Lesson Plan
Self Control: My Remote
Students will learn to identify situations where self-control is needed and apply simple strategies to manage their impulses and actions.
Developing self-control helps students make better choices, manage their emotions, and build positive relationships, leading to a more productive and harmonious learning environment.
Audience
K-2 Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, engaging activities, and practical strategies.
Materials
Self Control Slide Deck, Self Control Worksheet, Remote Control Game, and Self Control Quiz
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Self Control Slide Deck and practice the script.
- Print copies of the Self Control Worksheet.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules of the Remote Control Game.
- Prepare for the Self Control Quiz.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Does Self-Control Look Like?
3 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to have self-control?" Allow a few students to share their initial thoughts.
- Show the first slide of the Self Control Slide Deck.
Step 2
Introduction: My Remote Control
5 minutes
- Use the Self Control Slide Deck to introduce the concept of self-control as having an internal 'remote control' over our actions and feelings. Explain that we can choose to 'pause,' 'rewind,' or 'fast-forward' our actions.
Step 3
Activity: Remote Control Scenario
7 minutes
- Present various scenarios from the Self Control Slide Deck where self-control is needed (e.g., wanting to blurt out an answer, getting frustrated during a game).
- Ask students to demonstrate how they would use their 'remote control' (e.g., hold up a hand for 'pause,' take a deep breath for 'rewind').
- Have students complete the Self Control Worksheet individually or in pairs.
Step 4
Discussion: What Would You Do?
5 minutes
- Facilitate a group discussion using prompts from the Self Control Slide Deck or the Self Control Discussion Guide.
- Encourage students to share how they would apply self-control in real-life situations presented during the discussion.
Step 5
Game: Freeze Dance Remote
7 minutes
- Play the Remote Control Game where students practice 'freezing' and 'going' based on music cues, simulating stopping and starting actions. This helps reinforce impulse control in a fun way.
Step 6
Wrap-Up & Quiz
3 minutes
- Briefly recap the importance of self-control.
- Administer the Self Control Quiz as a quick check for understanding.
- End with a positive affirmation about their ability to use their 'remote control'.

Slide Deck
What is Self-Control?
What does it mean to have self-Control?
It's like having a remote control for YOU!
Welcome students and ask them what they think self-control means. Encourage a few shares to activate prior knowledge.
Your Inner Remote Control
You have a special remote control inside you!
It helps you choose what to do and how to act.
* Pause: Stop and think before you act.
- Rewind: Think about what happened and how you felt.
- Fast Forward: Think about what might happen next!
Introduce the idea of an internal remote control. Explain that we can choose to 'pause,' 'rewind,' or 'fast-forward' our actions and feelings.
Scenario 1: Wanting to Blurt Out!
Your teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You really want to shout it out!
What does your inner remote control tell you to do?
- Pause? (Raise your hand)
- Rewind? (Take a deep breath)
- Fast Forward? (Wait for your turn!)
Present a scenario. Ask students to show how they would use their remote control (e.g., hold up a hand for pause, deep breath for rewind).
Scenario 2: Frustration During a Game
You are playing a game with friends, and it's not going your way. You feel mad and want to throw the game pieces!
What does your inner remote control tell you to do?
- Pause? (Count to three)
- Rewind? (Think about playing fair)
- Fast Forward? (Ask for help or take a break)
Present another scenario. Encourage students to physically demonstrate the 'remote control' actions.
My Self-Control Worksheet
Now it's your turn!
Think of a time you needed your inner remote control.
- Draw or write about it on your worksheet.
- How did you use PAUSE, REWIND, or FAST FORWARD?
Introduce the worksheet and explain that they will draw or write about using their remote control.
Let's Share Our Remote Control Moments
Who would like to share a time they used their inner remote control?
What happened?
How did it help?
Lead a brief discussion, asking students to share examples from their worksheets or new scenarios.
Game Time: Remote Control Freeze Dance!
Let's play a game to practice our self-control!
When the music plays, you can dance!
When the music stops, you FREEZE like a statue!
This is like your PAUSE button!
Explain the 'Remote Control Game' (Freeze Dance). Emphasize listening and stopping/starting.
You Are a Self-Control Superpower!
Remember, you have an amazing inner remote control!
You can choose to PAUSE, REWIND, and FAST FORWARD.
This helps you make great choices!
Let's do a quick quiz to see what we learned!
Conclude by reminding students that self-control is a superpower they can use every day. Introduce the quiz.

Worksheet
My Inner Remote Control Worksheet
Name:
Date:
My Remote Control Superpower!
Think about a time when you needed to use your inner remote control. Maybe you wanted to shout, or you felt frustrated.
Draw a picture of yourself using your remote control in that situation. What button did you use (Pause, Rewind, or Fast Forward)?
Tell Me About It!
What happened? How did using your remote control help you?


Discussion
Self Control Discussion Guide: What Would You Do?
Introduction:
Teacher: "Remember our inner remote control? It has a PAUSE, REWIND, and FAST FORWARD button. Today, we're going to talk about how we can use it in different situations. Listen to these scenarios and tell us what your remote control would tell you to do!"
Discussion Scenarios:
-
Scenario: The Exciting Story
- Your friend is telling a really exciting story, and you remember something similar that happened to you! You really want to jump in and tell your story right away.
- Prompt: What button would you push on your remote control? (Pause/Rewind/Fast Forward) Why? What would you do instead of interrupting?
-
Scenario: Sharing Toys
- You are playing with your favorite toy, and another friend asks if they can have a turn. You really want to say "No!" and keep playing with it all by yourself.
- Prompt: What button would you push on your remote control? How could you use it to help you share or come up with a plan to share later?
-
Scenario: Waiting in Line
- You are waiting in line to go to recess, and it feels like it's taking a very long time. You want to push the person in front of you or run ahead!
- Prompt: What button would you push on your remote control? What could you do to help yourself wait patiently?
-
Scenario: Making a Mistake
- You accidentally spill your drink at lunch. You feel embarrassed and want to cry or get angry.
- Prompt: What button would you push on your remote control? How could you use it to stay calm and figure out what to do next?
Personal Reflection:
-
Can anyone share a time recently when they used their inner remote control? What happened, and how did it help you?
-
What is one thing you can do this week to practice using your self-control remote control?


Game
Remote Control Game: Freeze Dance!
Objective:
To practice self-control and impulse management through a fun, interactive game of Freeze Dance.
Materials:
- Music player
- Speaker
Instructions:
-
Explain the "Remote Control" Connection (2 minutes):
- Gather students in an open space.
- Remind them about their inner remote control, especially the "PAUSE" button.
- Explain that in this game, the music will be like the "PLAY" button, and when the music stops, it's their job to push their internal "PAUSE" button and FREEZE!
-
Demonstrate and Practice (2 minutes):
- Play a short burst of music and model dancing.
- Stop the music and model freezing perfectly still. Emphasize not moving a muscle until the music starts again.
- Do a quick practice round with the students.
-
Play the Game! (10-15 minutes):
- Start the music and encourage students to dance freely (but safely within their own space).
- Randomly stop the music. All students must freeze in their current position.
- Observe students. Gently remind anyone who wiggles to use their "PAUSE" button more effectively.
- Start the music again after about 5-10 seconds of freezing.
- Vary the length of time the music plays and stops to keep students engaged and challenged.
-
Wrap-Up (2 minutes):
- After several rounds, bring the game to a close.
- Ask students: "How did you use your self-control to freeze when the music stopped?"
- "Was it easy or hard? Why?"
- Reinforce that practicing self-control in a game helps them practice it in real life too!


Quiz
Self Control Quiz
