Lesson Plan

Cool Calm Choices Lesson Plan

Enable the student to recognize and manage impulses to hit, spit, or throw water by learning a traffic-light self-regulation strategy and practicing appropriate responses through structured role-play.

Students with autism often struggle with impulse control, which can lead to safety and social challenges. Teaching a clear, visual self-regulation strategy promotes independence, reduces behavioral incidents, and fosters positive interactions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Teaching the Traffic Light Strategy

8 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

Step 4

Self-Reflection and Assessment

5 minutes

Step 5

Closing and Reinforcement

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Cool Calm Choices

Greet the student warmly and introduce the session. Explain that today’s goal is learning cool, calm choices instead of hitting, spitting, or throwing water.

Session Objectives

Review each objective and check for understanding. Use simple language and pause for questions.

Understanding Impulses

Ask the student to think of times they felt upset or frustrated. Provide sentence starters if needed.

Traffic‐Light Strategy

Display the chart and point to each color. Model one example: e.g., feeling angry when teased = Red.

Sorting Scenarios

Show one scenario and sort it together. Then prompt the student to sort two more cards, asking “Why is this red/yellow/green?”

Role‐Play Practice

Guide the student through a 5‐second breathing break using the digital timer. Praise each green response and give a token.

Self‐Reflection

Offer a thumbs‐up/down or visual scale if the student has trouble with numbers. Record notes on prompts needed.

Closing & Takeaway

Congratulate the student and reinforce using the traffic-light steps next time. Hand over the stress ball and a small takeaway card.