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Unstructured Time? No Problem!

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Ariana Dekeon

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Unstructured Time? No Problem! Lesson Plan

Students will identify common unstructured times and learn strategies for self-regulation to manage their behavior and emotions independently.

This lesson is important because it equips students with practical tools to navigate challenging unstructured moments, reducing disruptions and promoting a sense of control and independence.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and activity.

Materials

  • Self-Regulation Warm-Up, - Unstructured Time? No Problem! Slide Deck, - Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity, - My Self-Regulation Plan Worksheet, and - Self-Regulation Cool Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 Minutes

  • Review the Unstructured Time? No Problem! Lesson Plan and all linked materials.
    - Print copies of the Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity (one per student or group).
    - Print copies of the My Self-Regulation Plan Worksheet (one per student).
    - Ensure access to a projector or screen for the Unstructured Time? No Problem! Slide Deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Free Time Like?

5 Minutes

  1. Distribute the Self-Regulation Warm-Up.
    2. Ask students to quickly write or draw one thing they like to do during free time at school (recess, lunch, independent work time, transitions).
    3. Briefly share responses as a group, noting the variety of unstructured times.

Step 2

Introduction: Unstructured Times Can Be Tricky!

5 Minutes

  1. Display the first few slides of the Unstructured Time? No Problem! Slide Deck.
    2. Introduce the concept of 'unstructured times' at school.
    3. Lead a brief discussion on why these times can sometimes be challenging for self-regulation (e.g., too much noise, not knowing what to do, disagreements with friends).

Step 3

Self-Regulation Superpowers

5 Minutes

  1. Present the 'Self-Regulation Superpowers' slides from the Unstructured Time? No Problem! Slide Deck.
    2. Introduce 2-3 simple, actionable self-regulation strategies (e.g., 'Take 3 Deep Breaths,' 'Find a Quiet Spot,' 'Ask for Help,' 'Have a Plan B').
    3. Briefly explain each strategy and model it if appropriate.

Step 4

Scenario Practice: Using Our Superpowers

10 Minutes

  1. Distribute the Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity.
    2. Divide students into pairs or small groups.
    3. Have them read through 2-3 scenarios and discuss which 'Self-Regulation Superpower' they could use in each situation.
    4. Bring the group back together to share their chosen strategies and reasoning.

Step 5

My Self-Regulation Plan

3 Minutes

  1. Hand out the My Self-Regulation Plan Worksheet.
    2. Guide students to choose one unstructured time that is often challenging for them and one strategy they will try to use.
    3. Emphasize that having a plan helps them feel more in control.

Step 6

Cool Down: One Strategy I'll Try

2 Minutes

  1. Distribute the Self-Regulation Cool Down.
    2. Ask students to write down one self-regulation strategy they learned today that they will try to use during unstructured time.
    3. Collect the cool downs as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck

Unstructured Time? No Problem!

Strategies for self-regulation during free time!

Greet students and introduce the lesson topic. Ask them to think about times at school when they have more freedom.

What Are Unstructured Times?

  • Recess
  • Lunch
  • Transitions (lining up, getting ready)
  • Independent work time
  • Group work
  • Free choice activities

Ask students for examples of unstructured times at school. Write them on the board if possible. Guide them to think about recess, lunch, independent work, transitions.

Why Can Unstructured Times Be Tricky?

What makes these times hard sometimes?

(Share your ideas!)

Prompt students to share why these times can be tricky. Encourage them to think about feelings (frustration, boredom) or situations (arguments, noise).

Self-Regulation Superpower #1: Take 3 Deep Breaths 🧘

When you feel: 😠 frustrated, 😡 angry, 😥 overwhelmed

Try this: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a moment, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat 3 times.

Why it helps: Calms your body and helps you think clearly.

Introduce the first 'superpower'. Explain what it means and when it might be useful. Demonstrate if appropriate.

Self-Regulation Superpower #2: Find a Quiet Spot 🤫

When you feel: 🔊 overstimulated by noise, 😤 annoyed by others, 🧠 needing to focus

Try this: Move to a quieter area in the classroom, hallway, or playground. Even a small change of scenery can help!

Why it helps: Gives you space to calm down and regroup.

Introduce the second 'superpower'. Explain what it means and when it might be useful. Demonstrate if appropriate.

Self-Regulation Superpower #3: Ask for Help 🗣️

When you feel: 🤷‍♀️ unsure what to do, 😔 sad or lonely, Konflikt with a friend

Try this: Talk to a trusted adult (teacher, aide) or a friend. They might have ideas or help you solve a problem.

Why it helps: You don't have to handle everything alone. Support is there!

Introduce the third 'superpower'. Emphasize that it's okay to ask for help.

Time to Practice Our Superpowers!

Let's work in pairs to try out our new strategies.

We'll use our Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity!

Explain that students will now practice using these superpowers with the Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity. Guide them through the activity as outlined in the lesson plan.

Create Your Own Self-Regulation Plan

What unstructured time is tricky for you?
Which superpower will you try?

Use the My Self-Regulation Plan Worksheet to make your plan!

Transition to the individual plan creation. Explain that this worksheet will help them remember their chosen strategy.

You've Got This!

Remember, practicing these superpowers will help you feel more in control and have a better time during unstructured moments. You are becoming a self-regulation pro!

Conclude the lesson and prepare for the cool-down. Reiterate the importance of practicing self-regulation.

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Warm Up

Self-Regulation Warm-Up

Instructions: Think about your day at school. What is one thing you like to do during "free time" or "unstructured time" (like recess, lunch, or when you finish work early)?

Write or draw your answer below!





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lenny

Activity

Self-Regulation Scenarios Activity

Instructions: Read each scenario. Discuss with your partner or group which "Self-Regulation Superpower" (Take 3 Deep Breaths, Find a Quiet Spot, Ask for Help) you could use to manage the situation. Explain why.

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## Scenario 1: Recess Rumble
You are playing kickball at recess. Two kids start arguing loudly about a call, and their yelling is making you feel anxious and annoyed. You want to keep playing, but the noise is too much.

Which Self-Regulation Superpower would you use and why?











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## Scenario 2: Lunchroom Chaos
It's lunchtime, and the cafeteria is super loud. Everyone is talking, laughing, and scraping chairs. You're trying to eat your lunch, but the noise and commotion are making it hard to focus and you feel overwhelmed.

Which Self-Regulation Superpower would you use and why?











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## Scenario 3: Group Work Trouble
Your teacher assigned group work, and you're supposed to be building a model. One of your group members keeps taking all the supplies and isn't listening to anyone else's ideas. You feel frustrated and like you're not being heard.

Which Self-Regulation Superpower would you use and why?











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lenny

Worksheet

My Self-Regulation Plan

Instructions: Think about an unstructured time at school that is sometimes tricky for you. Then, choose one "Self-Regulation Superpower" you will try to use next time.

1. The tricky unstructured time for me is:





2. The Self-Regulation Superpower I will try to use is:

* □ Take 3 Deep Breaths 🧘
* □ Find a Quiet Spot 🤫
* □ Ask for Help 🗣️

3. How will this superpower help me in that situation?











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lenny

Cool Down

Self-Regulation Cool Down

Instructions: On your way out, write down one self-regulation strategy you learned today that you will try to use during unstructured time.

One strategy I will try is:





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lenny