Mind Games: Cognitive Exercises

Kayle Jordan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mind Games: Cognitive Exercises

Enhance impulse control

In this lesson, students will engage in cognitive exercises and puzzles designed to strengthen their impulse control abilities. These activities will challenge their thinking and promote strategic decision-making. This lesson is important as it helps students develop self-regulation skills, which are crucial for academic success and personal growth.

Audience

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Time

45 mins

Approach

Enhance impulse control

Materials

Whiteboard and markers, Printed worksheets, Timer, and Discussion questions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on impulse control and its importance in daily life.
Ask students to share examples of situations where impulse control is necessary.

Step 2

Warm-Up Activity

5 mins

Conduct a quick activity where students must follow a series of instructions but pause before executing each one.
Discuss how pausing helps in making better decisions.

Step 3

Cognitive Exercises

25 mins

Distribute the worksheets with puzzles and exercises.
Guide students through each exercise, encouraging them to think before acting.
Use a timer to add a sense of urgency, but remind students to focus on accuracy over speed.

Step 4

Reflection and Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion on the challenges faced during the exercises.
Ask students how they felt when they had to control their impulses.
Discuss strategies to improve impulse control in real-life situations.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice these exercises at home to further develop their impulse control skills.

Worksheet

Cognitive Exercises Worksheet

This worksheet contains a series of puzzles and exercises designed to challenge students' impulse control and strategic thinking.

Complete the sequence: 2, 4, 6, __, 10.

Think about the pattern in the numbers.

Solve the puzzle: What comes next in the series? A, B, C, __.

Consider the order of the alphabet.

You have 5 apples and you give away 2. How many do you have left?

Subtract the number of apples given away from the total.

If you see a red light, what should you do?

Think about traffic signals and their meanings.

Discussion

Impulse Control Discussion

A guided discussion to help students reflect on their experiences during the cognitive exercises and understand the importance of impulse control.

What was the most challenging part of the exercises?

Encourage students to think about specific moments where they struggled to control their impulses.

How did you feel when you had to pause before acting?

Discuss the emotions involved in controlling impulses and how it affects decision-making.

What strategies can you use to improve impulse control in everyday situations?

Guide students to think about practical strategies they can apply in their daily lives.