Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will learn how their “self-talk” (internal voice) in the prefrontal cortex helps pause impulses and guide actions, then practice turning impulses into positive self-talk through a small‐group relay.
Engaging a few peers at once builds confidence and shows how supportive self-talk can strengthen impulse control in real time.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare for Small Group
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduce Brain & Self-Talk
3 minutes
Step 2
Movement Game: Self-Talk Relay
8 minutes
Step 3
Debrief & Discussion
4 minutes
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will learn how their “self-talk” (internal voice) in the prefrontal cortex helps pause impulses and guide actions, then practice turning impulses into positive self-talk through a movement relay game.
Teaching kids that talking kindly to themselves engages their “Thinking Zone” builds self-control, reduces hasty reactions, and strengthens confidence under pressure.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Classroom
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduce Brain & Self-Talk
3 minutes
Step 2
Movement Game: Self-Talk Relay
8 minutes
Step 3
Debrief & Discussion
4 minutes
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will learn how mindful breathing activates their “Thinking Zone” (prefrontal cortex) to calm impulses, then practice controlled breaths through a fun, small‐group movement game.
Teaching kids that slow, deliberate breaths engage the brain’s self‐control center helps them manage emotions, reduce impulsive reactions, and stay focused.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare for Small Group
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduce Brain & Breathing
3 minutes
Step 2
Movement Game: Breathing Simon Says
8 minutes
Step 3
Debrief & Discussion
4 minutes
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Students will integrate “Stop & Think,” positive self-talk, and mindful breathing into a simple personal pause plan and practice it through a small-group relay activity.
Combining these three strategies in a close-knit group builds each student’s “pause power,” helping them manage urges, make safer choices, and boost confidence.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare for Small Group
5 minutes
Step 1
Introduce Brain & Integration
3 minutes
Step 2
Movement Game: Pause Plan Relay
8 minutes
Step 3
Debrief & Discussion
4 minutes
Lesson Plan
Session 5 Lesson Plan
Students will review and apply all pause strategies—Stop & Think, Positive Self-Talk, and Mindful Breathing—by running one integrated relay in a small-group setting of 4–5.
Consolidating these brain-based tools in a close-knit group solidifies skills, boosts confidence, and ensures students can use their personal pause plans when impulses arise.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare for Small Group
5 minutes
Step 1
Recap Brain & Strategies
3 minutes
Step 2
Movement Game: Ultimate Pause Plan Relay
8 minutes
Step 3
Debrief & Discussion
4 minutes
Game
