Impulse Control Lesson Plan Control Your Impulses!
Lesson Plan • 2nd Grade SEL
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will understand the concept of impulse control, identify the difference between acting on impulse and making thoughtful decisions, and practice strategies for emotional regulation.
Materials Needed
Video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?
Impulse Control Presentation Slides
Printable Impulse Control Scenario Cards
Discussion Guide
Approach
Game-Based Learning, Active Learning
Prep Work
Print and cut the Scenario Cards. Queue up the video link in the presentation slides.
BRAIN POWER
Instructional Steps
5 min
Intro
1. The Spark
Greet students and introduce the topic of impulse control .
Ask: "Have you ever done something and immediately thought, 'Oops, I shouldn't have done that!'?"
Explain that learning to control impulses is like having a "remote control" for your brain.
7 min
Visual
2. Video Exploration
Introduce the video: Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?
Watch for: Mention of the "upstairs" vs. "downstairs" brain.Encourage students to look for strategies the characters use to stay calm.
5 min
Talk
3. Deep Dive Discussion
Lead a discussion about the brain's "upstairs" and "downstairs."
Ask what they learned about controlling emotions and impulses.
Review strategies: Deep breathing , counting to ten , and taking a pause .
10 min
Action
4. Impulse Control Game
Divide students into small groups.
Hand out the Scenario Cards .
Groups act out the "Impulse" (the fast reaction) and then the "Control" (using a strategy).
Rotate scenarios so everyone gets a chance to practice a "Control" strategy.
3 min
Wrap Up
5. Closure
"Your brain is a superpower! When you pause and think, you are the boss of your brain."
Encourage students to try one "Pause" strategy today at recess or lunch.
Impulse Control Presentation Slides Control Your Impulses!
Being the Boss of Your Brain
Ready to Play?
What is an Impulse?
An impulse is a feeling that tells you to act right now without thinking!
• Grabbing a toy
• Shouting out in class
• Running in the hall
It's like a rocket taking off before it's ready!
Let's Watch!
Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?
Click to Open Video
bpsk12.lennylearning.org/view/...
Look For:
The "Upstairs" and "Downstairs" brain.
Strategy:
How do they get back in control?
Who's in Charge?
Upstairs Brain
The "Thinker." It helps you solve problems and be kind.
"I can wait my turn!"
Downstairs Brain
The "Reactor." It handles feelings and keeps you safe.
"I WANT IT NOW!"
Brain Remote Controls
The Pause
Take 3 deep breaths before acting.
The Count
Count slowly to 10 in your head.
The Question
Ask: "Is this a good choice?"
Game Time!
The Impulse Control Game
1
Pick a scenario card with your group.
2
Act out the "FAST" reaction (Impulse).
3
Use a "Brain Remote" strategy.
4
Act out the "THOUGHTFUL" reaction.
Impulse Control Discussion Guide Discussion Guide
Impulse Control & Brain Power
Teacher Resource
"Facilitate a discussion to deepen students' understanding of impulse control and help them apply strategies to real-life situations. Use these prompts to spark reflection and critical thinking."
1 What did you learn from the video about controlling your impulses?
Look For & Facilitate:
The difference between the "Upstairs" (thinking) and "Downstairs" (feeling) brain.
Specific emotions that make it hard to control impulses (anger, excitement, frustration).
The concept of "flipping your lid" when the downstairs brain takes over.
Teacher Tip: Ask students to physically point to their foreheads (upstairs) and the base of their neck (downstairs) to reinforce the concept.
2 Can you think of a time when you acted on impulse and regretted it? What could you have done differently?
Encourage Reflection:
Guide students to reflect on the outcome of the impulsive action.
Help them identify the exact moment they could have used a "Pause" strategy.
Normalize mistakes! Emphasize that everyone acts on impulse sometimes—the goal is to practice getting better at catching it.
3 What are some strategies you can use to control your impulses?
Reinforce & Practice:
Deep Breathing
"Smell the flowers, blow out the candles."
Counting to 10
Gives the "Upstairs Brain" time to wake up.
Walking Away
Getting physical space from a trigger.
Thinking First
"What happens if I do this?"
Brain Boss Mission
Remind students: "Every time you choose to pause, your brain gets stronger. You are the boss of your own remote control!"
Impulse Control Scenario Cards Impulse Control Scenario Cards
Game: Act Out the "Impulse" vs. the "Control"
CUT ALONG DASHED LINES
SCENARIO #1
You see a toy you really want, but someone else is playing with it.
Fast Reaction (Impulse):
Grab the toy and run away!
Brain Boss Choice:
Ask, "Can I play when you're done?"
SCENARIO #2
Your friend says something that makes you mad.
Fast Reaction (Impulse):
Yell a mean word back at them.
Brain Boss Choice:
Count to 10 and say, "That hurt my feelings."
SCENARIO #3
You really want to run in the hallway, but you know it’s against the rules.
Fast Reaction (Impulse):
Zoom down the hall as fast as you can!
Brain Boss Choice:
Take 3 deep breaths and walk slowly.
SCENARIO #4
You're supposed to do homework, but you want to play a game instead.
Fast Reaction (Impulse):
Hide your homework and turn on the game.
Brain Boss Choice:
Set a timer for 10 minutes of homework first.
SCENARIO #5
Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
Fast Reaction (Impulse):
Push them back or shout "Hey!"
Brain Boss Choice:
Use a calm voice: "The line starts back there."
How to Play
Pick a card and read the scenario.
Show the Fast Reaction .
Press "PAUSE" (everyone freeze!).
Act out the Brain Boss Choice .
"Pause. Breathe. Be the Boss!"
