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Impulse Control: Who's in Charge?

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Lesson Plan

Impulse Control: Who's in Charge?

Students will be able to define impulsivity and identify at least one personal example of an impulsive behavior and its impact.

Understanding impulsivity helps students gain greater self-control, make more thoughtful decisions, and improve their relationships and academic performance by recognizing the 'why' behind their actions.

Audience

Individual 7th Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, reflection, and goal-setting, the student will explore impulsivity.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector (optional), Impulse Control Slide Deck, My Impulse Control Journal, and Pens/Pencils

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Personal Connection (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a gentle, personal question to connect with the student (e.g., 'Have you ever made a quick decision that, looking back, you might have done differently?').
    - Frame it as a common experience.
    - Transition by explaining that today's session is about understanding these quick decisions.

Step 2

Introduce: Define Impulsivity (7 minutes)

7 minutes

  • Present the definition of impulsivity using the Impulse Control Slide Deck (can be on a computer or printed).
    - Explain it as acting quickly without much thought about consequences.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion, asking the student: 'What are some situations where people might act impulsively?' (e.g., blurting out answers, interrupting, sending a quick text).

Step 3

Activity: Personal Reflection Journal (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Distribute My Impulse Control Journal.
    - Guide the student through the journal prompt to identify a personal example of impulsive behavior and reflect on its impact.
    - Emphasize that this is for personal reflection and will not be shared unless they choose to.

Step 4

Practice: Individual Goal Setting (3 minutes)

3 minutes

  • As the student writes, offer brief, individualized support to help them articulate a small, actionable goal for managing their impulsivity (e.g., 'Before I speak, I will count to three.').
    - This is a light touch, encouraging a first step tailored to their experience.

Step 5

Close: Mindful Minute (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Lead a brief 'Mindful Minute' focusing on taking a slow, deep breath before reacting or making a decision.
    - Summarize by reinforcing that pausing, even for a moment, can make a big difference in controlling impulses.
    - Allow the student to keep the journal for continued reflection.
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Slide Deck

Impulse Control: Who's in Charge?

Ever done something without thinking?

Today, we're going to explore those quick decisions and learn who's really in charge!

Welcome the student and introduce the topic in a conversational tone. Begin with a personal question related to quick decisions to build rapport.

What is Impulsivity?

Impulsivity is when you act quickly without really thinking about the consequences.

  • Reacting Fast: Speaking or doing without pausing.
  • Little Planning: Not considering what might happen next.
  • Driven by the Moment: Letting feelings or immediate desires take over.

Present the definition clearly. Ask the student for examples they've observed or experienced, keeping it non-judgmental.

Reflect & Connect: Your Impulse Journal

Let's take some time to think about our own experiences.

  • Think: When have you acted impulsively?
  • Reflect: What happened afterwards? What was the impact?

Use your My Impulse Control Journal for this activity. This is for your eyes only.

Explain the journal activity and what the student should focus on. Reassure them that it's for their eyes only unless they choose to share.

Setting Small Goals

Now that you've reflected, let's think about a small, actionable step you can take to manage impulsivity.

  • Example: "Before I speak, I will count to three."
  • Your Turn: What's one tiny goal you can set for yourself?

Encourage the student to think about a small, manageable goal. Provide individual support and guidance as needed to help them articulate a practical first step.

The Mindful Minute

Take a deep breath with me. In... and out.

  • Pause: Before reacting, take a moment.
  • Breathe: A deep breath can create space.
  • Choose: Make a thoughtful decision.

Even a small pause can make a big difference!

Lead the mindful minute activity. Emphasize the power of a brief pause and how it can be used in their daily life.

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Journal

My Impulse Control Journal

Reflecting on Impulsivity

Sometimes we act without thinking, and other times we pause and make a choice. This journal is a space for you to think about your experiences with impulsivity.

Prompt 1: What does impulsivity look like for you?

Think about a time recently when you acted impulsively. It could be something small, like blurting out an answer, interrupting someone, buying something you didn't really need, or making a quick decision you later questioned. Describe what happened.












Prompt 2: What was the impact?

After you acted impulsively, what was the immediate outcome? What happened next? How did you feel? How did it affect others or your situation?












Prompt 3: Setting a Small Goal

Based on your reflection, what is one small, actionable step you can take this week to pause before acting impulsively? Think of something you can realistically try.

Example: "Before I speak, I will count to three in my head."







Prompt 4: Your Strategy in Action

How do you think this small step will help you? What might be challenging about it, and how will you try to overcome that challenge?












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Impulse Control: Who's in Charge? • Lenny Learning