Pause Power Teacher Guide Pause Power Teacher Guide
Impulse Control & Self-Regulation (Grades 3-5)
Duration: 45-60 mins
Setting: Whole Class / Small Group
Learning Objectives
Define impulsivity and identify physical "warning signs" in the body.
Apply the Stop-Think-Act framework to social scenarios.
Select and practice self-regulation "Pause Power" techniques.
Required Materials
Pause Power Lesson Slides & Anchor Chart
Cool Down Cards & Activity Pack
Crayons or colored pencils for Shield coloring
Scenario Showdown Worksheet
Lesson Procedure
1. The Hook: The Human Remote (5-10 mins)
Use the Human Remote metaphor to explain impulse control. "Sometimes our brains get stuck on Fast Forward. We need to find our internal Pause Button."
2. Direct Instruction: Stop-Think-Act (15 mins)
Introduce the Stop-Think-Act strategy using the slides and Anchor Chart . Model identifying body signals (clenched fists, fast heart) that tell us it's time to hit "Pause."
3. Guided Practice: Scenarios & Matching (15 mins)
Navigate through the discussion slides. Use Think-Pair-Share for the Losing a Game scenario. Project the Matching Practice slide and have the class help you pair Urges with Smart Moves.
4. Independent Application (15-20 mins)
Distribute the Pause Power Activity Pack .
Part 1: Students complete the Impulse Matching page.Part 2: Students design their Pause Power Shield , selecting and coloring sections that represent their favorite self-regulation moves.
Closing & Review
Invite students to share one strategy they included on their shield. Hand out the Cool Down Cards for students to keep at their desks as a portable reminder of their "Pause Power."
Pause Power Slides Pause Power
Learning to find your internal "remote control" and master your impulses.
Stop
Think
Act
What is an Impulse?
An Impulse is a sudden "urge" to do or say something without thinking about it first.
It feels like:
A "fast" feeling in your body
Butterflies in your stomach
Feeling like you might "pop"
Brain on Autopilot
Think-Pair-Share
"You're playing a game and someone else wins. You feel like yelling 'THAT'S NOT FAIR!'"
🤔
THINK
Where do you feel that urge in your body?
💬
PAIR
What happens if you yell? What happens if you pause?
✋
SHARE
What is one "Cool Down" you could use?
The Pause Power Strategy
STOP
Freeze! Don't move or speak. Count to 5 in your head.
THINK
Ask: "What will happen next if I do this?"
ACT
Choose the best choice for your goals.
What would YOU do?
"Your teacher is talking, and you suddenly remember something REALLY funny that happened at lunch. You want to blurt it out!"
Body Check:
How does your body feel when you have a "blurt out" impulse? Is it hard to keep the words in?
Ready to practice?
We are going to use our Cool Down Cards to find the best strategies for different situations!
1
Pick a Scenario
2
Pick a Strategy
3
Try it Out!
Pause Power Anchor Chart PAUSE POWER
MY BRAIN'S REMOTE CONTROL
1. STOP
Freeze! When you feel an urge, don't move. Count to 5.
Urge Warning!
2. THINK
Ask your brain: "What will happen next if I do this?"
Pick a Calm Strategy
3. ACT
Pick the Best Choice. Be proud of your self-control!
Mission Accomplished
Check Your Body Signs
Fast Heartbeat
Hot Face
Clenched Fists
Heavy Breathing
Cool Down Cards Cool Down Cards
Cut these cards out and keep them at your desk or in your pocket for when you need Pause Power!
Star Breathing
Trace a star in the air. Breathe IN as you go up, and OUT as you go down each point.
The Slow Count
Close your eyes. Count slowly from 1 to 10. Imagine each number changing color in your mind.
Turtle Shell
Tuck your chin, cross your arms, and take 3 deep breaths inside your "invisible shell" until the urge passes.
Desk Press
Press your palms together or flat on your desk as hard as you can for 5 seconds. Then let go and feel the relax.
Brain Talk
Whisper to yourself:
Sense Check
Name 3 things you can see, 2 things you can hear, and 1 thing you can touch right now.
Impulse Control Technique Cards © Pause Power Series
Scenario Showdown Worksheet Scenario Showdown
Name:
Date:
Instructions: Read the scenarios below. Use your Pause Power (Stop, Think, Act) to decide how to handle each impulse!
1
The Hallway Urge
"You are walking in a quiet line in the hallway. You see your best friend from another class walking the other way. You want to jump out of line and give them a high-five!"
STOP: How does your body feel? (Circle one or write)
Jumpy Fast Heart Wiggly Hands
THINK: What might happen?
ACT: My Best Choice
2
The Tech Temptation
"The teacher says it's time to close your laptop and listen. But you are just seconds away from beating a level in your favorite game. You want to keep playing!"
1. STOP
Pick a Cool Down Card technique:
2. THINK
Why should I pause?
3. ACT
What is my smart move?
My Pause Power Goal
One time I am going to practice my Pause Power this week is:
"I am the boss of my brain!"
Pause Power Lesson Slides Pause Power
Lesson Presentation
Mastering Impulse Control & Self-Regulation
Today's Goals
1
Identify impulses and body warning signs.
2
Practice the Stop-Think-Act strategy.
3
Create your own Pause Power Shield.
Ever wish you had a Rewind Button?
Sometimes our brains get stuck on FAST FORWARD. Today we're finding our internal PAUSE BUTTON.
Body Warning Signs
Before an impulse, your body gives you clues:
Fast Heartbeat
Hot Face or Sweaty Hands
Tight Fists or Body Tension
The Power Strategy
STOP
Freeze the urge!
THINK
What happens next?
ACT
Choose the
Think-Pair-Share
"Someone else wins a game. You feel like yelling NOT FAIR!"
Brain Check:
Where is the urge? Head? Heart? Hands? Tummy?
Try a Strategy:
Try "Star Breathing" or whispering "I am in control."
Matching Practice
The Urge
1. You want to run in class.
2. You want a friend's toy.
The Smart Move
A. Stop and ask politely.
B. Walk slowly and count.
Which ones match? Tell a partner! (1→B, 2→A)
Your Mission
Complete Impulse Matching
Design your Power Shield
Be a Boss of your Brain!
Time to Create!
Pause Power Hero!
Use your cards, check your chart, and always hit PAUSE before you PLAY.
STOP
THINK
ACT
Pause Power Activity Pack Impulse Matching
Draw a line from the Urge to the best Pause Power Solution.
Name:
The Urge
You see a cool toy and want to grab it.
Math is frustrating and you want to quit.
You have a lot of energy and want to run.
Someone bumps you in the hallway.
The Smart Move
"Star Breath" and try one more time.
"Stop" and ask politely to see it.
Take a deep breath and say, "That's okay!"
Walk slowly and count each step.
Reflect:
Which urge is the hardest for you to Pause? Why?
My Pause Power Shield
Color your shield and fill in your strategies below.
STOP
How will you freeze your body?
THINK
What question will you ask?
COOL DOWN
Your favorite technique:
Bonus: Color the STOP section RED, the THINK section BLUE, and the COOL DOWN section GREEN!
The Human Remote
Color the Pause Button and decorate your remote control!
PAUSE
Vol +
Vol -
STOP
Hit the Pause Button!
"I press my Pause Button when I feel..."
The Boss of My Brain
Color the crown and jewels to celebrate your self-control!
I Am in Control!
My Brain • My Body • My Choices
My Superpower:
Why I'm a Boss:
School Success Matching Worksheet School Success Matching
Master your "Pause Power" in every part of the school day!
Name:
Date:
Instructions: School is full of "Fast Forward" moments! Draw a line from the School Urge to the Smart Move that uses your Pause Power.
School Urge
You know the answer and want to yell it out right now!
Location: Classroom
You are in the library and see a book your friend has.
Location: Library
Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
Location: Cafeteria
You see your friend across the gym and want to scream their name.
Location: Gym
Smart Move
Wait for the person to finish, then ask "Can I see that next?"
Strategy: THINK
Take a deep breath and tell a teacher or use your words calmly.
Strategy: ACT
Raise your hand and wait for your teacher to call your name.
Strategy: STOP
Give them a big wave with your hand instead of using your voice.
Strategy: COOL DOWN
Bonus Challenge:
Think of one time today you used your Pause Power at school. What happened?
Pause Power Quiz Pause Power Quiz
Impulse Control & Self-Regulation Check-In
Score:
/ 10
Name:
Date:
1. What is an impulse?
A careful plan you make for the future.
A sudden urge to do something without thinking first.
A rule that your teacher makes for the classroom.
2. Which of these are body signs that you might have an impulse? (Check all that apply)
Fast heartbeat
Feeling sleepy
Tight or "fisty" hands
Face feeling hot
3. Put the steps of Pause Power in the correct order (1, 2, 3):
THINK
--- Ask yourself: "What happens if I do this?"
STOP
--- Freeze your body and count to 5.
ACT
--- Choose the smartest and best choice.
4. Scenario: You are at your desk and want to tap your pencil loudly while others are working.
How would you use your Pause Power?
My "Think" Question:
My "Smart Move":
Pause Power Quiz • Self-Regulation Champions
School Power Quiz Elementary School Power Quiz
Impulse Control at School
Score:
/ 10
Name:
Date:
1. In the classroom, you have a really funny joke to tell while the teacher is teaching. What is the STOP step?
Tell the joke quietly to your neighbor.
Freeze your body, take a deep breath, and wait.
Write the joke on a piece of paper and pass it.
2. Which of these body signs tell you that you are about to have an impulse? (Circle all that apply)
Tight, clenched fists
Fast, heavy breathing
Feeling calm and quiet
Heart beating quickly
3. During the THINK step, what is the best question to ask your brain?
"How fast can I do this?"
"What will happen next if I do this urge?"
"Is anyone looking at me?"
4. You are in the cafeteria and someone accidentally bumps your tray. What is a Smart Move (ACT)?
Write your best choice here:
Which Cool Down technique would help you stay calm?
School Power Quiz • Elementary Success Series
