Impulse Control Game

The Impulse Control Game is an engaging, interactive activity designed to help you pause and think before acting. This game uses fun scenarios and prompts that require quick decision-making and self-reflection, making it easier to practice impulse control skills.

How to Play

1. Scenario Presentation: The teacher will present a scenario where an impulsive reaction might occur. Examples include:

   • "You see a cookie on the counter when you're on a diet."
   • "A friend challenges you to a race without knowing your safety limits."

2. Pause and Reflect: Instead of reacting immediately, take a moment to think about the situation. Ask yourself these questions:

   • What might be the consequences of acting on impulse?
   • Is there a better way to handle the situation?

3. Make a Choice: Choose a response that reflects thoughtful decision-making. Write or say your choice, and then explain why you think it's the best option.

4. Reflect with the Teacher: Discuss your choices with your teacher. What did you learn about impulse control? How might this strategy help you in other areas of your life?

Sample Prompts

• Prompt 1: You’re in a store, and you see a toy that you really want, but you already have many similar toys. Should you grab it right away, or pause to think if you really need it?

• Prompt 2: During a game, an opponent makes a risky move. Do you react immediately by imitating them, or do you pause to consider whether it’s a wise decision in the heat of the moment?

Follow-Up Activities

After playing the game, take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions:

• What were the most challenging scenarios for you?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Did pausing help you make a better decision? Why or why not?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How could you apply these strategies outside of the classroom, in other situations where you might act on impulse?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Enjoy the game and remember: a thoughtful pause can lead to wise decisions!

Impulse Awareness Activity

This warm-up activity is designed to help you start thinking before reacting by recognizing and reflecting on your impulses. In this exercise, you'll learn to identify impulses, pause, and choose a thoughtful response.

Activity Steps

1. Impulse Identification:

   • Sit comfortably and close your eyes for a moment. Think about a time today when you felt an impulse to act quickly (e.g., grabbing something immediately, interrupting someone, etc.).
   • Write down or share one impulse you noticed.
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. Pause and Reflect:

   • Take a slow, deep breath. Imagine pressing a pause button.
   • Reflect for a few seconds on what might happen if you acted on that impulse without thinking.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Choose a Thoughtful Response:

   • Consider one alternative, more thoughtful action you could take instead. Write it down or express it aloud.
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Discussion (Optional):

   • If working with a teacher or in a small group, share your experience. Discuss how pausing allowed you to see other options and how it might help in similar situations in the future.
     
     
     
     
     
     

Remember, becoming aware of your impulses and taking a moment to think can lead to better decisions. Enjoy the process of discovering your impulses and learning how a pause can lead to a wiser choice!

Reflection Worksheet

The purpose of this worksheet is to give you a chance to reflect on your experiences during the lesson. Please take your time to write down your thoughts and responses to the prompts below.

Reflection Prompts

1. Describe a moment during the lesson when you had to pause and think before acting. What was the situation and how did you respond?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What did you learn about impulse control from the game and activities?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How can you apply the strategy of 'think before you act' to other areas of your life (e.g., school, home, social situations)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Identify one challenge you faced while trying to control your impulse during the lesson, and suggest one way to overcome it in the future.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions and write your answers in the spaces provided. Your thoughts are important! Enjoy the process of self-discovery and learning.