Guided Control Dialogues Script

Use these concise prompts and role-play scripts to guide students through naming impulses and selecting the right self-control strategy. Encourage volunteers, celebrate choices, and use follow-up questions to deepen understanding.

Dialogue 1: Blurting Out the Answer

Scenario: You really want to call out the answer before raising your hand.

Teacher says:
"Imagine you know the answer and you feel like shouting it out. What impulse are you feeling?"


"Which self-control superpower could help you manage that urge?"

Follow-Up Prompts (choose as needed):

• If a student chooses Pause-and-Breathe:
  "Great choice! Show me your deep breath. How does that help you think first?"
• If a student chooses Count-to-Five:
  "Nice! Can you count slowly from one to five in your head?"
• If a student chooses Silent Superhero Pose:
  "Awesome! Strike your superhero pose for me. How does that pose help you feel calm?"

Dialogue 2: Grabbing a Snack When Bored

Scenario: You grab a snack when you feel bored in class.

Teacher says:
"Let’s pretend you’re bored and reach for a snack without asking. What impulse popped up?"


"Which superpower will you use instead of grabbing the snack?"

Follow-Up Prompts:

• If a student is stuck:
  "Remember, which strategy helps you pause first so you can make a better choice?"
• Once they pick a strategy:
  "Tell me why you picked that strategy. How will it help you stay focused in class?"

Dialogue 3: Interrupting a Friend

Scenario: You interrupt a friend while they’re speaking.

Teacher says:
"Picture you want to jump in when a friend is talking. What impulse is that?"


"Which self-control superpower can help you wait until they finish?"

Follow-Up Prompts:

• If a student chooses Count-to-Five:
  "Perfect! Counting quietly gives you time to listen. Can you count on your fingers now?"
• If a student chooses Pause-and-Breathe:
  "Yes! Taking a calm breath slows you down. Let’s practice a breath together."
• If a student chooses Silent Superhero Pose:
  "Exactly! Hold your pose. How does it help you feel confident waiting your turn?"

Use these dialogues during the Impulse Insights Discussion to spark participation, model responses, and reinforce each self-control superpower.

Impulse Shield Game

Objective: Practice choosing and using one of your self-control superpowers (Pause-and-Breathe, Count-to-Five, Silent Superhero Pose) by responding quickly to real-life impulse scenarios.

Materials:

• Strategy Shield Cards (one “Pause-and-Breathe,” one “Count-to-Five,” one “Silent Superhero Pose” per student)
• Scenario Prompt List (teacher’s copy)
• (Optional) Timer or stopwatch for speed rounds

Setup:

1. Distribute each student a set of three shield cards.
2. Briefly review each superpower strategy and show its matching card.

Instructions:

1. Explain the Game (1 min)
   • Tell students: “I’ll read a quick situation where someone feels an impulse. Decide which superpower would help and hold up that shield card fast!”
2. Practice Round (2 min)
   • Read 2–3 sample scenarios slowly (e.g., “You want to shout out the answer,” “You feel bored and reach for a snack”).
   • After each, pause so students raise their cards, then confirm and praise correct choices.
3. Game Rounds (4 min)
   • Read 6–8 scenarios from your list at a steady pace.
   • Give students about 5 seconds after each prompt to select and display a card.
   • Celebrate correct answers with a class “Power Shout!” (e.g., “Whoosh! You’re super in control!”).
4. Reflection (1 min)
   • Ask: “Which scenario felt hardest to choose for? Why?”
   • Emphasize how quick self-control choices can help in school and at home.

Variations:

• Speed Round: Use a timer and challenge students to respond in 3 seconds.
• Team Play: Divide into small groups; award a point to the team with the most correct cards each round.

Time: 8 minutes total

Use Impulse Shield Game alongside your other superpower activities to reinforce fast, smart impulse control!

Power Practice Journal

1. Reflect on an Impulse Moment

Think about a recent time you felt a strong impulse (like wanting to shout out, grab a snack, or interrupt someone). Describe what happened and what impulse you felt.

2. Choose Your Superpower Strategy

Which self-control superpower did you use (Pause-and-Breathe, Count-to-Five, or Silent Superhero Pose)? Why did you choose it?

3. How Did You Feel After?

Describe how you felt after using your strategy and how it helped you.

4. Draw Your Superpower in Action

Draw a picture of yourself using your self-control superpower in that moment.

Control Countdown Cool-Down

Time: 3 minutes
Use this guided breathing countdown to help students calm their bodies and sharpen their self-control superpower before heading to the next activity.

Setup:
• Have students stand or sit in a circle with hands relaxed at their sides.
• Remind them that we’re using our self-control superpower to breathe and focus.

Steps:

1. Explain the Countdown
   Say: “We will count down from five to one. On each number, we’ll breathe in or out together. Ready to power up your calm?”
2. Count 5 – Inhale
   • Teacher and students quietly raise arms to the sky and inhale deeply through the nose on “Five.”
3. Count 4 – Exhale
   • Slowly lower arms and exhale through the mouth on “Four,” releasing tension.
4. Count 3 – Inhale
   • Lift shoulders slightly, breathe in on “Three.”
5. Count 2 – Exhale
   • Relax shoulders and breathe out on “Two.”
6. Count 1 – Superhero Pose
   • Strike your Silent Superhero Pose on “One,” standing tall and feeling in control.
7. Reflect (Optional, 30s)
   • Ask quietly: “How does your body feel now? Where can you use this powerful calm?”

Tip for Teachers:
• Use a calm, steady voice for the countdown.
• Encourage students to use this “Control Countdown” whenever they need a quick reset.