Red Light, Green Light Challenge

Objective:
• Give students a fast‐paced context to practice noticing impulses, pausing on “Red Light,” and using the Pause & Plan strategy before acting.

Materials:
• Open area with clear “start” and “finish” lines (tape or cones)
• Bell, hand signal, or large “Red/Green” cue cards
• Stopwatch or timer (optional)

Setup:

1. Mark a starting line and a finish line about 15–20 feet apart in the open space.
2. Designate one facilitator as the “Traffic Light.”
3. Prepare visual cues: a green card for “Go” and a red card for “Stop,” or a large flashlight/lantern with red and green sides.

Instructions:

1. Traffic Light stands at the finish line, facing away from the players, holding the red cue.
2. Players line up at the starting line. On “Green Light,” Traffic Light calls “Green” (or shows green card) and players move forward quickly.
3. At any point, Traffic Light flips to the red cue or calls “Red Light!” Players must freeze instantly.
   – While frozen, players take one deep breath and mentally run through the Pause & Plan steps:
   1. STOP: Notice the urge to move.
   2. THINK: Consider, “What will happen if I move now?”
   3. CHOOSE: Remain frozen until “Green” returns.
4. If a player moves during “Red Light,” they return to the starting line (or take a small step back).
5. Play continues with alternating “Green” and “Red.” The first player to cross the finish line wins.
6. After each round, gather students for a 1–2 minute debrief (see Reflection Prompts below).

Variations:
• Speed Rounds: Increase the pace of “Green/Red” calls to heighten impulse challenges.
• Silent Signal: Use only visual cues (no verbal “Green/Red”) to sharpen focus.
• Team Relay: Split into two teams; each player crosses, freezes, then tags the next teammate.

Reflection Prompts (2–3 minutes post‐round):
• When I heard “Red Light,” how did my body feel?



• What helped me stay frozen instead of moving?



• Which step of Pause & Plan did I use most? How?



• Next time I feel an impulse to act fast, what will I remind myself to do?

Choice Mapping Activity Worksheet

Objective: Map out an impulse situation, explore possible responses and consequences, then choose the best action using the Pause & Plan strategy.

1. Describe a recent situation when you felt a strong urge or impulse (e.g., blurting out in class, grabbing something without asking):

Situational Cue:

2. List at least two possible ways you could respond to this impulse. For each response, identify the likely consequence (positive, negative, or mixed).

3. Which response will you choose? Circle the best option above and explain why it is the smartest choice for managing your impulse.

Chosen Response Number: _______

Reason for Choice:

4. Use the Pause & Plan steps to explain how you’ll manage this impulse next time. Write a short plan for each step.

• STOP (Notice the urge):

• THINK (Weigh options and consequences):

• CHOOSE (Act on the best response):

5. Reflection: After practicing this plan, what did you learn about your impulse-control skills? How will you apply this strategy in the future?

One-Minute Goal Setting Sheet

Objective: Choose a specific, achievable impulse-control goal to practice tomorrow and commit to it.

Today’s Date: ____________________

1. Impulse-Control Goal: What is one thing you will pause on tomorrow before acting?
   __________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why I chose this goal: How will it help me focus or make better choices?
   __________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. My Pause & Plan reminder: What will I tell myself when I feel the urge?
   __________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Accountability partner: Share your goal with a classmate and write their name.
   Partner Name: ____________________

5. Commitment: Initial to confirm you'll follow through tomorrow.
   Student Initials: ________ Partner Initials: ________