Impulse Stoplight Game

A quick, kinesthetic game reinforcing the Pause-Think-Act routine using stoplight color cues. Perfect for one-on-one practice of impulse control.

Materials Needed

• Green card or circle (Go)
• Yellow card or circle (Think)
• Red card or circle (Stop)

Setup

• Place the three colored cards within clear view of the student.
• Ensure the student can easily pick up and hold each card or that you can display them prominently.

How to Play

1. Explain Rules (Teacher-Led)
   • Green means Go: Move immediately.
   • Yellow means Think: Pause and quietly say “Pause,” then think about the action.
   • Red means Stop: Freeze and wait until the next cue.
2. Practice Actions
   • Prepare a list of simple, fun actions (e.g., jump, clap, spin, touch the floor).
   • For each round, hold up one colored card and call out an action. For example:
     • “Yellow—jump!” → Student pauses, thinks, then waits.
     • “Green—jump!” → Student performs the jump.
     • “Red—spin!” → Student freezes and does not spin.
3. Provide Feedback
   • Immediately praise correct pauses on yellow and correct freezes on red.
   • If the student moves too early, gently remind them of the “Pause” step and repeat the round.

Variations

• Speed Challenge: Switch cards more quickly to build focus.
• Two-Step Actions: Call out sequences (e.g., “Tap your head, then clap”) to practice sequencing after pause.

Use this game during the 10-minute Game Activity portion of the Pause Power Lesson Plan to help the student internalize stopping and thinking before acting.

Pause and Think Worksheet

Use your Pause Power Cards to help remember the steps: Pause, Think, Act.

1. What Step Is It?

Read each scenario. Write Pause, Think, or Act on the line.

1. Someone calls your name while you’re playing. ____________
   
   
   
2. You hear the teacher’s question in class. ____________
   
   
   
3. Your friend offers you too much candy. ____________
   
   
   
4. A ball rolls into the street. ____________
   
   
   

2. Match the Colors

Each traffic-light color matches one step. Draw a line or write the step next to the color.

• Red: ____________
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Yellow: ____________
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Green: ____________
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Draw It

Draw yourself doing the Pause step. Don’t forget to label your picture “Pause.”

4. Why Pause?

In your own words, explain why it’s important to pause before you act.
(use words or pictures!)

The Thinker Bear Story

Benny Bear woke up early in the forest. He spotted a bright red apple high on a tree branch. Benny wanted that apple right away!

Benny climbed up quickly. Pause!—He stopped and heard a creaking sound. The branch was weak!

What could Benny do before moving higher?
(Pause, Think, Act!)

…

Benny took a deep breath. He said to himself, “Pause. Think.”
He looked for a stronger branch to hold onto. Then he carefully reached the apple and climbed down safely.

Great job, Benny!

…

Later, Benny and his friend, Ruby Rabbit, played tag near a muddy puddle. Ruby chased after Benny. Pause!—Benny saw the muddy puddle ahead.

What should Benny think before he jumps?
(Pause, Think, Act!)

…

Benny stopped and thought, “If I jump now, I’ll get muddy. I can run around the puddle instead.”
He smiled and darted safely around the puddle. Ruby laughed and said, “Good idea, Benny!”

…

At the end of the day, Benny Bear sat under a tall pine tree. He remembered the steps:

1. Pause when he feels rush or excitement.
2. Think about safety and what might happen.
3. Act in a smart, safe way.

Discussion Questions:

• When did Benny pause today?
• What did he think about before he acted?
• How did pausing help Benny stay safe?

Use these questions to talk about how Pause, Think, Act can help you every day!