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Self-Control Superpower

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Lesson Plan

Self-Control Plan

Help a 1st grader recognize emotional triggers and practice a personalized cool-down routine by tracking feelings and reflecting on progress.

Building self-control early empowers students to manage emotions, reduce classroom disruptions, and grow confidence in handling challenges.

Audience

1st Grade Student

Time

15 minutes

Approach

One-on-one guided activities with targeted materials.

Materials

My Superpower Slides, Trigger Tracker Worksheet, and Superpower Reflection Journal

Prep

Prepare Materials and Environment

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Superpower

3 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain that self-control is like a superpower
  • Show My Superpower Slides covering what triggers feelings and what self-control means
  • Ask the student to share a time they felt upset

Step 2

Identify Triggers

4 minutes

  • Use the slides to discuss common school triggers (e.g., loud noises, mistakes)
  • Model completing the first row of Trigger Tracker Worksheet together: describe situation, emotion, intensity
  • Encourage the student to think of one personal trigger to note

Step 3

Track and Discuss Triggers

3 minutes

  • Have the student fill in a second row on the worksheet independently with guidance
  • Ask follow-up questions: “How did that make you feel?” and “What happened next?”
  • Validate their feelings and offer positive reinforcement

Step 4

Practice Cool-Down Strategy

3 minutes

  • Introduce the student’s personalized cool-down technique (e.g., 5 deep breaths, counting to five, or squeezing a stress ball)
  • Role-play a triggering scenario and have the student practice the technique
  • Praise accurate use of the strategy and correct gently as needed

Step 5

Reflection and Goal Setting

2 minutes

  • Guide the student to draw or write about how they felt after using their superpower in the Superpower Reflection Journal
  • Set one simple goal for the next session (e.g., use breathing when upset once this week)
  • Close with positive affirmation of their effort
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Slide Deck

My Self-Control Superpower!

Welcome! Today we're going to learn how self-control is like having a superpower. Ready to unlock yours?

Smile and welcome the student. Explain that today they will discover a special power they already have.

What Is a Superpower?

A superpower gives you special abilities. Self-control is a superpower that helps you manage big feelings and stay calm.

Define “superpower” in simple terms. Encourage the student to name other superpowers they know.

What Are Triggers?

Triggers are things that make us feel upset, angry, or sad. They can be loud noises, mistakes, or surprises.

Explain the word “trigger.” Ask the student to think of times they felt upset at school.

Common School Triggers

• Loud noises
• Mistakes on work
• Waiting in line
• Being told “no”

Show examples and ask the student if they’ve experienced any of these at school.

Your Personalized Superpower

Think of your own trigger. Then choose a cool-down move, like:
• 5 deep breaths
• Counting to 5
• Squeezing a stress ball

Guide the student to pick one trigger and choose their cool-down move.

Next Steps

  1. Use the Trigger Tracker Worksheet to write down triggers.
  2. Practice your superpower in your journal: Superpower Reflection Journal.
  3. We'll check in and set a goal next time!

Explain how to use the worksheet and journal. Reinforce that practice builds strength.

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Activity

Trigger Tracker Worksheet

Let’s keep track of two times you felt big feelings at school. Write or draw in each box!

#Situation (What happened?)My Feeling (Draw or circle a face)How Strong? (1=small, 5=big)
1





😊 😠 😢 😮 (Choose or draw!)1 2 3 4 5 (circle one)
2





😊 😠 😢 😮 (Choose or draw!)1 2 3 4 5 (circle one)

Instructions:

  • In Situation, write what happened that made you feel upset, angry, or sad.
  • In My Feeling, draw a face or circle the emoji that shows how you felt.
  • In How Strong?, circle a number from 1 (small feeling) to 5 (really big feeling).

Use this sheet to notice your triggers and talk about them during our one-on-one time!

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Journal

Superpower Reflection Journal

Date: _______________

  1. What happened when I used my superpower (my cool-down strategy)?





  2. How did I feel before I used my superpower?





  3. How did I feel after using my superpower?





  4. Draw or write your favorite part of using your superpower:










  5. My goal for next time is to: __________________________________________________
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Self-Control Superpower • Lenny Learning