Lesson Plan

Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will identify and practice pausing before acting through multiple quick, movement-based games and reflection, reinforcing impulse control in fun, active ways.

Short, varied games help students experience self-control in motion, making the skill memorable and transferable to real-life situations.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Control

5 minutes

Step 2

Pause and Plan Icebreaker

8 minutes

Step 3

Red Light, Green Light Freeze

3 minutes

Step 4

Impulse Control Tag

3 minutes

Step 5

Reflection Activity

8 minutes

Step 6

Closing and Wrap-Up

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 1

Welcome students warmly. Introduce yourself and the Control Commanders series. Emphasize that today’s focus is on understanding self-control and why it matters.

What Is Self-Control?

Define self-control in simple terms. Ask volunteers to restate the definition in their own words.

Why Self-Control Matters

Highlight each bullet and relate to students’ daily experiences (e.g., waiting your turn, resisting a dare).

Think About It

Have students turn to a partner or small group. Give them 2 minutes to share examples of times they acted without thinking.

Icebreaker: Pause and Plan

Explain rules clearly. Model one round with a volunteer before handing out icebreaker cards.

Icebreaker Example

Read this scenario aloud and invite students to pause and plan together. Use timer if helpful.

Reflection Activity

Distribute the Self-Control Reflection Worksheet. Circulate the room, ask prompting questions and encourage detail.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Bring everyone back together. Ask 2–3 volunteers to share one scenario and strategy. Preview next session.

Script

Activity

Game

Activity

Game

Lesson Plan

Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will identify personal emotional triggers and practice strategies to manage their reactions before they escalate.

Recognizing emotional triggers helps students anticipate feelings, maintain self-control, and make thoughtful decisions under pressure.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Emotional Triggers

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Emotion Thermometer Activity

8 minutes

Step 4

Feelings Charades Game

8 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Strategy Planning

5 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Wrap-Up

1 minute

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 2

Welcome back, Control Commanders! Introduce Session 2 and explain that today’s focus is on recognizing emotional triggers—what sparks strong feelings.

What Is an Emotional Trigger?

Define “emotional trigger” in simple terms. Give everyday examples and invite students to chime in.

Why Recognize Triggers?

Explain why knowing your triggers is a superpower for self‐control. Relate each bullet to real‐life scenarios.

Think About Your Triggers

Display chart paper. Ask students to think solo for 30 seconds, then share with a partner.

Emotion Thermometer

Walk through each step slowly, modeling how to rate feelings on the thermometer.

Game: Feelings Charades

Explain rules clearly: one actor per turn, teams guess trigger + feeling, then discuss intensity.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Summarize today’s learning and build excitement for Session 3 deep‐breathing skills.

Script

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to resolve conflicts peacefully by identifying common disagreements, practicing active listening, and using “I” statements through role-plays and guided discussion.

Conflict resolution skills empower students to handle disagreements constructively, strengthen peer relationships, and reduce classroom disruptions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Conflict

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Active Listening Demonstration

7 minutes

Step 4

Role-Play Conflict Resolution

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Strategy Planning

3 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Wrap-Up

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 3

Welcome, Control Commanders! Introduce Session 3: we’re diving into conflict resolution—learning how to turn disagreements into solutions.

What Is Conflict?

Define conflict and ground it in students’ experience.

Types of Conflict

List common types of school conflicts and record student examples.

Why Resolve Conflicts?

Explain why resolving conflicts is important for friendships and teamwork.

Active Listening & “I” Statements

Walk through each step: listen carefully, reflect, use “I” statements, propose solutions.

Role-Play Instructions

Guide students on how to role-play in small groups using scenario cards and conflict tools.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Summarize key steps and preview the next session’s teamwork focus.

Script

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will strengthen teamwork skills by completing cooperative challenges and a no-touch Marshmallow Tower building game that require communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Collaborative activities teach students to trust peers, share ideas, and work toward common goals—key skills for healthy relationships and classroom success.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Teamwork

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Cooperative Challenges

10 minutes

Step 4

Game: Marshmallow Tower Challenge

7 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Strategy Planning

3 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Wrap-Up

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 4

Welcome, Control Commanders! Introduce Session 4: we’re focusing on teamwork through cooperative challenges and creative problem-solving.

What Is Teamwork?

Define teamwork and connect to students’ experiences. Ask: “What does teamwork mean to you?”

Why Teamwork Matters

Discuss why teamwork matters in school and life. Invite examples.

Quick Pair Share

Explain the quick share and set a 1-minute timer.

Cooperative Challenges

Introduce cooperative challenges and review how to draw and rotate cards.

Game: Marshmallow Tower

Explain Marshmallow Tower rules step-by-step. Model one spaghetti/marshmallow connection.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Summarize today’s learning and preview next session.

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 5 Lesson Plan

Students will build self-confidence by identifying personal strengths, celebrating successes, and practicing positive feedback through interactive challenges and a “Compliment Catch” game.

Boosting self-confidence helps students trust their abilities, take on new challenges, and maintain motivation, supporting long-term self-management and decision-making.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Self-Confidence

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Strengths Inventory Activity

7 minutes

Step 4

Game: Compliment Catch

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Action Plan

3 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Wrap-Up

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 5

Welcome, Control Commanders! Today, we’ll explore how believing in yourself can help you overcome challenges and grow stronger.

What Is Self-Confidence?

Define self-confidence in simple terms and invite students to share examples.

Why Self-Confidence Matters

Explain why self-confidence matters: link to persistence, resilience, and positive self-image.

Think About It

Prompt discussion: pair up and share a personal strength.

Strengths Inventory

Introduce the Strengths Inventory activity with clear instructions.

Game: Compliment Catch

Explain Compliment Catch rules and model one round.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Summarize key learning and preview the next session on mindfulness.

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 6 Lesson Plan

Students will practice responsible decision-making by evaluating real-life dilemmas, predicting outcomes, and considering impacts of their choices.

Understanding consequences and thinking ahead helps students make ethical decisions, learn from outcomes, and build accountability.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Responsible Decisions

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Dilemma Discussion

8 minutes

Step 4

Game: Choice Corners

10 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Action Plan

3 minutes

Step 6

Closing & Wrap-Up

1 minute

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 6

Welcome back, Control Commanders! Today we’re focusing on making smart choices and understanding how our actions affect ourselves and others.

What Is Responsible Decision-Making?

Define responsible decision-making and emphasize thinking about values and consequences.

Why Responsible Decisions Matter

Discuss why it’s important to think ahead before deciding.

Think About It

Prompt students to reflect on a recent choice and its impact.

Dilemma Discussion

Explain how to use the dilemma cards to explore choices in pairs.

Game: Choice Corners

Introduce the Choice Corners game and model the process.

Key Takeaway & Next Session

Wrap up today’s learning and preview the final session.

Activity

Lesson Plan

Session 7 Lesson Plan

Students will review the six core self-management skills learned, demonstrate understanding through a fun Skill Bingo game, and set personal SMART goals to apply these skills moving forward.

Reinforcing and celebrating learned skills helps students internalize strategies, see their growth, and commit to using these tools in real-life situations.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Session Overview

5 minutes

Step 2

Quick Pair Share

3 minutes

Step 3

Game: Skill Bingo

12 minutes

Step 4

Reflection & Goal Setting

8 minutes

Step 5

Closing & Celebration

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Control Commanders: Session 7

Welcome, Control Commanders! Today we’re wrapping up by reviewing our core skills and planning how to use them every day.

Our Six Skills

Remind students of all six skills they’ve mastered so far.

Why These Skills Matter

Explain why these skills are important for school and life.

Think About It

Get students talking and reflecting before the game.

Game: Skill Bingo

Explain how to play Skill Bingo and model one square.

Goal-Setting Steps

Guide students through setting SMART goals based on their chosen skills.

Key Takeaway & Next Steps

Celebrate today’s achievements and encourage ongoing practice.