Lesson Plan
Taming Impulsive Reactions
In this 15-minute one-on-one lesson, the student will learn to recognize personal triggers, practice a pause-and-plan impulse-control technique, and reflect on emotional responses to build self-regulation skills.
Developing impulse control and emotion regulation helps reduce disruptive behaviors, improves decision-making, and supports the student’s social and academic success.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Model, guided practice, and reflection
Materials
- Trigger Identification Worksheet, - Pause-and-Plan Cue Card, - Emotion Reflection Journal, and - Writing Utensil
Prep
Review Materials
3 minutes
- Ensure digital or printed copies of all materials are ready:
- Familiarize yourself with each activity step and talking points
- Choose two brief, relevant scenarios for guided practice
Step 1
Warm-Up and Check-In
2 minutes
- Greet the student and ask about any recent challenging moments
- Lead one deep-breath exercise: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6
- Explain that today’s goal is learning to pause before reacting
Step 2
Core Instruction: Identify Triggers
5 minutes
- Define a "trigger" as anything that sparks an impulsive reaction
- Distribute the Trigger Identification Worksheet
- Model identifying two personal triggers (e.g., loud noise, feeling rushed)
- Ask the student to record at least two triggers from their own experience
Step 3
Guided Practice: Pause-and-Plan
5 minutes
- Introduce the pause-and-plan technique using the Pause-and-Plan Cue Card
- Present two brief, hypothetical scenarios (e.g., argument with a friend, surprise quiz)
- Have the student practice pausing, referring to the cue card, and outlining a calm response
- After each scenario, ask the student to note their planned actions and emotions
Step 4
Cool-Down and Reflection
3 minutes
- Give the student the Emotion Reflection Journal
- Ask them to write one thing they did well and one area to improve in self-control
- Discuss their reflections and reinforce the importance of pausing
- Set a simple goal for using pause-and-plan before reacting this week
Worksheet
Trigger Identification Worksheet
This worksheet supports the Taming Impulsive Reactions lesson. Use it to explore and record situations that spark impulsive reactions.
- In your own words, what is an “impulsive trigger”? Why is it important to recognize your triggers?
- List three situations, people, or events that you find trigger your impulsive reactions. For each, write down what makes it a trigger for you:
a. __________________________
b. __________________________
c. __________________________ - Choose one of the triggers above. Describe:
• How your body feels (e.g., sweaty palms, racing heart)
• What thoughts run through your mind in that moment - What emotions do you experience when this trigger happens (e.g., anger, frustration, anxiety)? List at least two and explain why you think you feel them.
- How do you typically react when you notice this trigger? Briefly describe your automatic response.
- What is one small goal you can set to pause and plan a calmer response the next time you face this trigger?
- From today’s lesson, brainstorm two strategies or techniques you could use to manage this trigger more effectively.
Bring this worksheet to your next one-on-one session for discussion and reflection.
Activity
Pause-and-Plan Cue Card
Use this quick-reference card anytime you notice a trigger. Follow each step to help you pause and choose a calm, thoughtful response.
1. Pause
• Stop what you’re doing—give yourself a moment to step back.
2. Breathe
• Take three deep breaths: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6.
3. Notice
• Ask yourself:
- What am I feeling right now?
- Where do I feel it in my body?
- What triggered this reaction?
4. Plan
• Choose one calm action you can take. Consider:
- What outcome do I want?
- What is a safe way to respond?
5. Act
• Carry out your plan.
• Check in afterward: Did it help?
Keep this card handy to remind yourself: Pause → Breathe → Notice → Plan → Act.
Journal
Emotion Reflection Journal
Use this journal after practicing impulse control with the techniques from today’s session. Reflecting helps you notice progress, learn from challenges, and set goals for using pause-and-plan in real situations.
Date: _______________________
Mood Right Now: _______________________
1. Recall a Recent Moment
Describe a situation today (or this week) when you noticed an impulsive trigger. Use your Trigger Identification Worksheet if it helps you remember details.
• What happened?
• What was your first reaction?
2. Pause-and-Plan in Action
Thinking back to that moment, how did you use the steps on your Pause-and-Plan Cue Card?
• Which step was easiest for you? Why?
• Which step was most challenging? Why?
3. Emotional Awareness
Reflect on what you felt physically and mentally during the pause-and-plan process.
• Physical sensations (e.g., racing heart, tense muscles):
• Thoughts or self-talk (e.g., “I can do this,” “This is hard”):
4. Outcome and Learning
• What calm action did you choose to take?
• How did you feel afterward?
• Did the action meet the outcome you wanted? Explain briefly.
5. Goal-Setting for Next Time
Based on today’s reflection, choose one specific goal to improve your self-control using pause-and-plan.
• My goal: ______________________________________________________
• One strategy I will try to reach this goal: ______________________________________________________
Keep this journal handy and bring it to your next session to discuss your progress and plan new strategies!
Slide Deck
Taming Impulsive Reactions
A 15-minute one-on-one lesson to help you recognize triggers, pause before reacting, and choose calm responses.
Time: 1 minute
Welcome the student and set a positive tone for the session. Briefly explain today’s topic and what you’ll cover.
Session Objectives
• Identify personal triggers for impulsive reactions
• Learn and practice the Pause-and-Plan technique
• Reflect on emotions and set a goal for self-control
Time: 1 minute
Read aloud the objectives and connect them to real-life benefits (better friendships, fewer regrets).
What Is a Trigger?
A trigger is anything that sparks an impulsive reaction in you.
Examples:
– Feeling rushed when you’re late
– Loud or unexpected noises
– Teasing or criticism
Time: 2 minutes
Define “trigger.” Give an example (e.g., loud noise or surprise quiz). Ask student to add their own thought.
Identify Your Triggers
Use the Trigger Identification Worksheet to:
- Define what a trigger means to you
- List three situations or events that spark your impulses
- Describe your physical sensations and thoughts when triggered
Time: 3 minutes
Distribute the Trigger Identification Worksheet.
Model filling in one example, then guide student to list two triggers.
Pause-and-Plan Technique
- Pause – Stop and step back
- Breathe – 3 deep breaths (4-2-6)
- Notice – Name your feeling, where you feel it, and the trigger
- Plan – Choose one calm action
- Act – Carry out your plan and check in
Time: 3 minutes
Introduce each step as you show the Pause-and-Plan Cue Card.
Invite the student to read the card aloud and ask questions.
Guided Practice Scenarios
Scenario 1: A friend teases you in front of others
Scenario 2: You get a surprise pop quiz
For each:
• Pause and breathe
• Use your plan to choose a calm response
• Note how you feel afterward
Time: 3 minutes
Present the two brief scenarios. After each, guide the student to pause, plan, and share their response.
Reflect & Set a Goal
Use the Emotion Reflection Journal to:
• Recall a recent trigger moment
• Describe which steps felt easy or hard
• Record one goal for using Pause-and-Plan this week
Time: 2 minutes
Give the student the Emotion Reflection Journal.
Encourage honest reflections and help them set one simple goal.
Next Steps
• Keep practicing Pause-and-Plan each day
• Bring your worksheet and journal to our next meeting
• Celebrate small wins and adjust your goal as you improve
Time: 1 minute
Praise the student’s effort. Encourage them to keep their cue card and journal handy. Plan a quick check-in next session.