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Reaction Architects: Responding with Intention

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Lesson Plan

Reaction Architects: Responding with Intention

Students will be able to differentiate between reactions and responses, identify personal triggers, and apply the "Pause and Plan" strategy to choose intentional actions in challenging situations.

Developing the ability to respond intentionally rather than react impulsively is a crucial life skill. It empowers students to navigate difficult emotions, build stronger relationships, and make choices that align with their values, leading to greater personal well-being and success.

Audience

Grades 5-9

Time

60-75 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, scenario analysis, and a practical strategy application.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Reaction Architects Slide Deck, Pause and Plan Activity Cards, and Responding with Intention Worksheet

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Instant or Intentional?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Have you ever done something without thinking, and then wished you could take it back?" Allow for a few brief shares.
    - Introduce the idea of 'reactions' versus 'responses.' Explain that a reaction is instant and often emotional, while a response is thoughtful and intentional.
    - Ask students to provide examples of both a reaction and a response. Facilitate a brief discussion to clarify the differences.

Step 2

Understanding Our Triggers

15 minutes

Step 3

Reactions vs. Responses

15 minutes

  • Use the Reaction Architects Slide Deck to introduce the concept of 'triggers' and how they lead to reactions.
    - Discuss the difference between a 'reaction' (automatic, often emotional) and a 'response' (thoughtful, intentional).
    - Show examples of different scenarios and ask students to identify if the action is a reaction or a response.
    - Emphasize that responses lead to better outcomes.

Step 4

The Pause and Plan Strategy

20 minutes

  • Introduce the "Pause and Plan" strategy using the Reaction Architects Slide Deck.
    - Explain the steps: Pause, Ask (yourself: What's going on? How do I feel? What do I want to happen?), Understand (the other person's perspective), Select (a response), Execute (your plan).
    - Model the strategy with a simple scenario. For example,

Step 5

Reactions vs. Responses

15 minutes

  • Use the Reaction Architects Slide Deck to introduce the concept of 'triggers' and how they lead to reactions.
    - Discuss the difference between a 'reaction' (automatic, often emotional) and a 'response' (thoughtful, intentional).
    - Show examples of different scenarios and ask students to identify if the action is a reaction or a response.
    - Emphasize that responses lead to better outcomes.

Step 6

The Pause and Plan Strategy

20 minutes

  • Introduce the "Pause and Plan" strategy using the Reaction Architects Slide Deck.
    - Explain the steps: Pause, Ask (yourself: What's going on? How do I feel? What do I want to happen?), Understand (the other person's perspective), Select (a response), Execute (your plan).
    - Model the strategy with a simple scenario.
    - Distribute the Pause and Plan Activity Cards. Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario. Students will work together to apply the

Step 7

Focus on the Good Stuff

15 minutes

  • As a class, discuss a challenging situation they might encounter (e.g., getting a bad grade, an argument with a friend, losing a game).
    - Ask them to brainstorm possible reactions versus thoughtful responses.
    - Emphasize that choosing a thoughtful response can lead to a more positive outcome.
    - Distribute the Responding with Intention Worksheet and have students complete the first section, identifying triggers and possible responses.

Step 8

Group Practice: Scenario Role-Play

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
    - Provide each group with one of the Pause and Plan Activity Cards.
    - Instruct each group to read their scenario and use the
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Slide Deck

Reaction Architects: Responding with Intention

Building a Bridge from Impulse to Intention

  • Have you ever said or done something you regretted instantly?
  • Today, we'll learn to become architects of our responses!

Welcome students and begin with a quick icebreaker question to engage them. Transition to defining reactions and responses.

Reactions vs. Responses

Reaction:

  • Immediate, automatic
  • Often driven by emotion
  • Little to no thought involved

Response:

  • Thoughtful, intentional
  • Considers consequences
  • Calm and deliberate

Which one gives you more control?

Introduce the core concepts. Use relatable examples from student life. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts.

What Are Our Triggers?

A trigger is anything that sets off a strong emotional reaction in us.

  • It could be a word, a situation, a person, or even a feeling.
  • Triggers often lead to immediate reactions if we don't recognize them.

What kinds of things might trigger a strong feeling?

Explain what triggers are and how they connect to our emotional responses. Ask students for hypothetical examples (without revealing personal triggers).

The "Pause and Plan" Strategy

A powerful tool for thoughtful responses:

Pause: Take a deep breath. Stop what you're doing.
Ask: What's happening? How do I feel? What do I want to happen?
Understand: Try to see the other person's side, or the bigger picture.
Select: Choose the best action or words.
Execute: Put your plan into action calmly.

Let's break it down!

Introduce the 'Pause and Plan' strategy step-by-step. Explain each letter clearly and simply.

P is for PAUSE

When you feel that immediate urge to react:

  • Stop!
  • Take a deep breath.
  • Count to five (or ten!).
  • Create a small space between the trigger and your action.

Why is pausing so important?

Go through each step with a simple, concrete example that resonates with students. Emphasize that this takes practice.

A is for ASK

Ask yourself some key questions:

  • What's really going on? (Is it truly as bad as it seems?)
  • How am I feeling? (Angry? Frustrated? Sad?)
  • What do I want to happen? (What's my goal in this situation?)

Thinking about these questions helps you gain clarity.

Continue explaining the 'Ask' step. Highlight self-awareness and goal-setting.

U is for UNDERSTAND

Try to see things from different angles:

  • What might the other person be thinking or feeling?
  • Is there more to this situation than meets the eye?
  • How might my reaction impact others?

Empathy can change everything.

Explain the 'Understand' step, focusing on empathy and perspective-taking.

S is for SELECT

Now that you've paused, asked, and understood, it's time to choose:

  • What are my options? (Ignore, walk away, talk calmly, ask for help?)
  • Which option will lead to the best outcome?
  • Which option aligns with how I want to be?

Make a conscious choice!

Discuss the 'Select' step. This is where students choose their intentional action.

E is for EXECUTE

Take action with intention:

  • Put your chosen response into practice.
  • Speak calmly and clearly if talking.
  • Follow through on your plan.
  • Practice makes progress!

You are now a Reaction Architect!

Conclude with 'Execute.' Emphasize calm and confidence.

Practice Makes Progress!

Learning to respond with intention is a skill.

  • The more you practice "Pause and Plan," the easier it becomes.
  • You have the power to choose your actions and reactions!

Let's build a more intentional you!

Encourage students to use the strategy in their daily lives. Reiterate that it's a skill that improves with practice.

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Activity

Pause and Plan Activity Cards

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Then, use the "Pause and Plan" strategy to discuss how you would respond with intention. Be prepared to share your planned response with the class.

Scenario 1: The Accusation

You are sitting at lunch, and a classmate accidentally knocks over your drink. Before you can say anything, another classmate loudly exclaims, "Why did you do that?! You always cause problems!"













Scenario 2: The Unfair Grade

You studied really hard for a test, but when you get it back, you see a much lower grade than you expected. You feel a surge of frustration and anger, thinking the teacher was unfair.













Scenario 3: The Broken Promise

Your best friend promised to meet you after school to work on a project, but they never showed up. You waited for 20 minutes and tried calling, but got no response. You feel hurt and annoyed.













Scenario 4: The Annoying Sibling/Family Member

You are trying to concentrate on your homework, but your younger sibling (or a family member) keeps interrupting you with silly questions and loud noises. You feel your patience wearing thin.













Scenario 5: Social Media Drama

You see a post on social media where a group of your friends is talking negatively about someone you know. You feel uncomfortable and pressured to either join in or ignore it.













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Worksheet

Responding with Intention Worksheet

Name: ________________________

Instructions: This worksheet will help you become a "Reaction Architect" and practice responding with intention. Answer the questions below, thinking carefully about your own experiences.

Part 1: My Triggers and Reactions

  1. Think about a time recently when you had an immediate, strong reaction to something. What happened?






  2. What was your reaction? (e.g., I yelled, I slammed my book, I felt my face get hot and walked away, etc.)






  3. What was the trigger in this situation? (What specific thing set off your strong feeling or reaction?)






  4. How did your reaction make you feel afterward? How did it affect others or the situation?






Part 2: Practicing "Pause and Plan"

Think of a challenging situation you might encounter soon (e.g., getting a tough assignment, disagreeing with a friend, feeling frustrated by a game).

Scenario: (Describe the potential challenging situation)






Now, let's apply the "Pause and Plan" strategy to this scenario:

  1. Pause: What would you do to create a moment of space before you act?






  2. Ask: What questions would you ask yourself? (What's going on? How do I feel? What do I want to happen?)






  3. Understand: What might be another person's perspective? Is there more to understand about the situation?






  4. Select: What are some different ways you could respond? Which one would be the most intentional and lead to the best outcome?






  5. Execute: How would you calmly and clearly carry out your chosen response?






Part 3: My Intention Statement

Complete the following sentence:

When I feel a strong reaction coming on, I will ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ so that I can respond with intention and achieve ____________________________________________________________________________________________________.

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