Lesson Plan
Impulse Control Toolkit Plan
Students will identify personal impulsive behavior triggers and practice two coping strategies through guided self-reflection, role-play, and action planning to improve decision-making in school.
This targeted, one-on-one lesson builds self-awareness and equips 8th graders with practical impulse-control tools, reducing classroom disruptions and boosting academic success.
Audience
8th Grade (Middle School Students)
Time
30 minutes (one-on-one)
Approach
Guided self-reflection, strategy selection, and role-play practice.
Materials
Impulse Control Toolkit Worksheet, Trigger Identification Cards, Coping Strategy Cards, and Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print one copy of the Impulse Control Toolkit Worksheet.
- Print and cut apart the Trigger Identification Cards and Coping Strategy Cards.
- Familiarize yourself with each trigger and strategy option to guide discussion.
- Set up a timer or stopwatch for activity pacing.
Step 1
Build Rapport
5 minutes
- Greet the student and explain the purpose: improving self-control.
- Ask the student to share a recent moment they acted impulsively at school.
- Emphasize confidentiality and a supportive environment.
Step 2
Identify Triggers
7 minutes
- Lay out the Trigger Identification Cards.
- Prompt the student to select 3–4 cards that represent their common triggers.
- On the Impulse Control Toolkit Worksheet, have them list and briefly describe each chosen trigger.
Step 3
Explore Coping Strategies
7 minutes
- Present the Coping Strategy Cards.
- Discuss each strategy’s benefits and challenges.
- Ask the student to pick their top two strategies and record these on their worksheet with a brief plan for use.
Step 4
Role-Play Practice
8 minutes
- Create simple scenarios based on identified triggers (e.g., called out in class, peer teasing).
- Role-play each scenario, pausing for the student to practice their chosen coping strategy.
- Provide feedback and reinforce effective self-control techniques.
Step 5
Action Planning & Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Review the completed Impulse Control Toolkit Worksheet.
- Set a specific goal: when faced with Trigger X, I will use Strategy Y.
- Agree on a reminder or check-in time (use timer/stopwatch).
- Provide positive encouragement and outline next follow-up steps.
Slide Deck
Impulse Control Toolkit
A 30-minute one-on-one session to help you recognize your impulse triggers and practice strategies for better decision-making at school.
Welcome the student warmly by name. Explain the session’s goal: to build self-awareness and practical tools for controlling impulsive behavior at school. Emphasize that this is one-on-one, confidential, and supportive.
Session Objectives
• Identify your personal impulsive behavior triggers
• Explore and plan two coping strategies
• Practice chosen strategies through role-play
• Create a clear action plan for real situations
Review each objective aloud, making sure the student understands what they will achieve today.
Build Rapport (5 min)
• Greet and set a positive tone
• Ask the student to share a recent impulsive moment
• Emphasize confidentiality and support
Say: “First, let’s get comfortable. Tell me about a time recently when you acted on impulse at school.” Encourage sharing and affirm that this is a safe space.
Identify Your Triggers (7 min)
• Lay out the Trigger Identification Cards
• Select 3–4 cards that resonate
• On the Worksheet, list and describe each chosen trigger
Lay out the Trigger Identification Cards. Guide the student through reading each card and selecting the top 3–4 triggers. Ask them to describe why each is a trigger for them.
Explore Coping Strategies (7 min)
• Present the Coping Strategy Cards
• Discuss benefits and challenges of each
• Pick top two strategies and note a brief plan on the worksheet
Show the Coping Strategy Cards. Discuss each strategy’s pros and cons. Ask: “Which two feel most doable for you in the moment?” Record the student’s plan on their worksheet.
Role-Play Practice (8 min)
• Develop scenarios tied to identified triggers
• Pause and practice each chosen strategy
• Provide feedback and reinforce skills
Create simple, realistic scenarios based on the student’s triggers. Role-play each: pause before the impulsive reaction and prompt the student to use their chosen strategy. Offer positive, specific feedback.
Action Planning & Wrap-Up (3 min)
• Review the Worksheet
• Set an “If X, then I will Y” goal
• Decide on a reminder or check-in time
• Offer encouragement and next steps
Review the student’s completed worksheet with them. Help them formulate an “If-Then” goal. Ask: “When this trigger occurs, I will do this.” Agree on a follow-up check-in time.
Next Steps
Keep your worksheet visible and practice your two strategies each day.
We’ll check in soon to see your progress. You’ve got this!
Close the session with encouragement. Remind the student to keep their worksheet handy and practice daily. Confirm the next meeting date or check-in.
Worksheet
Impulse Control Toolkit Worksheet
Name: ________________________ Date: ________________________
A. Identify Your Impulse Triggers
Use the Trigger Identification Cards to choose 3–4 triggers you experience. For each trigger below, write a brief description of why it affects you.
- Trigger #1: ________________________
Description: __________________________________________________________ - Trigger #2: ________________________
Description: __________________________________________________________ - Trigger #3: ________________________
Description: __________________________________________________________ - Trigger #4 (optional): ________________________
Description: __________________________________________________________
B. Explore and Plan Coping Strategies
Review the Coping Strategy Cards and select your top two strategies. For each one, write its name and a plan for how you will use it in a real situation.
Strategy #1: ________________________
Plan: __________________________________________________________
Strategy #2: ________________________
Plan: __________________________________________________________
C. Role-Play Reflection
Briefly describe one scenario you practiced and how you used your chosen strategy.
Scenario: __________________________________________________________
Strategy Used: ________________________
What went well? ____________________________________________________
What could you improve? ___________________________________________
D. Action Planning & Next Steps
Create a clear “If-Then” goal for handling impulsive moments at school.
If ________________________________________________________ then I will ________________________________________________________.
How will you remind yourself to follow this plan (e.g., timer, note, check-in with teacher)?
________________________________________________________
When should we check in on your progress? (Date/Time): ________________________
Use this worksheet as your personal guide. Keep it visible and review it before class or when you notice your triggers. You’ve got this!
Activity
Trigger Identification Cards
Print this page and cut along the lines to create individual cards. Each card lists a common middle-school impulse trigger. Ask the student to pick 3–4 cards that resonate with them.
Being called on unexpectedly in class
Peer teasing or gossip
Difficulty understanding instructions
Feeling rushed when completing work
Conflicts during group work
Loud noise or other classroom distractions
Embarrassment from making mistakes
Upcoming test or quiz
Unclear expectations from the teacher
Change in routine or schedule
Seeing classmates chat or laugh
Hunger or low energy
Feeling left out of a group
Transition between activities
Pressure to finish before others
Thoughts about social media or phone notifications
Activity
Coping Strategy Cards
Print this page and cut along the lines to create individual cards. Each card lists a coping strategy. Ask the student to select two strategies that resonate most with them.
Take 3–5 Deep Breaths: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, then exhale fully through your mouth.
Count to 10 Before Reacting: Pause and count silently to ten to give yourself time to think.
Positive Self-Talk: Repeat a calm phrase like “I can handle this” or “Stay calm and focused.”
Ask for Help or a Pause: Request a quick break or ask a teacher/peer for clarification.
Short Walk or Movement Break: Stand up, stretch, or walk to reset your energy.
Use a Fidget Tool: Squeeze a stress ball, play with a fidget spinner, or roll a pencil.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 sounds you hear, 3 sensations you feel, 2 smells, and 1 taste.
Visualize a Calm Place: Close your eyes and picture a peaceful scene, like a beach or a quiet forest.
Drink Water or Have a Small Snack: Hydrate or eat something light to help refocus.
Quick Journaling: Write down what you’re feeling for one minute to release tension.
Gentle Stretching: Roll your shoulders, neck, or wrists to release physical tension.
Listen to Calming Music or Sounds: Use headphones to listen to soft music or nature sounds.