lenny

Super Self-Control

Lesson Plan

Super Self Control

Students will define self-control and learn four strategies (deep breathing, counting to five, asking for help, using words). Through role-play, a group game, and reflection, they will practice these skills and set personal self-control goals.

Developing self-control helps first graders manage impulses and emotions, leading to better focus, fewer disruptions, and stronger friendships. Teaching strategies early equips students to handle challenges and supports a positive classroom environment.

Audience

1st Grade

Time

90 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, role-plays, a group game, and personal reflection

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Control

10 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and ask: “What do you think self-control means?”
  • Collect examples (e.g., raising hand instead of shouting).
  • Define self-control as managing impulses and emotions.
  • Explain how self-control helps with learning and friendships.

Step 2

Introduce Self-Control Strategies

15 minutes

  • Display the Self-Control Strategy Poster.
  • Review each strategy: deep breathing, counting to five, asking for help, using words.
  • Model using one strategy with a quick scenario (e.g., feeling angry).
  • Invite students to practice each strategy aloud.

Step 3

Practice with Scenario Cards

25 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
  • Give each group a set of Self-Control Scenario Cards.
  • Students take turns drawing a card, reading or listening to the scenario, and acting out the feeling.
  • The group discusses which strategy fits and role-plays using that strategy.
  • Rotate so everyone practices both scenario and strategy.

Step 4

Play 'Stop and Think' Game

20 minutes

  • Have students stand or sit in a circle with the soft ball.
  • Start the timer or play music while students pass the ball around.
  • When music stops or timer rings, the student holding the ball names one strategy from the poster and demonstrates it.
  • Continue for multiple rounds to reinforce each strategy.
  • Encourage applause and positive feedback after each turn.

Step 5

Reflection and Goal-Setting

20 minutes

  • Hand out the Super Self-Control Reflection Worksheet.
  • Students draw or write about a time they used or could use self-control.
  • They select and note which strategy they used or will use.
  • Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the group.
  • Have each student set a personal self-control goal for the rest of the day.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Super Self–Control

Managing impulses and emotions to succeed in class and with friends.

Welcome students. Introduce yourself and today’s topic. Explain that they’ll learn how to manage impulses and feelings.

Lesson Objectives

  • Define self-control
  • Learn 4 strategies: deep breathing, counting to five, asking for help, using words
  • Practice strategies in fun activities
  • Set personal self-control goals

Read each objective aloud. Ask students which one they’re most excited about.

What Is Self-Control?

Self-control means managing our impulses and emotions to make positive choices.

Invite two students to share what they think self-control means. Then present this definition.

Why Self-Control Matters

  • Helps you focus on learning
  • Keeps the classroom calm
  • Builds strong friendships

Ask students to give examples of when self-control helped them or could help them.

Self-Control Strategies

  • Deep Breathing
  • Counting to Five
  • Asking for Help
  • Using Words

(See the poster for more!)

Show the Self-Control Strategy Poster and point to each strategy as you read them.

Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

  1. Breathe in slowly through your nose.
  2. Hold for 2 seconds.
  3. Breathe out slowly through your mouth.

Try it together!

Demonstrate deep breathing with the group. Encourage students to place a hand on their belly.

Strategy 2: Counting to Five

  1. Slowly count 1…2…3…4…5 in your head.
  2. Think before you act.

Let’s count together now!

Lead the whole group in counting to five slowly. Repeat twice.

Strategy 3: Asking for Help

  1. Find a teacher or friend.
  2. Say, “Can you help me?”

When might you ask for help?

Role-play asking for help. Choose a student to be the helper.

Strategy 4: Using Words

  1. Use words to say how you feel: “I feel angry.”
  2. Tell someone instead of acting out.

Discuss words they could use and write a few examples on the whiteboard.

Practice with Scenario Cards

• In groups of 3–4, use the Self-Control Scenario Cards.
• Take turns acting out the feeling and choosing a strategy.
• Discuss and practice together.

Monitor groups, prompt if they need help matching scenarios to strategies.

Play 'Stop and Think' Game

• Sit or stand in a circle with a soft ball.
• Pass the ball while music plays or timer runs.
• When it stops, name and demo a strategy from the poster.
• Continue for fun practice!

Play upbeat music or use a timer. Praise correct demos and encourage cheers.

Reflection & Goal Setting

• Use the Super Self-Control Reflection Worksheet.
• Draw or write about using self-control.
• Choose a strategy and set a goal for today.
• Share if you’d like!

Hand out the worksheets. Walk around to support students as they draw or write.

lenny

Worksheet

Super Self-Control Reflection Worksheet

Name: ___________________________ Date: __________________

1. Draw a Time You Used Self-Control

Use the space below to draw a picture of a time when you showed self-control.










2. What Happened?

Write or tell the story of what was happening and how you felt before you used self-control.










3. Which Strategy Did You Use?

Circle or write your choice below:

  • Deep Breathing
  • Counting to Five
  • Asking for Help
  • Using Words

My strategy was: _________________________________




4. My Self-Control Goal for Today

Think of one way you will practice self-control today and write it here:






Great job reflecting on your self-control skills! Keep practicing and watch how you can be a Super Self–Controller every day!

lenny
lenny

Activity

Self-Control Scenario Cards

Use these cards in small groups. Students draw a card, read the scenario, then decide which self-control strategy fits best and role-play how they would use it.

  1. Sharing Trouble
    – You want to play with your friend’s toy car. You feel upset when they say no. What do you do?

  2. Feelings in Class
    – You know the answer to the teacher’s question and really want to shout it out. How can you wait your turn?

  3. Puzzle Frustration
    – You’re working on a puzzle and it’s too hard. You feel like throwing the pieces.

  4. Hallway Hurdle
    – You feel excited and want to run in the hallway where running isn’t allowed.

  5. Paint Spill
    – You accidentally knock over the paint and start to panic.

  6. Not Sharing Supplies
    – A friend won’t share a crayon you need. You feel mad.

  7. Mean Words
    – A classmate teases you and you feel sad and want to cry.

  8. First-Day Jitters
    – It’s a new day and you feel nervous about talking to classmates.

  9. Juice Spill
    – You spill juice on your desk and feel embarrassed.

  10. Sleepy Time
    – You’re tired and want to put your head down instead of listening.

  11. Finished Early
    – You finish your work quickly and want to show the teacher right away, but you need to wait.

  12. Game Loss
    – You lost a game at recess and feel disappointed, wanting to stomp away.

Instructions for Use:

  • Divide into groups of 3–4.
  • One student reads a card aloud and describes the feeling.
  • The group discusses and picks a strategy from the poster.
  • Role-play using that strategy.
  • Rotate so everyone practices reading and acting out.

These scenarios help practice choosing and using self-control skills in real situations!

lenny
lenny

Reading

Self-Control Strategy Poster

Help your super self-controller skills by using these four simple strategies! Display this poster where everyone can see it.

🌬️ Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

• Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 3.
• Hold for 2 seconds.
• Blow the air out through your mouth for a count of 4.
• Repeat until you feel calmer.

🔢 Strategy 2: Counting to Five

• Quietly count 1…2…3…4…5 in your head.
• Think of what you want to do before you act.
• Use this pause to choose a better response.

🤝 Strategy 3: Asking for Help

• Find a trusted adult or friend.
• Say, “Can you help me, please?”
• Explain how you feel or what you’re stuck on.
• Accept help or a kind suggestion.

🗣️ Strategy 4: Using Words

• Name your feeling: “I feel ___.”
• Tell someone why you feel that way.
• Ask for what you need: “Please stop” or “Can I have a turn?”
• Use polite words to solve problems.

Keep this poster up to remind everyone how to stop and choose the best strategy when feelings get big!

lenny
lenny
Super Self-Control • Lenny Learning