Impulse Control Cue Cards

Printable cue cards to help students learn impulse control with clear visual signals. Use these during activities to signal when to get ready, pause briefly, and stop.

What's Included

• Ready Card (Green) – Signals students to get ready to move
• Set Card (Yellow) – Signals students to pause and prepare to stop
• Pause Card (Red) – Signals students to freeze in place

How to Use

1. Print & Prepare
   • Print the cards on sturdy cardstock.
   • Cut along the outline.
   • (Optional) Laminate for durability.
2. Display or Hold Up
   • Hold cards during games like Simon Says and Ready-Set-Pause! races.
   • Place them on a bulletin board or visual station for quick reference.
3. Cue Students
   • Show Green “Ready” card to let students know it’s almost time to move.
   • Show Yellow “Set” card to signal they should pause and get ready to stop.
   • Show Red “Pause” card to signal they must freeze immediately.

Transition Timer Visual

A printable visual timer to help Kindergarteners see how much time remains for transitions. The clear, color-coded design supports students’ impulse control by providing a visual countdown.

What's Included

• Color-Coded Time Strip – A long strip divided into equal segments (e.g., 5, 10, 15 seconds), each with a color gradient from green → yellow → red.
• Movable Arrow Indicator – A printable arrow that you can attach with a brad to point at each segment as time passes.
• Blank Template – A version without labels so you can customize segment lengths.

How to Use

1. Print & Prepare
   • Print the timer strip and arrow on sturdy cardstock.
   • Cut out the strip and arrow.
   • (Optional) Laminate both pieces for durability.
   • Insert a paper brad through the arrow’s center and the left end of the strip so the arrow can pivot.

2. Set Up for Transition
   • Place the timer where all students can see it (e.g., taped to the board or table).
   • Decide on the transition length (e.g., 30 seconds for cleanup).

3. Operate the Timer
   • Point the arrow at the first (green) segment and announce: “Ready, transition starts!”
   • Every few seconds (based on your segment length), move the arrow one segment to the right.
   • When the arrow reaches red, signal: “Time’s up! Let’s begin our next activity.”

4. Customize & Extend
   • Use the Blank Template to write in your own time intervals or draw icons representing tasks.
   • Adjust segment lengths for longer transitions (e.g., 1-minute segments).

Movement Spot Markers

Printable colorful floor spots to help Kindergarten students line up, maintain personal space, and transition smoothly between activities.

What's Included

• 12 Circular Markers – 4 shapes (star, circle, square, triangle) in 3 bright colors each
• Number Labels – Each marker numbered 1–12 to assign spots to students
• Blank Template – For custom shapes, colors, or names

How to Use

1. Print & Prepare
   • Print markers on sturdy cardstock.
   • Cut out each circle along the outline.
   • (Optional) Laminate for durability and floor protection.

2. Arrange on the Floor
   • Place markers in a straight line or path for races.
   • Space them evenly to give each child a clear spot.
   • Use in the calm-down corner to mark sitting spots.

3. In Activities
   • Ready, Set, Pause! Race: Students stand on a marker at “Ready,” freeze at “Pause,” then move to the next numbered marker on “Go.”
   • Line-Up & Transitions: Call out numbers or shapes for students to quickly find their spots.
   • Personal Space: During carpet time, each student sits on their unique marker to maintain boundaries.

Calm-Down Corner Sign

Printable sign to label the calm-down corner, a safe and quiet space for students.

What's Included

• Header: “Calm-Down Corner” in large, soothing font
• Reminder Text: “Take a deep breath. You are safe here.”

How to Use

1. Print & Prepare
   • Print on sturdy cardstock.
   • Cut out and (optional) laminate for durability.
2. Display
   • Hang at the entrance or on the wall of your calm-down corner.
3. Implement
   • Encourage students to go there when they need a moment to pause and self-regulate.

Signal Simon Says

Time: 3 minutes
Purpose: Practice impulse control by following green “Ready” and red “Pause” signals in a Simon Says–style game.

Rules and Procedure

1. Gather in a circle. The teacher holds the Impulse Control Cue Cards.
2. Green “Ready” + Simon Says: When the teacher shows the green card and says “Simon Says,” students perform an action (e.g., hop, clap, spin).
3. Red “Pause”: At any point, the teacher shows the red card—students must immediately freeze, even if “Simon Says” was just called.
4. No Cue or Wrong Cue: If a command is given without “Simon Says,” or if a student moves on a red “Pause,” that student sits out for one round.
5. Rounds: Play 3–4 quick rounds, varying actions and pause timing to reinforce impulse control.

Reflect and Breathe

Time: 4 minutes
Purpose: Give students an opportunity to reflect on their impulse-control strategies and practice calming breaths.

Steps

1. Gather in the calm-down corner marked by Calm-Down Corner Sign.
2. Reflection: Ask students, “How did you know when to pause?”
   • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one strategy they used.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Breathing Exercise: Use the Impulse Control Cue Cards
   • Show the Green “Ready” card and inhale slowly.
   • Pause for a moment.
   • Show the Red “Pause” card and exhale slowly.
   • Repeat 3–4 times, modeling calm, smooth breaths.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Closing: Praise students for using impulse control and remind them they can use the pause signal whenever they need a moment to think.