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The Self-Control Puzzle

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Ana Pacheco

Tier 3
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Putting the Pieces Together

This 25-minute individual session uses a puzzle-themed worksheet to help a 6th grader identify and apply impulse-control strategies by matching real-life scenarios to appropriate techniques, strengthening decision-making and self-management skills.

Self-control is critical for academic success and positive social interactions. This lesson equips students with practical strategies to manage impulses, promoting better decision-making, emotional regulation, and goal achievement.

Audience

6th Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Student matches scenarios to strategies via interactive puzzle.

Materials

  • Impulse vs. Control Slides, - Self-Control Puzzle Activity, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Pencil or Pen

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

  • Print one copy of Self-Control Puzzle Activity.
  • Review the Impulse vs. Control Slides and familiarize yourself with each strategy.
  • Prepare a timer or stopwatch.
  • Ensure writing utensils are ready.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain the session’s goal: mastering impulse-control strategies.
  • Briefly discuss what “impulse” and “self-control” mean.
  • Show a sample scenario on the Impulse vs. Control Slides to illustrate the concept.

Step 2

Explore Strategies

8 minutes

  • Present each impulse-control technique via the Impulse vs. Control Slides.
  • Ask the student to name situations where they might use each technique.
  • Discuss why each strategy helps manage impulses.

Step 3

Self-Control Puzzle Matching

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Control Puzzle Activity.
  • Instruct the student to read each scenario and draw a line to the matching impulse-control strategy.
  • Use the timer if desired to add a game-like challenge (optional).

Step 4

Reflection and Assessment

4 minutes

  • Review the completed puzzle together, correcting any mismatches.
  • Ask the student to choose one strategy and describe how they will use it in their daily life.
  • Provide verbal feedback and record mastery level for future support.
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Slide Deck

Impulse vs. Control

Mastering impulse-control strategies before we dive into the puzzle activity.

Welcome the student and introduce the slide deck’s purpose: to learn the difference between acting on impulse and using self-control. Mention that today we’ll explore strategies before moving to a hands-on puzzle activity.

Learning Objectives

• Define “impulse” and “self-control”
• Identify effective impulse-control techniques
• See a sample scenario and how to apply a strategy
• Prepare for the Self-Control Puzzle Activity

Read the objectives aloud. Ensure the student understands each goal. Encourage questions.

What Is an Impulse?

An impulse is a quick feeling or urge to act without thinking.

Examples:
• Calling out in class
• Eating a snack before dinner

Explain that an impulse is a sudden urge. Use an example from daily life (e.g., blurting out answers in class).

What Is Self-Control?

Self-control is the ability to pause, think, and choose actions that help us reach our goals.

Benefits:
• Better decisions
• Improved focus
• Stronger friendships

Contrast with self-control. Emphasize that self-control helps us pause and make better choices.

Impulse-Control Techniques

  1. Stop & Think
  2. Deep Breaths
  3. Count to Ten
  4. Distract Yourself
  5. Positive Self-Talk

Introduce each technique briefly. Tell the student they’ll see details next.

Technique: Stop & Think

• Pause before you act
• Ask: “What could happen if I do this?”
• Choose the best option

Discuss how to ‘Stop & Think.’ Suggest the student place a hand on their chest, pause, and consider options.

Technique: Deep Breaths

• Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds
• Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds
• Repeat to calm your body and mind

Explain ‘Deep Breaths.’ Model inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds. Invite the student to try.

Sample Scenario

You forgot your math homework and feel like skipping class. What can you do?

• Pause and use a technique to stay calm.
• Decide your next step.

Present a scenario. Ask the student: “Which technique would you use?”

Ready for the Puzzle?

Now let’s practice! Use the Self-Control Puzzle Activity to match scenarios with the impulse-control techniques you’ve learned.

Transition to the hands-on activity. Explain that the puzzle will let them match scenarios to these techniques.

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Worksheet

Self-Control Puzzle Activity

Use this worksheet as part of the Putting the Pieces Together lesson and refer to the Impulse vs. Control Slides for help with each technique.

Part 1: Match Scenarios to Strategies

Instructions: Read each scenario below (A–E). Then look at the list of impulse-control techniques (1–5) and write the number of the best strategy on the line next to the scenario.

A. You feel angry because a classmate took the book you wanted without asking. ____
B. You have a big test tomorrow and your heart is pounding with worry. ____
C. You really want to play video games now, but it’s time to start your homework. ____
D. You forgot to bring lunch and you’re starting to feel hungry and upset. ____
E. You want to shout out the answer in class before the teacher finishes the question. ____

Techniques:

  1. Stop & Think
  2. Deep Breaths
  3. Count to Ten
  4. Distract Yourself
  5. Positive Self-Talk

Part 2: Personal Reflection

Choose one of the five strategies above. Describe a real situation when you could use it. What will you do or say to yourself?












Part 3: My Action Plan

Think about the next time you have a strong impulse. List the step-by-step plan you will follow to use self-control.









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