lenny

Pause, Think, Act: Mastering Impulse Control

Lesson Plan

Session 1: Understanding Impulse Control

Introduce impulse control, help the student recognize triggers, and practice pausing before acting through interactive discussions and relatable examples.

Understanding impulse control equips the student to pause and think before making decisions, reducing negative outcomes and enhancing self-regulation.

Audience

8th Grade Male ADHD Student

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with relatable scenarios and self-reflection.

Materials

Impulse Control Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Session 1 Lesson Plan to understand key discussion points.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Impulse Control Worksheet and prepare to discuss its items.
  • Prepare a list of relatable examples that explain cause and effect in daily decisions.

Step 1

Introduction & Discussion

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and briefly introduce the concept of impulse control.
  • Discuss what impulse control means and why it is important in everyday life.
  • Ask the student to share any situations where acting without thinking caused negative consequences.

Step 2

Trigger Identification

5 minutes

  • Use relatable examples to highlight common triggers for impulsive actions.
  • Encourage the student to identify personal triggers using guided questions.
  • Use the worksheet to jot down identified triggers.

Step 3

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Summarize the main points of the session.
  • Reinforce the importance of pausing before acting to help avoid negative consequences.
  • Set the stage for the next session by previewing the technique of choosing alternative activities.
lenny

Worksheet

Impulse Control Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you think about your impulsive decisions and explore alternative ways to react to triggers. Please write your thoughts in the spaces provided.

1. Identifying Your Triggers

Think about situations where you felt an overwhelming urge to act without thinking. List any triggers or feelings that you notice before you make a decision.






2. Reflecting on Past Experiences

Describe a specific situation where you acted on impulse. What happened? How did it affect you or others?






3. Brainstorming Alternative Actions

Now, imagine if you had paused before acting. What alternative actions could you have taken in the situation you described? Write down at least two ideas.






4. Planning for the Future

Consider a future scenario where you might feel impulsive. What steps can you plan to take to help you pause and think before you act?






Remember, the goal is to recognize and manage your impulses effectively. Use this worksheet as a tool to help you prepare for better choices in the future.

lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Session 2: Choosing Better Alternatives

Teach the student how to choose alternative, positive actions instead of impulsive behaviors through role-playing and discussing consequences.

Learning alternatives to impulsive actions helps the student anticipate consequences and choose options that lead to better outcomes.

Audience

8th Grade Male ADHD Student

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Role-play scenarios and guided discussion.

Materials

Impulse Control Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

5 minutes

  • Review the Session 2 Lesson Plan to understand the role-playing scenarios and discussion points.
  • Recall examples from Session 1 where impulsivity led to negative outcomes.
  • Prepare role-playing scenarios that illustrate choosing better alternatives.

Step 1

Review & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Begin by revisiting key points from Session 1 on recognizing triggers and impulse control.
  • Ask the student to share situations where choosing a different action made a difference.

Step 2

Role-Playing Alternatives

5 minutes

  • Engage the student in role-playing scenarios that simulate situations involving impulsive choices.
  • Ask the student to pause, think through the consequences, and choose an alternative action.
  • Use the Impulse Control Worksheet to document alternatives.

Step 3

Wrap-Up & Future Planning

5 minutes

  • Discuss how the alternative actions could lead to more positive outcomes.
  • Encourage the student to consider how to apply these strategies in daily situations.
  • Summarize the lesson and reinforce the importance of thinking before acting.
lenny