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Self-Regulation Superpower

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Lesson Plan

Self-Regulation Lesson Plan

Student will learn and independently apply self-regulation strategies—including a fun, physical game—to manage emotions and improve peer interactions, aiming to use at least one strategy with minimal adult prompts.

These skills foster emotional control, social confidence, and body awareness, helping him navigate peer relationships and reduce adult reliance.

Audience

6th Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Model, practice, and reinforce strategies through movement and games.

Materials

Prep

Preparation and Setup

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain today's focus on self-regulation.
  • Introduce the Emotion Thermometer Handout to help identify current feelings.
  • Ask the student to rate his emotion on the thermometer and discuss a recent peer interaction scenario.

Step 2

Teaching Self-Regulation Strategies

8 minutes

  • Present the Self-Regulation Techniques Poster and review each strategy briefly.
  • Model deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and positive self-talk techniques.
  • Practice each strategy together: take three deep breaths, tense/relax muscles, repeat a positive phrase.

Step 3

Movement Break & Mindful Stretch

5 minutes

  • Reference the Self-Regulation Techniques Poster's Movement Break strategy.
  • Start the Two-Minute Timer for physical movement (e.g., jumping jacks, running in place, wall push-ups).
  • Reset the timer for two minutes of deep breathing using the poster’s breathing technique.
  • Spend the final minute reflecting: discuss how your body and mind feel after the activity.

Step 4

Active Self-Regulation Game

6 minutes

  • Set up 4–5 “emotion stations” in the room (e.g., cones, chairs, hula hoops).
  • At each station, student must:
    • Do a quick physical challenge (e.g., hop on one foot 10 times, crab walk, balancing drill).
    • Draw an emotion card and identify the feeling scenario.
    • Choose and name the best strategy from the Self-Regulation Techniques Poster.
  • Award a Small Reward Token for each completed station within the time limit.
  • Debrief briefly: “How did moving first change how you felt choosing a strategy?”

Step 5

Strategy Matching Game

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Self-Regulation Strategy Cards laid face-down.
  • Student draws a card and matches it to the best strategy on the poster.
  • For each correct match, the student earns a Small Reward Token.
  • If mismatched, review that strategy together and practice it once.

Step 6

Reflection and Review

4 minutes

  • Ask the student which strategy felt easiest after moving and why.
  • Guide him to set a goal: “I will use [chosen strategy] next time I feel _____.”
  • Record the goal and plan for using the strategy with minimal prompts.

Step 7

Closing and Reward

2 minutes

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Activity

Emotion Thermometer Handout

Use this thermometer to help you identify and rate how you’re feeling right now. Then answer the questions below.

  1. How am I feeling right now? Circle one number on the thermometer:

5 (Very Calm) — 4 — 3 — 2 — 1 (Very Upset)

  1. Why did I choose that number? Explain what happened or what I’m thinking that makes me feel this way:






  1. When I feel this way, I can try this strategy to help me calm down and get back on track:






  1. I will use this strategy the next time I feel like this:






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Game

Strategy Matching Game

Objective: Student will practice identifying effective self-regulation strategies by matching emotion scenarios to the best technique, earning rewards for correct matches.

Materials:

Setup:

  1. Shuffle the Self-Regulation Strategy Cards and place them face-down in a stack.
  2. Position the Self-Regulation Techniques Poster where the student can see all strategies clearly.
  3. Have Small Reward Tokens and timer within reach.

Instructions:

  1. Student draws one scenario card from the face-down stack. Each card describes an emotional situation (e.g., feeling frustrated when a friend interrupts).
  2. Student reads the scenario aloud and thinks about which strategy on the poster would help best.
  3. Student points to or names the chosen strategy and explains why it fits this scenario (allow up to 2 minutes to discuss).
  4. Check the match against a teacher key: if correct, student earns one Small Reward Token; if not, review together and practice that strategy.
  5. Replace the card at the bottom of the stack and draw again until time is up (approx. 8 minutes).

Scoring & Rewards:

  • 1 token per correct match.
  • Tokens can be exchanged at session end for a small reward.

Reflection:
After the game, ask:

  • “Which scenario did you find most challenging, and why?”





  • “Which strategy do you think you’ll use most often in real life?”





  • “How will you remember to pick that strategy next time you feel like this?”





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Activity

Self-Regulation Techniques Poster

Use these strategies whenever you notice big feelings or need to refocus. Pick one, practice it, and find what works best for you!

1. Deep Breathing
• Inhale slowly for 4 counts.
• Hold for 2 counts.
• Exhale for 4 counts.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Tense one muscle group (e.g., fists) for 5 seconds.
• Release and notice the difference.
• Move to the next group (arms, shoulders, etc.).

3. Positive Self-Talk
• Choose a calming phrase: “I can handle this,” “Stay calm,” “I’ve got this.”
• Repeat quietly or in your head.

4. Counting Backwards
• Count slowly from 5 down to 1.
• Pause on each number and take a breath.

5. Visualization
• Close your eyes and picture a favorite calm spot (beach, park, treehouse).
• Imagine the sights, sounds, and feelings there.

6. Movement Break
• Stand up and stretch your arms over your head.
• Do 5 quick jumping jacks or walk in place for 30 seconds.

7. Sensory Tool
• Squeeze a stress ball, fidget spinner, or textured object.
• Focus on how it feels in your hand.

8. Ask for a Break
• Use your break card or quietly signal the adult.
• Take a 2-minute pause in the Calm Down Corner.

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