this picture?"

Trigger: Interrupting Peers

[Image: Student cutting in while another classmate is talking]

You might want to join the conversation, but it can disrupt others.

Discuss how interrupting can affect others. "How might it feel if someone interrupts you?"

Calming Strategy: Mindful Breathing

[Icon: Person breathing slowly]

Try the 4-4-4 method:
• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 4 seconds

Guide the student to place one hand on their belly and one on their chest. Model 4-4-4 breathing.

Calming Strategy: Counting to 10

[Icon: Number countdown]

When you feel an impulse, slowly count from 1 to 10 in your mind.

Have the student practice counting silently and then aloud. Reinforce slow, steady pacing.

Calming Strategy: Using a Stress Ball

[Icon: Hand squeezing a stress ball]

Squeeze a stress ball or fidget toy to redirect extra energy.

Show the stress ball or fidget toy. Invite the student to squeeze and describe how it feels.

Putting It All Together

Look back at each trigger and pick one strategy to try:
• Blurting Out → __________
• Fidgeting → __________
• Interrupting → __________

Encourage the student to match each trigger with the strategy they think will help.
Ask: "Which strategy will you try when you notice each trigger?"

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Activity

Mindful Breathing Guide

A simple, step-by-step sheet to help you practice the 4-4-4 breathing technique and notice how it makes you feel.

Materials Needed

  • Quiet space or corner
  • Clock, timer, or watch with a second hand

Steps

1. Get Ready

  • Sit comfortably in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
  • Rest your hands gently in your lap.
  • Close your eyes or keep a soft gaze on the floor.


2. Practice 4-4-4 Breathing

  1. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly.
  2. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.
  3. Hold that breath for 4 seconds.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
  5. Repeat this cycle 3 times.


3. Use the Visual Timer

  • Watch the second hand or timer as you count each 4-second interval.
  • Notice the rise and fall of your belly under your hand.


4. Reflect

  • How do you feel before you did this exercise?



  • How do you feel after you finished?



  • When do you think you might use this breathing strategy again during your day?



Reflection Table

PromptYour Response
How I felt before


How I feel now


When I’ll use this again


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Worksheet

Trigger Tracker Chart

Use this chart to record when you notice an impulse trigger, the calming strategy you used, and how it helped you.

Date / TimeWhat Happened (Trigger)Strategy I UsedOutcome / How I Felt






































































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Reading

Calming Corner Tips

A calming corner is a special spot you can visit when you feel overwhelmed or notice an impulse coming. It helps you pause, breathe, and choose a strategy that can help you feel more in control.

What Is a Calming Corner?

  • A quiet, cozy area in your classroom or at home.
  • A safe place where you can take a short break to relax.
  • A spot stocked with simple tools and reminders to help you calm down.

How to Set Up Your Calming Corner

  1. Pick the Right Spot
    Choose a small, low-traffic area—maybe a comfy chair, bean bag, or a soft mat.
  2. Add Soothing Items
    • Soft pillows or stuffed animals
    • Calming pictures or posters (nature scenes, favorite characters)
  3. Include Quick Tools
    • A stress ball or fidget toy to squeeze
    • Noise-cancelling headphones or soft music
  4. Post Clear Steps
    • Hang or tape a simple checklist showing what to do when you arrive.
    • You might include reminders like:
      • Take three slow breaths (see the Mindful Breathing Guide)
      • Count to 10 slowly
      • Squeeze the stress ball
  5. Keep It Neat
    Make sure items are organized and easy to reach. A clutter-free corner helps you calm down faster.

Quick Strategies to Try

  • Mindful Breathing: Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat three times.
  • Counting to 10: Close your eyes and count slowly in your head until you reach ten.
  • Stress Ball Squeeze: Grip and release the ball slowly ten times, noticing how your hand feels.
  • Quiet Drawing: Use paper and colored pencils to draw simple shapes or doodle for two minutes.
  • Listening to Calming Sounds: Soft music or nature sounds can help slow down your thoughts.

Remember

  • You don’t have to stay long—just long enough to feel a little calmer.
  • After you leave, jot down what happened in your Trigger Tracker Chart.
  • Practice visiting your calming corner so it becomes a helpful habit whenever you need it.
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