Inner Brakes Counselor Guide Tier 2 Counseling Session Plan • Grade 3
Inner Brakes: Impulse Control Protocol
30-Minute Targeted Skill Session • Focus: Executive Function & Emotional Regulation
FORMAT
1:1 Weekly Session
Core Objective
Identify physical triggers and apply a 3-step brake technique before reacting.
Target Skill
Inhibitory control, bodily self-monitoring, delay of gratification.
Materials
Student Activity Sheet, Desk Cue Cards, pencil, stopwatch/timer.
Evidence Base
Cognitive Behavioral Self-Instruction & Somatosensory Grounding.
Pacing Guide (30 Minutes Total)
00-05m
Check-in & The Speedometer Metaphor Hook & Rapport
Greet student warmly. Introduce the racecar engine vs. brake concept: "Your brain has a high-speed sports engine. Fast engines are awesome for soccer and math games, but every fast car needs world-class brakes so it doesn't crash into walls." Rate engine speed today (1-10).
05-12m
Unpacking the Warning Lights (Body Signals) Self-Awareness
Explore internal sensations right before an impulse takes over (blurting, grabbing, kicking desk). Guide student on Page 1 of the Activity: Map the 4 Body Alarms (racing heartbeat, clenched fists, bouncy feet, hot face). Counselor Script: "What is the very first telltale sign in your body that tells you an impulse is revving up?"
12-22m
The 3-Step Brake Routine & Live Simulation Skill Acquisition
Teach the 3-second brake: 1. STOP (plant two feet flat), 2. BREATHE (Box Breath / 3-second slow exhale), 3. CHOOSE (Ask: "Does this get me closer to recess or closer to trouble?"). Run 2 quick physical challenges (e.g., "Simon Says With a 2-Second Delay" or the "Pencil Drop Freeze").
22-27m
Building the Personal Coping Dashboard Generalization
Student selects 2 specific tactile or mental coping tools for their classroom toolbox (e.g., thumb-to-finger press, silent 5-count, desk grounding). Write one commitment pledge on Page 2 of the Activity sheet.
27-30m
Cue Card Setup & Confidence Rating Closure
Provide the pocket cue card. Practice where student will keep it (pencil case, desk corner, pocket). Close with a 1-to-5 confidence scale on using the brakes this afternoon.
Key Counseling Tip for 3rd Grade Impulse Control
Third graders frequently misinterpret impulsivity as being "bad" or "always in trouble." Frame impulse control as muscle training and brake maintenance , not a character flaw. Praise every instance of self-interruption—even when the student notices the impulse halfway through the action!
Clinical Guidance & Documentation
Roleplay Scenarios & Progress Tracker
Student: _______________
Date: _______________
4 High-Frequency Grade 3 Impulse Triggers for Roleplay
Scenario A: The Blurter Class Discussion
Trigger: Teacher asks a question about science. Student knows the exact answer and feels an instant urge to shout it out before being called on.
Brake Move: Press tongue to roof of mouth, write answer on desk scratchpad or lock fingers in lap.
Scenario B: The Line Cutter Transitions
Trigger: Class is lining up for gym. A peer steps right into the spot the student wanted. Urge to push or yell "I was there first!"
Brake Move: Step back 2 feet, plant sneaker heels into floor, take one deep "cool down" sigh.
Scenario C: The Speed Racer Independent Work
Trigger: Math worksheet handed out. Student rushes at lightning speed without reading directions, making careless calculation mistakes.
Brake Move: "Highlighter pause" — must highlight 3 key question words before pencil touches problem #1.
Scenario D: The Game Reaction Recess / Social
Trigger: Tag or Four Square call is contested. Student gets tagged out and feels instant rush of heat and urge to throw ball or argue.
Brake Move: Hands in pockets, 5-second reverse count, use scripted phrase: "Good play, I'll catch you next round."
Baseline & Session Competency Check (Counselor Rubric)
Competency Indicator
Emerging (1)
Developing (2)
Proficient / Independent (3)
1. Body Signal Awareness
Unaware of triggers
Identifies with prompts
Independently names >2 signals
2. Execution of 3-Step Brake
Reacts impulsively
Pauses when reminded
Applies pause during roleplay
3. Coping Tool Selection
Cannot name strategy
Selects 1 with guidance
Selects & models 2+ strategies
Counselor Session Observation & Next Steps Record direct behavioral observations during session
Teacher Touchpoint: Share chosen brake strategy with classroom teacher within 24 hours.
Next Scheduled Session: _______________
Inner Brakes Student Activity 🛑
My Inner Brakes
Mastering My Fast Brain & Making Smart Moves
Name:
Date:
🏎️
You Have a High-Speed Sports Car Brain!
Fast engines are awesome! But even the fastest racecar on the planet needs super-strong brakes to make tight turns and stay safe on the track. Today, you are training your inner brakes!
1 Spotting My Warning Lights (Body Signals)
Check all the clues your body gives you when an impulse starts:
🗣️ In My Mouth & Voice
Words feel like they want to blurt out Voice gets louder or faster Teeth or jaw feel tight
🖐️ In My Hands & Arms
Hands squeeze into fists Urge to touch, grab, or tap things Fingers feel tense and jumpy
💓 In My Chest & Heart
Heart thumping like a drum Breathing gets short and fast A warm rush of energy in my chest
👟 In My Legs & Body
Bouncing knee or kicking desk legs Can't sit still / want to bolt up Face or ears feel hot
2 How to Hit the Brake Pedal (The 3-Step Move)
Step 1
🛑
STOP
Freeze like a statue. Plant both sneakers flat on the floor. Hands in your lap.
Freeze the Action!
Step 2
🌬️
BREATHE
Inhale cool air through your nose for 3 seconds. Exhale slowly like cooling soup.
Cool the Engine!
Step 3
💡
CHOOSE
Ask yourself: "Will this choice help me or get me in trouble?" Then make a smart move.
Pick the Smart Route!
Counselor Practice Trial: Did I show all 3 steps during our pause challenge?
⭐ Yes, Nailed It! 🔄 Still Practicing
My Coping Dashboard • Grade 3
My Personal Cool-Down Toolbox
Toolbox Selection & Practice
3 Pick Your Top 2 Secret Brake Moves
Put a star ⭐ next to your 2 favorites:
🖐️ Quiet
Finger Press
Press thumb against each fingertip: 1, 2, 3, 4 while taking 1 deep breath.
🧱 Body
Desk Grounding
Push your palms down flat against your desk or knees. Feel the solid surface.
💬 Mind
Brave Self-Talk
Silently whisper in your head: "I am the boss of my body, not my impulse."
🐢 Quiet
Turtle Pause
Tuck chin to chest, roll shoulders up to ears, squeeze for 3 seconds, then drop and relax.
Inner Brakes Cue Cards Classroom Visual Cues & Take-Home Tools
Inner Brakes: Desk & Pocket Cue Cards
Cut along dashed lines ✂️
Printable Desk Anchor Strip Tape to top corner of classroom desk
🛑
My Inner Brakes
STOP • BREATHE • CHOOSE
1. Stop
Feet flat, freeze
➔
2. Breathe
Cool the engine
➔
3. Choose
Smart route
DRIVER
Grade 3
4 Pocket-Sized Strategy Cards Keep in pocket, binder, or pencil case
Card 1 • The 3-Step Brake 🛑
1 STOP: Plant feet flat, lock hands in lap.
2 BREATHE: Inhale 3s, slow cooling exhale.
3 CHOOSE: Make a choice I'm proud of.
"I pause for 3 seconds before I move!"
Card 2 • Finger Press 🖐️
Press your thumb firmly against each finger while counting silently in your mind:
1. Index
2. Middle
3. Ring
4. Pinky
"Quiet hands, focused mind."
Card 3 • Turbo Cool Breath 🌬️
Breathe In Nose: 1 - 2 - 3
Hold It Gentle: 1 - 2
Slow Mouth Out: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
"Like blowing warm soup to cool it down."
Card 4 • Self-Talk Shield 🛡️
When you feel the urge to react fast, tell yourself inside your thoughts:
"I am in the driver's seat. I control my hands and my words!"
"My brakes are stronger than my impulses."
My Weekly Brake Tracker (5-Day Challenge) Color a star or place a sticker each day you hit the brakes!
MONDAY
⭐
Brake Used
TUESDAY
⭐
Brake Used
WEDNESDAY
⭐
Brake Used
THURSDAY
⭐
Brake Used
FRIDAY
⭐
Brake Used
Show this completed tracker to your counselor at next week's session for your Driver's Badge! 🏅
Print on cardstock for durability • Laminate if desired
Inner Brakes Counseling Series • Grade 3 Tier 2 Resource
Inner Brakes Dashboard Craft Hands-On Counseling Craft • Page 1: Console Base
My Inner Brakes Dashboard
Driver:
Date:
✂️ How to build: Keep this sheet whole as your dashboard base. Cut out the needle and flaps from Page 2 to complete your interactive vehicle console!
Need: Scissors + Glue or Brad
Brain Speedometer Gauge 0 - 100 MPH
GREEN ZONE
🟢
Cruising & In Control
Calm body, ready to learn
YELLOW ZONE
🟡
Engine Revving
Fidgety, restless, heated
RED ZONE
🔴
Impulse Overdrive!
Urge to blurt, grab, bolt
⭕ ATTACH SPEED NEEDLE HERE: Push brass brad (or place paperclip) right through this center circle!
3-Step Brake Pedal Flap Bays Glue tabs from Page 2 into the grey boxes below
[ GLUE PEDAL 1 FLAP HERE ]
Underneath Flap 1:
When I feel impulsive, my body freezes:
Feet flat on floor!
[ GLUE PEDAL 2 FLAP HERE ]
Underneath Flap 2:
Cool down breath count:
Inhale 3 • Exhale 4!
[ GLUE PEDAL 3 FLAP HERE ]
Underneath Flap 3:
My smart pause question:
"Will this help me?"
Glove Compartment • My Active Strategy Badges Glue 2 favorite tokens from Page 2
+ Glue Badge 1 Here
+ Glue Badge 2 Here
Dashboard Base Sheet • Keep intact! Turn to Page 2 for cutouts ✂️
Hands-On Counseling Craft • Page 2: Cutout Parts
Dashboard Craft Cut-Out Sheet
✂️ Carefully cut along all dashed lines
Part A: Movable Speedometer Needle Punch small hole in circle and attach to Page 1
⭕ Pivot Hole
BRAIN SPEED ▶
Part B: 3-Step Brake Pedal Flip-Flaps Fold the top tab backward, add glue, stick on Page 1
Fold & Glue Tab [ 1 ]
🛑
PEDAL 1: STOP
"I freeze like a statue. My feet touch the ground."
Lift to View Secret
Fold & Glue Tab [ 2 ]
🌬️
PEDAL 2: BREATHE
"I take a slow cooling breath to drop my RPMs."
Lift to View Secret
Fold & Glue Tab [ 3 ]
💡
PEDAL 3: CHOOSE
"I choose the smart move that keeps me out of trouble."
Lift to View Secret