Self-Control Strategies Script

Introduction: What Are Your Superpowers? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, 3rd graders! Today, we're going to talk about something really exciting: superpowers! Not the kind that let you fly or disappear, but a special superpower that all of you have inside you, and you can make it stronger!"

"First, let's hear from you. When you think of a superhero, what kind of powers do they have? What makes them 'super'?"

(Allow 1-2 students to share their ideas.)

Teacher: "Those are fantastic ideas! Superheroes use their powers to help others and make good choices. Well, guess what? You all have a superpower that helps you do the exact same thing: it's called Self-Control!"

"Let's look at our first slide to see what I mean!" (Self-Control Superpowers Slide Deck - Slide 1 is displayed.)

"Self-control is like having a remote control for your brain. It helps you pause, think, and choose the best action, even when you really want to do something else. It helps you control your actions, your words, and even your feelings!"

Understanding Self-Control: Reading & Discussion (10 minutes)

Teacher: "To understand this superpower even better, we're going to do some reading. I have a short text called What is Self-Control? Reading that will tell us more. Who would like to read the first paragraph for us?"

(Have students read the What is Self-Control? Reading aloud, or give them a few minutes to read silently. Circulate and assist as needed.)

Teacher: "Great job reading, everyone! So, what did we learn about self-control from our reading? Can anyone tell me in their own words what self-control is?" (Listen for answers like 'stopping yourself,' 'thinking before acting,' 'making good choices.')

"Exactly! Now, let's think about why self-control is so important. When do you think you might need to use your self-control superpower?" (Self-Control Superpowers Slide Deck - Slide 2 is displayed.)

"I have some Self-Control Scenarios Discussion Cards here. I'm going to read a scenario, and I want you to think about how self-control might help in that situation. Be ready to share your ideas!"

(Read scenarios from Self-Control Scenarios Discussion Cards one by one, allowing time for student responses and discussion. Examples: "Your friend accidentally knocks over your tower of blocks.", "You really want to blurt out the answer, but the teacher said to raise your hand.")

Teacher: "Wonderful ideas! It sounds like self-control can really help us in many parts of our day, both in school and outside of school."

Practice Makes Perfect: Freeze Dance Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now that we understand what self-control is, let's put our superpower to the test with a fun activity called Freeze Dance Fun Activity!" (Self-Control Superpowers Slide Deck - Slide 3 is displayed.)

"Here's how it works: When the music plays, you dance! Move however you like. But when the music stops, you have to FREEZE! Become a statue, no wiggling, no giggling, until the music starts again. It takes a lot of self-control to stop your body so quickly!"

(Start the music, let students dance, and then pause it for them to freeze. Repeat several times. Provide positive reinforcement.)

Teacher: "Fantastic self-control, everyone! It was tricky, but you really focused on stopping your bodies. That's exactly what self-control feels like!"

Wrap-Up & Application: Self-Control Bingo (8 minutes)

Teacher: "For our last activity, we're going to play a game called Self-Control Bingo Game!" (Self-Control Superpowers Slide Deck - Slide 4 is displayed.)

"I'm going to give each of you a Bingo card, or you can quickly draw a grid on your whiteboards. You'll write down some self-control words like 'Raise Hand,' 'Take a Breath,' 'Think First,' 'Wait Your Turn,' 'Share,' 'Be Patient,' 'Listen Quietly,' 'Walk, Don't Run,' and 'Kind Words.'"

(Distribute or have students draw Bingo cards and fill them in.)

Teacher: "Now, I'll read out different situations. If you think one of the self-control words on your card would help in that situation, you can mark that square. The first to get three in a row shouts 'BINGO!'"

(Read the scenarios from the Self-Control Bingo Game instructions. Facilitate a few rounds of Bingo.)

Teacher: "Great job playing, everyone! Remember, self-control is a superpower that you can use every single day, both inside and outside of school. The more you practice pausing, thinking, and making good choices, the stronger your self-control superpower will become! Keep practicing your awesome self-control!"

What is Self-Control?

Imagine you have a super brain remote control! This remote control helps you choose what you do, what you say, and how you act, even when you really want to do something else. That amazing ability is called self-control.

Your Inner Pause Button

Sometimes, your brain might want to jump up and shout an answer, or grab the last cookie, or get upset when things don't go your way. But with self-control, you can hit an invisible pause button. This pause button gives you a moment to think.

Instead of shouting, you might remember to raise your hand. Instead of grabbing, you might ask politely. Instead of getting upset, you might take a deep breath and find a calm way to express yourself.

Making Smart Choices

Self-control helps you make smart choices that are good for you and good for others. It means you can resist doing something that might cause trouble or make someone sad. It means you can stay focused on your work even if there are distractions.

Think about a time you really wanted to play, but you knew you had to finish your homework first. If you chose to do your homework, you used self-control! Or maybe you felt like yelling at a friend, but you remembered to use kind words instead. That was self-control!

A Skill You Can Grow

Self-control isn't something you are just born with; it's a skill, like riding a bike or learning to read. The more you practice, the stronger your self-control superpower becomes. Every time you pause, think, and make a good choice, you are growing your self-control muscle! And that makes you a true everyday superhero!

Self-Control Scenarios Discussion Cards

Cut out these cards or display them one by one for discussion.

Scenario 1

Your friend accidentally knocks over your amazing block tower. You feel really angry and want to push their blocks over too.

• How can you use self-control in this situation?
• What might happen if you don't use self-control?

Scenario 2

It's quiet reading time, and your friend keeps whispering to you about a funny video they saw. You really want to laugh and whisper back.

• How can you use self-control here?
• What's the best choice you can make?

Scenario 3

Your teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You really, really want to shout it out, even though the rule is to raise your hand.

• What does self-control look like in this moment?
• Why is it important to wait your turn?

Scenario 4

You are working on a tricky math problem, and you feel frustrated. You want to give up and put your head down.

• How can self-control help you keep trying?
• What are some strategies to calm down and focus?

Scenario 5

It's snack time, and there's only one of your favorite cookies left. You want to grab it before anyone else does.

• What is the self-controlled choice?
• How can you share fairly or ask for turns?

Scenario 6

During recess, everyone is running around playing tag. You see a puddle and really want to splash in it, even though you know your clothes will get muddy.

• How can self-control help you avoid making a messy choice?
• What's a better way to have fun at recess?

Freeze Dance Fun: A Self-Control Challenge!

Objective: To practice physical self-control by stopping movement instantly upon a signal.

Materials:

• Music player and speakers
• Space for students to move freely

Instructions:

1. Explain the Rules: Tell students that you will play music, and their job is to dance! They can dance any way they like, but they must use their listening skills and self-control.
2. The Freeze Command: Explain that when the music stops, they must FREEZE immediately, like a statue! No wiggling, no giggling, no moving at all until the music starts again.
3. Emphasize Self-Control: Remind them that it takes a lot of self-control to stop their bodies mid-dance and hold still. Encourage them to focus and challenge themselves.
4. Play and Pause: Start the music. Let students dance for 15-30 seconds, then suddenly pause the music. Observe students as they freeze. Give positive feedback for those demonstrating excellent self-control.
5. Restart: After a few seconds of freezing, restart the music and let them dance again. Repeat this several times, varying the length of the dance and freeze periods.
6. Reflect (Optional): After a few rounds, you can briefly ask: "How did it feel to use your self-control during Freeze Dance? Was it easy or tricky? What helped you freeze quickly?"

Self-Control Bingo Game

Objective: To identify situations requiring self-control and reinforce understanding.

Materials:

• Self-Control Bingo cards (one per student, can be drawn on whiteboards or printed)
• Markers or small objects for covering squares (if using printed cards)
• Bingo calling scenarios (teacher reads from list below)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Bingo Cards: Have students draw a 3x3 grid on a piece of paper or mini-whiteboard. In each square, have them write one of the following words/phrases (or provide pre-filled cards):

   • Raise Hand
   • Take a Breath
   • Think First
   • Wait Your Turn
   • Share
   • Be Patient
   • Listen Quietly
   • Walk, Don't Run
   • Kind Words

2. Explain the Game: Explain that you will read a scenario. If the scenario describes a situation where one of their words/phrases on their card would help, they can mark that square. The goal is to get three in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).

3. Read Scenarios: Read the following scenarios one by one. After each scenario, pause and allow students to identify if a self-control strategy from their card applies. You can discuss briefly if needed.

Freeze Dance Fun: A Self-Control Challenge!

Objective: To practice physical self-control by stopping movement instantly upon a signal.

Materials:

• Music player and speakers
• Space for students to move freely

Instructions:

1. Explain the Rules: Tell students that you will play music, and their job is to dance! They can dance any way they like, but they must use their listening skills and self-control.
2. The Freeze Command: Explain that when the music stops, they must FREEZE immediately, like a statue! No wiggling, no giggling, no moving at all until the music starts again.
3. Emphasize Self-Control: Remind them that it takes a lot of self-control to stop their bodies mid-dance and hold still. Encourage them to focus and challenge themselves.
4. Play and Pause: Start the music. Let students dance for 15-30 seconds, then suddenly pause the music. Observe students as they freeze. Give positive feedback for those demonstrating excellent self-control.
5. Restart: After a few seconds of freezing, restart the music and let them dance again. Repeat this several times, varying the length of the dance and freeze periods.
6. Reflect (Optional): After a few rounds, you can briefly ask: