Think Before You Act Lesson Plan Think Before You Act
Impulse Control Heroes • Tier 2 Small Group
Duration 30 min
Why This Matters
Developing impulse control helps students make better decisions, improve their relationships, and succeed in their learning environment. This lesson provides practical tools for everyday situations.
Objective
Students will learn to identify their impulses and practice strategies to pause, think, and choose a more appropriate action.
Preparation Steps
Review the Think Before You Act Lesson Plan and all supporting materials.
Print copies of the "My Moment of Pause Journal" for each student.
Prepare to project the "Stop & Go Signals Slide Deck".
Gather small tokens or stickers for game rewards.
Materials
• Stop & Go Signals (slides)
• Impulse Island Adventure (game)
• My Moment of Pause (journal)
Lesson Flow
5
Intro: What's an Impulse?
Begin by asking students: "Have you ever done something without really thinking first? What happened?"
Introduce the concept of an **impulse**: a quick feeling or urge to do something without planning.
Explain that today they will become "Impulse Control Heroes" by learning how to pause and think.
7
Understanding Stop & Go Signals
Present the **Stop & Go Signals Slide Deck**.
Discuss **"Stop" signals** (physical clues): racing heart, clenched hands, urge to yell.
Discuss **"Go" signals** (strategies): deep breaths, counting to three, thinking of consequences.
Engage students with school-day examples: blurting out, grabbing a toy, or cutting in line.
10
Impulse Island Adventure Game
Introduce the **Impulse Island Adventure Game**.
**Rules:** Students encounter scenarios and must use their "Stop & Go Signals" to choose correctly.
Facilitate the game, providing encouragement and guidance as they work through the decision-making process for each card. Successful choices earn tokens/gems.
5
My Moment of Pause Reflection
Distribute the **My Moment of Pause Journal**.
Instruct students to write or draw about a time they used a "Stop & Go Signal" or a time they wish they had.
Encourage sharing to build group empathy and connection.
3
Wrap-up and Hero Badges
Recap the main strategies: **Stop, Think, Choose**.
Congratulate students on being Impulse Control Heroes.
Distribute small badges or stickers to celebrate their work today.
Stop & Go Signals Slides Impulse Control Heroes
Are you ready to level up?
Today's Mission
1
**Pause** when you feel a strong urge.
2
**Think** about what to do next.
3
**Choose** the best action!
What's an Impulse?
It's a strong, sudden feeling or urge to do something without thinking first!
Examples:
Wanting to grab the last cookie.
Yelling out an answer in class.
Pushing ahead in line.
STOP! Recognize Your Impulse
Your body gives you clues before you act!
Red Light Feelings:
Heart beating fast?
Feeling super hot or mad?
Hands clenched?
STOP!
GO! What's Your Plan?
GO!
Once you stop, you can choose to GO in a good direction!
Take 3 Deep Breaths
Count to 5 (or 10!)
Think of the consequences
Ask for help
Let's Practice!
Scenario 1: The Broken Tower
You're playing a game, and your friend accidentally knocks over your tower.
STOP
What does your body feel right now?
GO
What can you do instead of yelling?
Let's Practice!
Scenario 2: The Exciting Answer
The teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You feel like you HAVE to shout it out!
STOP
What does your body tell you?
GO
How can you share your answer appropriately?
You Are Impulse Control Heroes!
1
STOP
2
THINK
3
CHOOSE
Keep practicing, and change the world one choice at a time!
Impulse Island Adventure Game Worksheet Impulse Island Adventure
Navigate Your Choices!
Name:
Date:
How to Play
Listen to the scenario card. Identify your STOP signal (body clue) and your GO strategy (action). Earn an Impulse Control Gem for every successful choice!
Scenario 1: The Chatterbox Classroom
The teacher is giving instructions for a fun art project, and your friend starts whispering silly jokes. You really want to laugh and whisper back!
STOP Signal (Body Clue)
GO Strategy (Choice)
Scenario 2: The Line Jumper
You are lined up for recess, and someone pushes past you to get to the front. You feel a surge of anger and want to push them back!
STOP Signal (Body Clue)
GO Strategy (Choice)
Scenario 3: The Broken Promise
A classmate promised to work with you during free time, but they choose someone else instead. You want to loudly tell them they are mean!
STOP Signal (Body Clue)
GO Strategy (Choice)
Scenario 4: The Exciting Answer
The teacher asks a question, and you know the answer! You feel so excited you want to shout it out right away!
STOP Signal (Body Clue)
GO Strategy (Choice)
Scenario 5: The Unfair Game
You are playing a game and think another student cheated. You feel frustrated and want to accuse them loudly.
STOP Signal (Body Clue)
GO Strategy (Choice)
Island Hero Gem Tracker
Collect them all to complete the mission!
My Moment of Pause Journal My Moment of Pause
Impulse Control Hero Journal
Hero Name:
Date:
1
My Impulse Superpower
Think about a time recently when you felt an impulse – a strong urge to do something without thinking. What was it? How did it feel in your body? What did you do to STOP yourself?
2
My Go-To Strategy
What is one "GO" strategy that works best for you when you need to pause and think? (Examples: deep breaths, counting, thinking of consequences). Describe how you use it.
3
Hero in Action
Imagine a future situation where you might feel a strong impulse (like a hard group project). How will you use your Stop & Go Signals to be a Hero in that moment?
My Impulse Control Shield
Draw your shield here!
Use symbols, colors, or words that show your strength in pausing, thinking, and choosing.
Stay Strong • Think First • Choose Well
