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lenny

Stop? Think! Go!

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Lea Alcover

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Pause and Think Session

Students will identify personal impulsive triggers, practice a structured three-step pause-and-plan strategy in varied scenarios, and reflect on their choices to enhance self-regulation.

Impulse control supports academic focus and positive interactions; targeted coaching empowers students to recognize urges, pause, and choose thoughtful responses.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

30-minute session

Approach

Guided reflection and strategy practice

Materials

  • Pause Plan Worksheet, - Impulsive Trigger Chart, and - Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Pause Plan Worksheet and Impulsive Trigger Chart
  • Print one copy of each worksheet for the student
  • Prepare a quiet, distraction-free meeting space
  • Set a timer or have a stopwatch ready

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain the goal: building impulse-control skills
  • Ask: “What does impulsivity feel like to you?” to gauge their understanding
  • Outline the session steps: triggers, pause strategy, practice, reflection

Step 2

Identify Triggers

10 minutes

  • Present the Impulsive Trigger Chart
  • Guide the student to list 3–5 personal triggers (e.g., teasing, frustration)
  • Discuss each trigger: what happens, how they feel, past examples

Step 3

Teach Pause Strategy

10 minutes

  • Introduce the three-step PAUSE model: Pause, Assess, Use Plan, Evaluate
  • Model the steps with a short scripted scenario
  • Have the student practice on two hypothetical situations using the Pause Plan Worksheet
  • Use a timer to simulate real-time pause practice

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

  • Review the student’s worksheet responses together
  • Ask: “How will you use PAUSE when you feel triggered?” to set intent
  • Help the student set one personal goal to try before your next check-in
  • Thank the student and affirm their effort
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Lesson Plan

Stop Think Go Plan

Students will learn and apply the Stop-Think-Go self-regulation model—using a Traffic Light Check and deep breathing—to pause before acting and choose thoughtful responses in real and hypothetical scenarios.

Building impulse-control skills helps students improve focus, decision-making, and social interactions. These strategies empower students to recognize urges, pause, and act consciously, reducing negative outcomes and boosting confidence.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

30-minute session

Approach

Guided modeling, practice, and reflection

Materials

Traffic Light Check Chart, Deep Breathing Guide, Stop Think Go Worksheet, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review Traffic Light Check Chart, Deep Breathing Guide, and Stop Think Go Worksheet
  • Print one copy of each worksheet for the student
  • Arrange a quiet, distraction-free meeting space
  • Prepare a timer or stopwatch

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain today’s goal: mastering a pause-and-plan tool for impulse control
  • Ask: “What does acting on impulse feel like for you?” to assess prior awareness
  • Introduce the Stop-Think-Go model steps: Stop (pause), Think (traffic light + breathing), Go (choose action)

Step 2

Model Strategies

10 minutes

  • Present the Traffic Light Check Chart and explain red (stop), yellow (think), green (go)
  • Show the Deep Breathing Guide; model a simple breathing exercise together
  • Demonstrate Stop-Think-Go with a short scripted scenario (e.g., peer teasing)
  • Highlight how each step slows down the response process

Step 3

Guided Practice

10 minutes

  • Provide the Stop Think Go Worksheet
  • Ask the student to work through two hypothetical scenarios using Stop-Think-Go
  • Use the timer to enforce a 5-second ‘Stop’ pause before proceeding
  • Discuss the student’s chosen responses and thought process

Step 4

Reflection and Goal-Setting

5 minutes

  • Review completed worksheet answers and reinforce successes
  • Ask: “How will you use Stop-Think-Go when you feel triggered in real life?”
  • Help the student set one personal goal to practice before the next session
  • Praise the student’s effort and encourage continued use of the strategy
lenny

Slide Deck

Stop-Think-Go: Self-Regulation Strategies

A 30-minute individual session for 7th graders to pause and make thoughtful choices using Stop-Think-Go.

Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that today they will learn a three-step self-regulation tool called Stop-Think-Go.

Why Impulse Control Matters

• Improves focus during lessons
• Helps you make better choices
• Reduces conflicts with peers
• Boosts confidence and self-control

Explain why impulse control matters in school and life. Connect regulation to better focus, decisions, and relationships.

Stop-Think-Go Model Overview

  1. Stop
  2. Think
  3. Go

Introduce the three steps of the model. Provide a quick roadmap before diving in.

Step 1: Stop

• Look for the red light on the Traffic Light Check Chart
• Pause for 3–5 seconds before reacting

Focus on Step 1: the pause. Reference the Traffic Light Check Chart to visualize the red light stop.

Traffic Light Check Chart

Red – Stop
Yellow – Think
Green – Go

Show and name each color in the chart. Emphasize how each color guides our actions.

Step 2: Think

• Take a slow, deep breath (see guide)
• Reflect: “What are my options?”

Introduce deep breathing and reflecting as part of thinking. Tie it to the yellow light in the chart.

Deep Breathing Guide

  1. Inhale slowly for 4 seconds
  2. Hold for 2 seconds
  3. Exhale for 6 seconds
    (Repeat as needed)

Guide the student through a breathing exercise. Encourage them to follow the steps out loud.

Step 3: Go

• Choose the best action based on your thinking
• Move forward calmly and confidently

Explain choosing and acting intentionally. Link to the green light.

Model Scenario

Scenario: A classmate teases you.
• Stop – See the red light and pause.
• Think – Take deep breaths; consider calm responses.
• Go – Decide to walk away or speak politely.

Model the full sequence with a real-life example. Speak through each step aloud.

Practice Scenario 1

Your friend is upset and yells at you.
Use Stop-Think-Go on the Stop Think Go Worksheet.

Present the first practice prompt. Encourage completion on the worksheet.

Practice Scenario 2

You drop your homework on the floor in front of class.
Use Stop-Think-Go on the worksheet.

Guide the student through a different situation. Observe and prompt as needed.

Reflect on Your Practice

• Which step was easiest?
• Which step was hardest?
• How did pausing feel?

Have the student share what felt easy or hard. Foster discussion of their experience.

Set a Personal Goal

I will use Stop-Think-Go when __________ by ___________ (timeframe).

Help the student set a clear, achievable goal using the model in their daily life.

Your Toolkit

• Traffic Light Check Chart
• Deep Breathing Guide
• Stop Think Go Worksheet

Remind the student of all the tools they can use after the session.

Great Work! Next Steps

Keep practicing Stop-Think-Go whenever you feel the urge.
We’ll check back in soon to see your progress!

Close the session with encouragement. Confirm next check-in and praise effort.

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Worksheet

Stop Think-Go Worksheet

Use the Stop-Think-Go model to plan your responses in each scenario. For each step, write or draw your ideas in the space provided.

Scenario 1

You and your friend are playing a game during free time when they grab the controller away in anger. Use Stop-Think-Go to plan your response:

  1. Stop: What will you notice or do to pause before responding?



  2. Think: What are some options for how you could respond? Which one is best, and why?






  3. Go: What action will you choose?



Scenario 2

You accidentally spill your drink in the cafeteria and someone laughs. Use Stop-Think-Go to plan your response:

  1. Stop: What will you notice or do to pause before responding?



  2. Think: What are some options for how you could respond? Which one is best, and why?






  3. Go: What action will you choose?



Reflection

When might you use Stop-Think-Go in real life this week? Describe a situation and explain how you will use each step:










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lenny

Reading

Traffic Light Check Chart

The Traffic Light Check Chart is a simple tool to help you pause and make thoughtful choices when you feel the urge to act on impulse. Just like a real traffic light, follow these steps each time you face a challenge:

ColorWhat It MeansWhat to Do
🔴 RedStop – Your feelings are strong, and you’re about to react.• Notice your feelings (anger, frustration, excitement).
• Take a moment to pause—count to 3 in your head.
🟡 YellowThink – It’s time to slow down and consider what to do.• Take a deep breath (see Deep Breathing Guide).
• Ask yourself: “What are my options?” and “What might happen next?”
🟢 GreenGo – You’ve chosen the best response based on your thoughts.• Act on your decision calmly and confidently.
• Notice how you feel afterward.

How to Use This Chart

  1. Spot the Color: When you feel a strong urge, imagine a traffic light in your mind.
  2. Follow the Steps: Treat the light exactly like you would on the road—stop at red, think at yellow, and go at green.
  3. Practice Often: The more you use this chart, the easier it becomes to pause and choose wisely.


    Keep this chart handy during tough moments. Pair it with the Stop Think Go Worksheet to practice real-life scenarios and build your impulse-control skills over time!
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Reading

Deep Breathing Guide

Deep breathing is a simple, powerful way to calm your mind and body when you feel stressed, upset, or impulsive. Use these steps anytime you need to pause and collect your thoughts.

Why Deep Breathing Helps

  • Brings more oxygen to your brain and muscles so you think more clearly
  • Slows down your heart rate and reduces tension
  • Gives you a moment to focus on your body instead of your feelings

How to Do Deep Breathing

  1. Get comfortable. Sit or stand with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.
  2. Place your hands. Put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest to feel the movement.
  3. Inhale. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, letting your belly rise under your hand.
  4. Hold. Keep the air in for 2 seconds and notice the calm.
  5. Exhale. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds, feeling your belly fall.
  6. Repeat. Do this cycle 3–5 times until you feel more relaxed.

Tips for Success

  • Practice these steps when you’re calm so they come easily under stress.
  • Close your eyes or look at a calm spot to help you focus.
  • Count silently in your head or whisper “in” and “out” with each breath.

Using This Guide with Stop-Think-Go

When you reach the Think (🟡) step in the Traffic Light Check Chart or the Stop-Think-Go model, use these breathing steps to help you slow down, consider your options, and choose your best response.

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