Lesson Plan

Stop and Think Lesson Plan

Students will learn to pause, recognize feelings, and make thoughtful choices by practicing the “Stop and Think” strategy through stories, interactive games, and reflection activities.

Developing self-control early helps children manage emotions, improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and make positive choices in and out of the classroom.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

10 minutes

Step 2

Story Time

15 minutes

Step 3

Interactive Spinner Game

20 minutes

Step 4

Guided Reflection

15 minutes

Step 5

Self-Control Challenge Game

20 minutes

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Closing

10 minutes

Slide Deck

Stop and Think

Welcome students to the lesson. Explain that self-control helps us feel calm and make smart choices. Introduce the three steps: Stop (hands up), Think (tap head), Choose (point).

Warm-Up: Feelings & Breathing

Point to each emotion face and ask students to name or mimic them. Lead the breathing: demo inhaling and exhaling twice. Encourage kids to place hands on belly.

Story Time: Practice Stop–Think–Choose

Show one card at a time. Pause and ask open questions. Model the gestures: Stop (raise hands), Think (tap head), Choose (give thumbs up). Praise answers.

Game Time: Spinner Scenarios

Demonstrate spinning the spinner. When a scenario appears, ask a volunteer to role-play. Encourage classmates to praise, ‘Good job stopping!’ or ‘Nice thinking!’

Reflection: Draw & Share

Hand out sheets and crayons. Walk around to ask guiding questions: ‘What did you feel? What did you do to calm down?’ Invite a few students to share.

Challenge Game: Freeze Dance

Play upbeat music. After random intervals, pause the music. Prompt students to freeze and guide them through the breaths. Ask: ‘How did the breaths help you?’

Wrap-Up: Stop–Think–Choose

Review steps and ask a few students to share where they might use the strategy. Praise their ideas and remind them to practice at home and school. End with a cheer.

Lesson Plan

Stop and Think Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

Step 2

Story Time

Step 3

Interactive Spinner Game

Step 4

Guided Reflection

Step 5

Self-Control Challenge Game

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Closing

Slide Deck

Stop and Think

Warm-Up: Feelings & Breathing

Story Time: Practice Stop–Think–Choose

Game Time: Spinner Scenarios

Reflection: Draw & Share

Challenge Game: Freeze Dance

Wrap-Up: Stop–Think–Choose

Activity

Activity

Worksheet

Reading

Stop and Think

Alyssha Walker