Pause Power Slides
Self-Control Superpowers
Grades K–3
Skill of the Week
Pause Power!
How to Stop, Think, and Choose Before You Act!
🛑 1. PAUSE
💭 2. THINK
⭐ 3. CHOOSE
Who Is the Boss of You?
Big Idea
YOU Are the Boss!
Self-control means you decide what your hands, feet, and words do.
🎮
You hold the remote control to your own body!
Big Feelings Happen!
It is completely okay to feel mad, excited, or upset. Feelings are normal!
💡
Feelings are visitors. You choose how to respond!
Turn & Talk: What is one time you were proud of controlling your body or words?
Your 3-Step Superpower
The Pause Power Formula
🛑
Step 1
PAUSE
Freeze your body like a statue and take one slow, deep belly breath.
"Press Pause!"
💭
Step 2
THINK
Ask your brain: "What will happen next if I do this right now?"
"Check Your Brain!"
⭐
Step 3
CHOOSE
Pick a helpful, safe choice that makes things better for everyone.
"Press Play!"
🛑 Pause • 💭 Think • ⭐ Choose
Step 1 Deep Dive
Hit the Pause Button
Freeze & Breathe
Body Clues to Hit Pause:
💓 Heart starts beating fast
✊ Hands tighten into fists
🌋 Feeling like a volcano ready to erupt
How to Press Pause:
1 Freeze your hands and feet
2 Breathe in like smelling a flower (1-2-3-4)
3 Breathe out like blowing a bubble
Let's Try It Right Now!
Freeze... 3... 2... 1... Big slow breath!
Step 2 Deep Dive
Ask Your Brain Two Questions
Brain Power
Q1
"Is it Safe?"
Will this keep my body safe? Will it keep my friends and classroom safe?
If it is NOT safe, your brain says: STOP!
Q2
"Is it Helpful?"
Will this solve the problem, or will it make the problem bigger and harder?
If it hurts feelings, your brain says: TRY ANOTHER WAY!
Remember: Thinking takes just 3 seconds, but saves you from big regrets!
Step 3 Deep Dive
Choose a Helpful Action
Smart Moves
NO
Quick Reactions (Without Pausing)
- ❌ Yelling or calling names
- ❌ Snatching toys or pushing
- ❌ Throwing or stomping feet
YES
Helpful Choices (After Pausing)
- ✅ Use calm words: "I was using that."
- ✅ Ask a teacher or friend for help
- ✅ Take a break in the calm-down corner
Every time you make a helpful choice, your brain gets stronger!
Practice Time: Scenario 1
Class Discussion
🖍️
The Situation:
You are reaching for the bright red marker to finish your drawing. Another student quickly grabs it right out of the basket!
1. PAUSE 🛑
Keep hands to yourself. Take one deep breath.
2. THINK 💭
"If I yell or snatch it back, what happens next?"
3. CHOOSE ⭐
"Can I use red when you're done?" or pick another color.
What would YOU say to that friend?
Hands Up!
Practice Time: Scenario 2
Class Discussion
⚽
The Situation:
You are playing tag at recess. A classmate tags you, but you think they did not really touch you! You feel super frustrated.
1. PAUSE 🛑
Stop running. Drop your shoulders and exhale.
2. THINK 💭
"Is arguing worth losing game time with my friends?"
3. CHOOSE ⭐
Say: "Good tag! Now I am it!" and keep playing happily.
How does pausing keep recess fun?
Share Your Thoughts!
Daily Self-Control Pledge
I Have Pause Power!
🛑 When feelings get big, I will pause.
💭 Before I act, I will think.
⭐ Every single day, I will choose to be safe and kind!
Kind Words
Safe Hands
Helpful Choices