Impulse Lab Facilitator Guide Impulse Lab Guide
6-Session Intervention Facilitator Notes
SEL Lab
Intervention Profile
Target Student: 2nd Grade Boy (ADHD)
Primary Goal: Physical impulse control & regulation
Format: 20-minute intensive coaching sessions
Theme: "The Impulse Lab" (Scientist/Technician)
Safety & Success
Focus on reinforcement over correction. Students with ADHD struggle with "now-thinking." We are building external supports (metaphors/visuals) that eventually become internal habits. Use movement in every session!
6-Session Roadmap
1
Body Signal Search
Identifying "warning signs" (tight fists, fast heart). Metaphor: The Engine Room.
2
The Pause Button
The "Freeze Frame" technique. Metaphor: The Brain Remote.
3
Emotion Detective
Social awareness. Reading faces/body language. Accident vs. Intent.
4
The Choice Path
Problem-solving: Stop, Think, Choose. Evaluating consequences.
5
Playground Pro
Role-playing recess conflicts. Fair Play rules & "Safe Hands" pledge.
6
Lab Legend Graduation
Review, celebration, and creating a "Success Map" for the future.
Session Deep Dives (1-3)
Session 1
Body Signal Search
0-3m: The Hook - Intro the "Brain Engine".
3-10m: Body Scan - Loose vs. Tight feeling.
10-15m: Worksheet - Color where "heat" is felt.
15-20m: Mission - Notice one signal today.
"Your body is a smoke alarm. If we listen to the 'Beep Beep' in our hands, we stay safe."
Session 2
The Pause Button
0-3m: Check-in on body signals.
3-10m: "Brain Remote" - The 3-second rule.
10-15m: PRACTICE - "Freeze Frame" breathing.
15-20m: Mission - Press Pause once at recess.
"The Pause Button buys you 3 seconds. 3 seconds is enough to change the game."
Session 3
Emotion Detective
0-3m: Review: Did the Pause Button work?
3-10m: The 3 Clues: Face, Body, Voice.
10-15m: Accident Test: Surprised vs. Angry.
15-20m: Mission: Detective Scan at recess.
"Look at their face before getting mad. Was it an accident or a mean move?"
Session Deep Dives (4-6)
Session 4
The Choice Path
0-3m: Reflection: Any accidents spotted?
3-10m: Stop-Think-Choose framework.
10-15m: Scenario Mapping: Path A vs. Path B.
15-20m: Mission: Use one "Smart Path" choice.
"Every trigger is a crossroads. One path leads to trouble, one leads to play."
Session 5
Playground Pro
0-3m: High-fives for smart choices.
3-12m: Role Play: "The Cut" or "The Loss".
12-17m: The Pro Pledge (Safe Hands).
17-20m: Mission: Be a Pro for one full recess.
"Pros don't push—they pause. Use your words to solve the game."
Session 6
Lab Legend Graduation
0-5m: Review all 4 Lab Tools.
5-12m: The Legend Oath & Map review.
12-20m: Graduation Ceremony & Certificate.
"A Lab Legend is the boss of their brain and the captain of their body."
Teacher's Note:
Carry the "Brain Remote" metaphor into the classroom. When Robert starts to escalate, a simple visual cue of pressing a pause button can trigger the practiced response without public correction.
Body Signals Slides Session 1
Impulse Lab
Body Signal Search
The Lab Mission
MISSION
Find the "Warning Signs" your body sends BEFORE you react.
WHY?
If you catch a signal early, you can stay in CONTROL.
How's Your Engine?
BLUE
Low Energy
Ready!
Focused Energy
Red
Warning!
Signal Search
Does your body feel...
Hot or Sweaty?
Fast Heartbeat?
Tight Fists?
Lab Technician Tip:
"If you feel a signal, your brain is telling you to SLOW DOWN."
Secret Mission
Today at recess, look for ONE BODY SIGNAL.
Report back to the lab next time!
Signal Spotter Worksheet Signal Spotter
Impulse Lab • Session 1
Lab Tech:
Date:
"Your body speaks to you. Are you listening?"
Where do you feel your "Hot Engine" signals?
Signal Map
Check your signals:
Fists get tight
Face feels hot
Fast breathing
Teeth grinding
Legs want to run
Technician Notes
What else do you feel when you're getting mad?
Today's Lab Secret Mission:
Notice your body at recess. Did you feel a signal?
Pause Button Slides Session 2
The Pause Button
Taking Control of the Remote
The Impulse Spark
An Impulse is like a spark. It happens FAST.
"I want to hit. I want to run. I want to yell."
Your Brain's Remote
PAUSE
The Pause Button buys you 3 SECONDS.
Lab Technique: The Freeze
1
Feel it
Notice the "Hot Signal" in your body.
2
Press it
Put your hands on your stomach and breathe.
3
Freeze it
Wait until your engine drops back to Green.
Game Time!
Let's practice the FREEZE FRAME in the Lab.
Wait for the Spark... then PRESS PAUSE!
Pause Power Practice Pause Power
Impulse Lab • Session 2
Level 2 Tech
Build Your Brain Remote
Power Pause
When you feel a SPARK (an impulse to hit or yell), imagine this remote in your pocket.
Practice The 3-Count:
1 Notice the Spark (The Impulse).
2 Press the Pause Button (Deep Breath).
3 Choose a "Lab Move" (Walk away).
Lab Training Scenarios
What do you do when...
Someone takes your ball at recess.
My Lab Move
You lose a game in Gym class.
My Lab Move
Someone says you can't play.
My Lab Move
Level 2 Achievement Unlocked!
"I can control my spark!"
Emotion Detective Slides Session 3
Emotion Detective
Reading the Playground Clues
Your New Superpower
THE SKILL
Looking at other people to see how they FEEL.
THE PROTECTION
It stops misunderstandings from turning into fights.
The Detective Scan
The Face
Eyes & Mouth
The Body
Hands & Shoulders
The Voice
Volume & Tone
Detective Challenge
Scenario: The Bump
Someone runs into you while playing tag. You fall down.
"The detective looks at their face before getting mad."
Accident?
They look surprised or say sorry.
Mean Move?
They are laughing or looking angry.
Field Mission
At recess, notice a friend's FACE CLUES.
Are they Red, Green, or Blue?
Detective Field Guide Worksheet Detective Field Guide
Impulse Lab • Session 3
Certified Detective
Clue Level 1: Face Scan
Angry
What do eyes do?
Sad
What does mouth do?
Ready
What do eyebrows do?
Clue Level 2: Body Clues
If their body looks like this...
Arms crossed tight
Turning away from me
It means they are...
The "On Purpose" Test
Accident Clues
• "Sorry!"
• Surprised face
• Looking worried
• Trying to help
On Purpose Clues
• Laughing
• Angry face
• Running away
• Looking mean
Assignment: Observe 1 person today.
Choice Path Slides Session 4
The Choice Path
Mapping Your Reaction
The Crossroads
Every time something happens, you have a CHOICE.
The Trigger
"He bumped me! He took my toy!"
❓
Path A or Path B?
One leads to trouble. One leads to play.
The Choice Tool
STOP
Press Pause
THINK
Is this an accident?
CHOOSE
Pick a smart move
Practice the Path
The Trigger
"I lost the game. I feel really mad!"
1
Breathe & Freeze
2
"It's just a game."
"Good game! Let's play again."
Path Pro
You are learning to be the BOSS of your choices!
Next time: The Playground Pro Challenge!
Choice Map Worksheet The Choice Map
Impulse Lab • Session 4
Decision Tech
A TRIGGER is like the start of a path. Where will you go?
Trigger 1: Someone bumps me.
START
The "Mad Path"
What happens to me?
The "Smart Path"
How can I keep playing?
Result
My Choice Path Checklist:
1. Stop & Breathe
2. Scan Clues
3. Choose Happy
"I am the boss of my path."
🚀
Playground Pro Slides Session 5
Playground Pro
Putting the Skills Together
Your Lab Kit
Signals
Know when you're getting hot.
Pause
Press the button before you move.
Detective
Is it an accident?
Pro Rule: Fair Play
We take turns.
We use our words.
We keep hands safe.
If the game gets hot...
Take a LAB BREAK.
The Pro Challenge
Scenario: The Cut
"You are waiting for the swing. Someone cuts in front of you. What do you do?"
Old Move
Push them off or yell.
Pro Move
"Hey, I was next! Please go behind me."
Pro Training: Recess
Today, stay HANDS SAFE the whole time.
You are ready for the Legend Graduation!
Playground Pro Checklist Worksheet Playground Pro Checklist
Impulse Lab • Session 5
Pro Level Status
My Pro Action Kit
1
Notice the Signals
2
Press the Pause Button
3
Read the Detective Clues
4
Pick a Choice Path
Playground Challenge Situations
You are playing a game and someone cheats.
My Pro Move:
Your friends want to play a different game than you.
My Pro Move:
Someone says "You're out!" in tag, but you weren't.
My Pro Move:
The Pro Pledge
"I am a Playground Pro. I use my words to solve problems. My hands stay safe."
Lab Legend Graduation Slides Final Session
Lab Legend
Graduation Day
Lab Report
Engine Control
Pause Power
Detective Vision
A Legend Is Born!
You have shown that you can be the BOSS of your brain and the CAPTAIN of your body.
The Legend Map
Feel It
Pause It
Check It
Stay
Pro!
The Lab Legend Oath
"I have the tools. I have the power. I am the master of my impulse hour!"
Ready to Play
Ready to Solve
GRADUATED
Certified Lab Legend
Lab Legend Certificate Impulse Lab Intervention Program
Lab Legend
Official Certification
This award is proudly presented to:
______________________
For mastering the powers of Body Signals, The Pause Button, Detective Clues, and choosing the Smart Path during every playground adventure.
Impulse Control
Body Awareness
Social Detective
Fair Play Pro
Chief Lab Technician
PRO
Date of Achievement
