Pause, Think, Act! Script

Introduction: What is Impulse Control? (5 minutes)

(Display Slide Deck: Pause, Think, Act! - Slide 1: "Pause, Think, Act!")

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to talk about a really important skill that helps us make good choices and feel better about ourselves. Look at our title slide: 'Pause, Think, Act!'. What do you think that might mean?"

"That's right! It has something to do with stopping, thinking, and then doing. The big fancy term for this skill is impulse control."

(Display Slide 2: "What is Impulse Control?")

"Impulse control is all about thinking before you act. It's like having a superpower that lets you hit the pause button when you feel a strong urge to do or say something. Why is that important? Because it gives you a moment to think about what might happen next, and then choose the best way to act."

(Display Slide 3: "Why Is It Important?")

"Why do you think learning to control your impulses is a big deal? How might it help you in school, with your friends, or even with yourself?"

"Exactly! It helps us make good choices, have better friendships because we avoid saying or doing things we might regret, stay focused on learning, and ultimately, it makes us feel good when we make thoughtful decisions."

Recognizing Impulses (7 minutes)

(Display Slide 4: "When Do We Act on Impulse?")

"Now, let's think about when we might act on impulse. Can you think of a time when you felt a strong urge to do or say something quickly, without really thinking it through? What happened?"

"Those are great examples. It happens to all of us! Sometimes it's when we're excited, sometimes when we're angry, or even just impatient."

(Display Slide 5: "Common Scenarios")

"Here are some common situations where our impulses might try to take over. Let's read through them. As I read, think about how your body feels when these things happen. Do you feel your heart racing? Your face getting hot? A knot in your stomach?"

• "You want to interrupt a friend who is talking."
• "Someone bumps into you in the hallway."
• "You get frustrated while playing a game and want to yell."
• "You see a tempting treat and want to grab it without asking."
• "You feel excited and want to blurt out an answer."

"How do these situations make you feel? It's important to recognize those body signals, because they're telling you, 'Hey, an impulse is here!'"

Strategies: The 'Pause, Think, Act!' Method (10 minutes)

(Display Slide 6: "The 'Pause, Think, Act!' Method")

"So, what do we do when those impulses arrive? We use our superpower: the 'Pause, Think, Act!' method. It's a simple three-step plan to help you make smart choices."

(Display Slide 7: "Step 1: Pause")

"First, we PAUSE. What does it mean to pause? It's literally like hitting the pause button on a game or a video. You stop what you're about to do or say. How can we physically pause?"

"Great ideas! We can take a deep breath – demonstrate a deep breath. We can count to three or five in our head. We can even take a step back if we're feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to give yourself just a few seconds before you react."

(Display Slide 8: "Step 2: Think")

"Once you've paused, the next step is to THINK. This is where your brain power comes in. What kinds of things should you be thinking about during this pause?"

"Excellent! You should think: 'What just happened? How am I feeling right now?' Are you angry? Frustrated? Super excited? Then, 'What might happen if I act on my first impulse?' Think about both good and bad outcomes. And finally, 'Are there other ways I could respond?' Always look for other options."

(Display Slide 9: "Step 3: Act")

"After you've paused and thought about your options, it's time to ACT. This means you choose the best option you thought about. You respond calmly and respectfully, and you do something that helps the situation, not makes it worse. And when you do that, you should feel really proud that you used your impulse control superpower!"

(Go back to Slide 10: "Practice Time!")

"Let's try a quick practice scenario together. Imagine this: You're working on a group project, and your partner keeps talking over you and ignoring your ideas. You feel your face getting hot, and you really want to shout at them. What would you do? Let's walk through our three steps."

"First, PAUSE. What would that look like or feel like?"

"Good. Now, THINK. What are your thoughts here? What are the possible outcomes if you shout? What are other ways to respond?"

"Perfect. And finally, ACT. Based on your thoughts, what's the best way to act?"

(Display Slide 11: "Let's Break It Down (Example)")

"Here's how we could break it down: PAUSE by taking a deep breath and counting to 5. THINK about your anger, the negative outcome of yelling, and other options like speaking calmly. Then ACT by politely saying, 'Excuse me, I have an idea I'd like to share,' or 'Could we take turns talking?'"

Cool Down & Wrap-up (8 minutes)

(Display Slide 12: "Your Impulse Control Superpower!")

"You all have the power to choose how you react! Remember the 'Pause, Think, Act!' method. It takes practice, just like any superpower, but the more you use it, the stronger it becomes."

"For our cool-down today, I want everyone to silently think of one situation from this past week where they could have used 'Pause, Think, Act!' or a situation coming up where they will try to use it. No need to share out loud, just keep it in your mind as a goal."

"Thank you for participating today. Remember, your thoughts and actions are powerful!"

Impulse Control Scenario Cards

Instructions: In small groups, read each scenario card. For each scenario, discuss how you would use the "Pause, Think, Act!" method. Be ready to share your group's ideas with the class.

Scenario 1: The Interrupting Friend

Your friend is telling a long story, but you just remembered something super important you want to share. You feel a strong urge to blurt it out right now!

PAUSE:

THINK:

ACT:

Scenario 2: Frustration in a Game

You are playing a game with classmates, and someone makes a mistake that costs your team a point. You feel really angry and want to loudly blame them.

PAUSE:

THINK:

ACT:

Scenario 3: The Tempting Treat

During snack time, you see a friend has an extra cookie that looks delicious. You didn't bring a snack, and you really want that cookie. You feel like just reaching out and taking it.

PAUSE:

THINK:

ACT:

Scenario 4: Excitement Over News

Your teacher just announced an exciting field trip. You know all about the place they mentioned, and you want to tell everyone everything you know, even though the teacher is still talking.

PAUSE:

THINK:

ACT:

My Impulse Control Goal

Instructions: Think about our discussion today about "Pause, Think, Act!". Write down one situation you might face in the next week where you will try to use your impulse control superpower.

My Goal:

In the next week, I will try to use "Pause, Think, Act!" when...

Why is this important for me?