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Mind Over Impulse

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Lesson Plan

Cognitive Strategies for Impulse Control

Students will learn and apply cognitive behavioral techniques to understand and manage impulses, developing personalized strategies for real-life situations.

This lesson empowers 7th graders to recognize impulse triggers and equips them with tools for improved decision making and emotional regulation.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion combined with hands-on activities.

Materials

Cognitive Strategies for Impulse Control, Mindful Techniques (Slide Deck), Personal Impulse Diary (Worksheet), and Guided Mindfulness (Script)

Prep

Preparation and Review

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Trigger Identification

10 minutes

  • Introduce the lesson and goals.
  • Discuss what impulse control is and why it is important.
  • Engage students in identifying personal triggers through guided questions.

Step 2

Cognitive Behavioral Strategies Discussion

10 minutes

Step 3

Mindfulness Activity and Reflection

10 minutes

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Strategy Reinforcement

10 minutes

  • Summarize the cognitive strategies learned and reinforce personal impulse control strategies.
  • Ask students to reflect on how they can apply these strategies in real life.
  • Answer final questions and provide additional resources if needed.
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Slide Deck

Mindful Techniques for Impulse Control

Explore mindfulness as a strategy to manage overwhelming impulses. Learn how a moment of pause can empower you to make better decisions.

Introduce the concept of mindfulness as a tool for managing impulses. Emphasize the importance of taking a deep breath and pausing before reacting. Provide a brief overview of what the session will cover.

Recognizing Your Triggers

Identify the signals that suggest an impulse is about to take control. Awareness is the first step towards managing your responses.

Discuss how mindfulness helps in recognizing the signs before an impulse takeover. Highlight the role of awareness in intercepting automatic reactions.

Deep Breathing Exercise

Take a moment: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat until you feel calm.

Introduce a visual cue and the simple act of deep breathing. Guide the students through a quick breathing exercise that they can use when feeling impulsive.

Applying Mindfulness Daily

How can you use this technique when faced with challenging decisions? Reflect on moments when pausing helped you choose wisely.

Connect the mindfulness technique to real-life situations. Encourage students to think of times when taking a moment helped them make a better decision.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing impulses. Keep practicing and notice the difference in your reactions.

Wrap-up slide: Summarize the main points, reiterate the importance of mindfulness in managing impulses, and mention that a reflective activity will follow.

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Worksheet

Personal Impulse Diary


This diary is designed to help you track your impulses and the strategies you use to manage them. Use this space to reflect on your experiences and notice patterns in your thoughts and actions.


Daily Reflection


  1. What situation triggered your impulse?





  2. How did you feel before, during, and after the impulse?





  3. What strategies did you use to manage your impulse?





  4. What could you do differently next time?





Weekly Overview


Summarize your progress over the week by identifying any patterns or insights from your daily reflections. How are you growing, and what goals do you have for next week?





Remember: Your diary is a personal space to reflect and grow. Be honest and use it as a tool for self-improvement.


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Script

Guided Mindfulness Session

Welcome, everyone. Today we're going to take a moment to rest and focus on our breathing. I invite you to find a comfortable seat, either sitting in your chair with your feet touching the floor or sitting cross-legged. Let's begin this exercise by gently closing your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so.


Step 1: Settling In

Let’s take a deep breath in... and slowly breathe out. As we continue, keep your shoulders relaxed and your hands resting in your lap. Feel your body settle into the space around you.


Step 2: Deep Breathing

Now, follow my voice:

  • Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 4...
  • Hold the breath for a count of 4...
  • Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of 6...

Let’s do this together for a few cycles. Notice how your body feels as you breathe in calmness and breathe out any tension or distractions.


Step 3: Focused Awareness

As we continue with our breathing, start to notice any sensations in your body. Be aware of any feelings or thoughts that come up, but don’t judge them. Simply acknowledge their presence and let them float by, just like clouds passing in the sky.


Step 4: Reflection

Now, I invite you to bring your attention to one specific area where you might feel tension. Imagine directing your breath into that area and releasing that tension with each exhale.


Stay in this space for the next few moments, breathing gently and allowing your mind to calm.


Step 5: Returning

Slowly, begin to bring your focus back to the room. Wiggle your fingers and toes, noticing your surroundings again. When you feel ready, open your eyes, carrying with you the calm and focus you’ve cultivated.


Thank you for joining me in this mindfulness exercise. Remember, anytime you feel overwhelmed or about to act on impulse, you can use this technique to find a moment of calm and control.

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