Lesson Plan

Think-Then-Act Plan

Students will develop a personalized Think-Then-Act plan, practice spotting ‘pause points’ in real-life scenarios, and use an Impulse Log to track and reflect on their impulsive behaviors.

Impulse control supports better decision-making and peer interactions. Teaching students to pause and think helps them regulate emotions, reduce impulsive actions, and become more responsible in daily situations.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Co-Create Think-Then-Act Plan

10 minutes

Step 3

Scenario Practice (Red Light/Green Light Reflection)

10 minutes

Step 4

Impulse Log Introduction & Practice

10 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Goal Setting

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Think-Then-Act: Pause & Plan

Use a soft #ECDCCC background. Greet students and briefly introduce today’s focus: pausing before acting. Highlight the session title in the theme colors.

What is Impulse Control?

Switch to a #D1C3BF slide accent. Ask: “Can anyone think of an impulse they’ve had at school?” Record examples.

Step 1: Pause

Show a red traffic light graphic. Explain: “Pausing gives your brain time to think before reacting.” Ask: “What might your body feel when you need to pause?”

Step 2: Think

Use a yellow light image. Model aloud: “I’m feeling upset. My choices are… If I shout, then… If I walk away, then…”

Step 3: Act

Display a green traffic light. Invite students to share actions they’ve taken after pausing and thinking.

Co-Create Our Plan

Switch back to #B7ABA2 accent. Facilitate a discussion to fill in each step on chart paper.

Practice: Spot the Pause Point

Connect this slide to the upcoming Red Light/Green Light Reflection activity. Encourage students to explain their reasoning.

Ready to Pause & Plan

Remind students to use their [Impulse Log Worksheet](#impulse-log-worksheet) all week. Encourage them to set a goal.

Lesson Plan

Think-Then-Act Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Co-Create Think-Then-Act Plan

Step 3

Scenario Practice (Red Light/Green Light Reflection)

Step 4

Impulse Log Introduction & Practice

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Goal Setting

Slide Deck

Think-Then-Act: Pause & Plan

What is Impulse Control?

Step 1: Pause

Step 2: Think

Step 3: Act

Co-Create Our Plan

Practice: Spot the Pause Point

Ready to Pause & Plan

Activity

Worksheet

Impulse Control

Kate