Lesson Plan
Think or Jump Game Plan
Students will learn to pause and consider choices before acting, improving impulse control and decision-making skills through engaging group activities.
By practicing thoughtful decision-making, students build self-control and improve social interactions, a vital life skill for preventing accidents and solving problems.
Audience
2nd Grade Group
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Interactive games and guided discussions.
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review all digital materials, especially Think or Jump Game Plan for an overview.
- Familiarize yourself with the Pause and Think Slide Deck and Decision Making Scenarios Game contents.
- Arrange the classroom seating to facilitate small group interactions.
Step 1
Warm-Up and Discussion
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion on impulse control and why thinking before jumping into action is important.
- Ask students to share examples of when pausing helped them make a better choice.
Step 2
Main Activity - Interactive Game
7 minutes
- Utilize the Decision Making Scenarios Game to simulate real-life situations.
- Guide students to pause before acting, discussing their thought process and the outcomes of their choices.
Step 3
Reflection and Wrap-Up
3 minutes
- Use the Pause and Think Slide Deck to review key points.
- Lead a quick reflection asking groups to share what they learned about impulse control.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Pause and Think
Let's learn why pausing can help us make better decisions!
Introduce the concept of 'pause and think' in terms of why it's important to stop, reflect and consider options before acting. Use questions to ask the students if they have ever wished they had stopped before doing something.
What is Impulse Control?
Impulse control means stopping for a moment to think before we act.
Why is it important? It keeps us safe and helps us make smart choices.
Explain what impulse control means. Ask the class if they can think of a time when they acted too quickly. Encourage discussion and sharing experiences.
Think Before You Act!
Imagine situations where acting quickly could cause problems.
What could happen if we don't pause to think?
Show scenarios or prompts. Use this slide as part of group reflection or a decision-making activity. Invite responses from the class about what could happen if we don't pause to think.
Reflection Time
How can you remember to Pause and Think in your daily life?
Share one idea with your group.
Wrap up the lesson. Summarize the main points and ask students to share one thing they learned about pausing before acting.
Game
Think or Jump? Game: Decision Making Scenarios Game
In this game, students will explore various scenarios where they must decide whether to act immediately or take a moment to think. The goal is to help everyone recognize times when pausing leads to better decisions. Below are the guidelines and sample scenarios for the game:
Game Structure
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Group Setup: Arrange the class into small groups (about 4-5 students per group) so everyone gets a chance to participate.
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Instructions: Explain to the students that in each scenario, they will discuss and decide whether to act immediately or pause to consider their options. Encourage the group to talk through the reasons behind their choices.
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Scenario Presentation: Present each scenario one at a time. Read it aloud, or have the scenario displayed on a slide or board.
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Decision Time: Give students a minute to discuss in their groups what they would do. Ask them to think about the potential consequences and benefits of pausing before acting.
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Group Discussion: After each scenario, invite a few groups to share their decision and the reasoning behind it. Ask follow-up questions such as:
- What could be the long-term impact of acting immediately?
- How does taking a moment to think help in this situation?
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Reflection: At the end of the game, have each group share one scenario that made them think differently about impulse control. Discuss as a class how pausing can lead to better outcomes in everyday life.
Sample Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Playground Dilemma
Imagine you see a friend trying a new slide. You want to join them right away. Should you jump in immediately, or pause to check if it's safe and ask if it's okay first?
Consider:
- Is the area around the slide free of obstacles?
- Does your friend need help or a moment to adjust?
Scenario 2: The Classroom Surprise
You notice that the classroom door is open. You're excited to see if someone left a surprise behind! Do you rush out to explore, or do you first think about asking your teacher if it's okay to go?
Consider:
- Is it safe to leave the classroom without permission?
- What might be the consequences if your teacher doesn't know where you are?
Scenario 3: The Lunch Line
While waiting in the lunch line, you notice a friend behind you who seems to be upset. Do you quickly call out to them, or do you think of a quiet way to check on them after you get your lunch?
Consider:
- Would interrupting the line cause problems?
- Could there be a more respectful way to help your friend without disrupting others?
Follow-Up Points
- Impulsivity vs. Thoughtfulness: Discuss how our immediate reactions sometimes lead to unexpected results, and how pausing to think can change outcomes.
- Real-Life Connections: Ask students if they have ever rushed into a situation and what they learned afterward if they had taken a moment to pause.
- Further Practice: Explain that the game is a safe space to explore choices and that it's okay to change our minds after discussing different outcomes.
This structure not only reinforces the key concepts from the Think or Jump Game Plan but also links directly with the Pause and Think Slide Deck, making sure that each part of the lesson builds on the other for a deep understanding of impulse control.
Have fun and remember, pausing to think can really make a difference in making the best choices!