Stop Think Act Lesson Plan Stop, Think, Act!
Tier 1 Impulse Control Lesson Plan
3rd Grade 30 Minutes Tier 1 SEL
Why This Lesson?
Learning to control impulses and manage aggression is crucial for students' social-emotional development and creates a more positive learning environment for everyone. This lesson provides practical tools for students to use in real-life situations, specifically designed to help boys navigate big emotions and high-energy moments.
Objectives
Students will be able to identify triggers for impulsive and aggressive behaviors and practice the 'Stop, Think, Act' strategy to manage their reactions.
Materials
Stop, Think, Act! Slide Deck
Impulse Control Scenarios Activity
Reflection Worksheet
Projector & Computer
Preparation
• Review the Slide Deck for familiarity.
• Print copies of the Scenarios Activity (one per small group).
• Print copies of the Reflection Worksheet (one per student).
• Arrange desks for small group work (2-3 students).
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Lesson Steps
1. Introduction: What's the Rush?
5 Minutes
Begin with a quick warm-up question: "Has anyone ever done something quickly without thinking and wished they hadn't? What happened?"
Introduce the topic: "Today, we're going to learn a superpower called 'Stop, Think, Act!' to help us make better choices, especially when we feel big emotions like anger or frustration."
Use Slide Deck (Slides 1-2) .
2. Understanding Stop, Think, Act!
10 Minutes
Explain each step using Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) :
STOP
Freeze! Take a deep breath.
THINK
What are my choices? What might happen?
ACT
Choose the best option.
Model: "Imagine someone bumps into you in the hallway." Guide through choices (push back, yell, say 'excuse me') and consequences.
3. Scenario Practice Activity
10 Minutes
Divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
Distribute the Impulse Control Scenarios Activity .
Instruct groups to apply the strategy to each scenario, discussing choices and consequences.
Circulate and provide support. Encourage diverse perspectives on "the best choice."
Whole-class debrief: Share one scenario and its solution.
4. Wrap-Up and Reflection
5 Minutes
Distribute the Reflection Worksheet .
Students complete individually, reflecting on personal application.
Reinforce the superpower concept: "Remember, 'Stop, Think, Act!' is your personal superpower!"
Use Slide Deck (Slide 7) .
Stop Think Act Slides Welcome!
Ever Acted Too Fast?
Today, we're learning a superpower to help us make great choices!
Teacher Note: Welcome students. Ask the warm-up question: "Has anyone ever done something quickly without thinking and wished they hadn't? What happened?"
Your New Superpower:
Stop, Think, Act!
A strategy to help you make smart choices when you feel strong emotions like anger, frustration, or excitement.
Teacher Note: Emphasize that it's a tool for everyone, especially when feelings get big.
Step 1: STOP!
This gives your brain time to catch up!
Teacher Note: Have students physically practice 'stopping' and taking a deep breath.
Step 2: THINK!
Ask yourself:
What are my choices?
Is this a safe choice?
What could happen?
Is this a kind choice?
Teacher Note: Ask students to think about different choices in a simple scenario (e.g., finding a dropped pencil).
Step 3: ACT!
Choose the best option you thought of.
Do what you decided was safe, kind, and smart.
Feel proud of your thoughtful choice!
Teacher Note: Reinforce choosing the 'best' option after careful thought.
Let's Practice Together!
Scenario
"Someone accidentally bumps your arm and makes you drop your favorite book."
STOP!
Breathe.
THINK!
Choices?
ACT!
Smart Way.
Teacher Note: Guide them through specific choices: yelling vs pushing vs saying "excuse me".
Your Superpower Awaits!
Remember, Stop, Think, Act! is your personal superpower. Use it whenever you feel like reacting too quickly, and you'll make great choices!
Final Word: Summarize and remind them: It takes practice!
Impulse Control Scenarios Activity Impulse Control Scenarios
Using the Stop, Think, Act! Strategy
Group Members: ________________________________________________
Date: ____________
Instructions: Read each scenario with your group. Discuss how the character could use the "Stop, Think, Act!" strategy. Work together to write down what they would do for each step.
1 The Cut-Off
"You are walking to the water fountain, and another student suddenly runs in front of you, cutting you off. You feel a surge of anger and want to push them back."
STOP! (What should they do first?)
THINK! (Choices? Consequences?)
ACT! (What is the best choice?)
2 The Blocked View
"During carpet time, the student in front of you keeps leaning over, blocking your view of the teacher and the board. You feel frustrated and want to yell at them to move."
STOP!
THINK!
ACT!
3 The Broken Toy
"During free play, you see another student accidentally step on and break a toy you were just about to play with. You feel really mad and want to grab the toy away from them."
STOP!
THINK!
ACT!
4 The Game Disagreement
"You are playing a game with friends, and someone says you cheated. You know you didn't, and you feel yourself getting very upset and wanting to argue loudly."
STOP!
THINK!
ACT!
Stop Think Act Reflection Worksheet My Stop, Think, Act! Superpower
Reflection Worksheet
Name:
Date:
1 What does "Stop, Think, Act!" mean to you in your own words?
2 Why is it important to STOP before you react, especially when you feel angry?
3 Think about a time when you acted quickly and wished you had thought first. What happened? How could "Stop, Think, Act!" have helped?
4 How can you use this at school this week?
5 How can you use this at home this week? Stop Think Act Script Instructional Resource
Stop, Think, Act! Script
A Facilitation Guide for 3rd Grade SEL
Part 1: Introduction
5 Minutes
Visual Cue: Display Slide 1
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important that helps us make really smart choices, especially when our feelings get big, like when we're angry or frustrated. Has anyone ever done something quickly without thinking and then wished they hadn't? Maybe you said something you didn't mean, or reacted without planning?"
Facilitation Note:
Allow a few students to share brief, appropriate examples. Validate their experiences with phrases like, "I've definitely been there too" or "Thank you for sharing that honest moment."
"It happens to all of us! Sometimes, our brains react super fast, almost like a reflex. But what if we could learn a superpower to slow down just a little bit and make sure we're making the best choices? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're going to learn about exactly that. It's called 'Stop, Think, Act!'"
Visual Cue: Move to Slide 2
"'Stop, Think, Act!' is a strategy to help you make smart choices when you feel strong emotions. It's like having a special button in your brain that helps you pause and choose wisely."
Part 2: The Steps
10 Minutes
"Let's break down this superpower into three easy steps."
STOP Visual Cue: Slide 3
"The first step is STOP! When you feel yourself getting angry, frustrated, or even too excited, your brain might want to react right away. But that's when you use your superpower: STOP! This means you literally freeze for a second. Take a deep breath. You can even count to three in your head. Why do you think stopping is important?"
Wait for responses (calm down, think, avoid trouble).
THINK Visual Cue: Slide 4
"Next comes THINK! This is where you ask yourself some important questions:"
What are my choices right now?
What could happen if I choose _____?
Is this a safe choice?
Is this a kind choice?
ACT Visual Cue: Slide 5
"Finally, the last step is ACT! Choose the best option you thought of. Do what you decided was safe, kind, and smart. And when you do, you can feel proud that you made a thoughtful choice instead of a quick reaction."
Part 3: Activity & Wrap-Up
15 Minutes
Practice Activity (10m):
"Now, it's your turn to practice! In your small groups, read the scenarios on your worksheet. Discuss how the person in the story could use 'Stop, Think, Act!' Write down what you would do for each step."
Impulse Control Scenarios Answer Key Teacher Reference
Impulse Control Scenarios: Answer Key
Sample responses for the "Stop, Think, Act!" activity.
Scenario 1: The Cut-Off Sample Solution
STOP
Freeze. Take a deep breath. Don't push. Say "Whoa!" or nothing at all while counting to 3.
THINK
Choices: 1) Push them (consequence: I get in trouble, someone gets hurt). 2) Yell (consequence: they might yell back, teacher hears me). 3) Wait a second and keep walking (consequence: I stay calm, no trouble).
ACT
Wait a second, let them go, and continue to the water fountain calmly.
Scenario 2: The Blocked View Sample Solution
STOP
Stop myself from yelling. Close my eyes for a second and take a breath.
THINK
Choices: 1) Yell "Move!" (consequence: teacher gets mad at me for interrupting). 2) Tap them on the shoulder nicely. 3) Shift my body to see better.
ACT
Gently tap the student or whisper, "Can you please lean the other way? I can't see the board."
Scenario 3: The Broken Toy Sample Solution
STOP
Keep my hands to myself. Take a big "superhero breath" to stay cool.
THINK
Choices: 1) Grab it and scream (consequence: fight starts). 2) Tell a teacher. 3) Ask if they can help me fix it.
ACT
Tell the student, "That was my favorite toy. Can you help me fix it or tell the teacher it was an accident?"
Scenario 4: The Game Disagreement Sample Solution
STOP
Zip my lips. Count backwards from 5 in my head.
THINK
Choices: 1) Argue and quit (consequence: game ends, friends are upset). 2) Suggest a "do-over" or check the rules. 3) Take a break from the game.
ACT
Say calmly, "I didn't mean to cheat. Let's look at the rules or just redo that turn."
