Lesson Plan

Pause and Think Session

Students will identify personal impulsive triggers, practice a structured three-step pause-and-plan strategy in varied scenarios, and reflect on their choices to enhance self-regulation.

Impulse control supports academic focus and positive interactions; targeted coaching empowers students to recognize urges, pause, and choose thoughtful responses.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Identify Triggers

10 minutes

Step 3

Teach Pause Strategy

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

5 minutes

Lesson Plan

Stop Think Go Plan

Students will learn and apply the Stop-Think-Go self-regulation model—using a Traffic Light Check and deep breathing—to pause before acting and choose thoughtful responses in real and hypothetical scenarios.

Building impulse-control skills helps students improve focus, decision-making, and social interactions. These strategies empower students to recognize urges, pause, and act consciously, reducing negative outcomes and boosting confidence.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Model Strategies

10 minutes

Step 3

Guided Practice

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Goal-Setting

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Stop-Think-Go: Self-Regulation Strategies

Welcome the student and introduce the session. Explain that today they will learn a three-step self-regulation tool called Stop-Think-Go.

Why Impulse Control Matters

Explain why impulse control matters in school and life. Connect regulation to better focus, decisions, and relationships.

Stop-Think-Go Model Overview

Introduce the three steps of the model. Provide a quick roadmap before diving in.

Step 1: Stop

Focus on Step 1: the pause. Reference the Traffic Light Check Chart to visualize the red light stop.

Traffic Light Check Chart

Show and name each color in the chart. Emphasize how each color guides our actions.

Step 2: Think

Introduce deep breathing and reflecting as part of thinking. Tie it to the yellow light in the chart.

Deep Breathing Guide

Guide the student through a breathing exercise. Encourage them to follow the steps out loud.

Step 3: Go

Explain choosing and acting intentionally. Link to the green light.

Model Scenario

Model the full sequence with a real-life example. Speak through each step aloud.

Practice Scenario 1

Present the first practice prompt. Encourage completion on the worksheet.

Practice Scenario 2

Guide the student through a different situation. Observe and prompt as needed.

Reflect on Your Practice

Have the student share what felt easy or hard. Foster discussion of their experience.

Set a Personal Goal

Help the student set a clear, achievable goal using the model in their daily life.

Your Toolkit

Remind the student of all the tools they can use after the session.

Great Work! Next Steps

Close the session with encouragement. Confirm next check-in and praise effort.

Lesson Plan

Pause and Think Session

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Identify Triggers

Step 3

Teach Pause Strategy

Step 4

Reflection and Closure

Lesson Plan

Stop Think Go Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

Step 1

Introduction

Step 2

Model Strategies

Step 3

Guided Practice

Step 4

Reflection and Goal-Setting

Slide Deck

Stop-Think-Go: Self-Regulation Strategies

Why Impulse Control Matters

Stop-Think-Go Model Overview

Step 1: Stop

Traffic Light Check Chart

Step 2: Think

Deep Breathing Guide

Step 3: Go

Model Scenario

Practice Scenario 1

Practice Scenario 2

Reflect on Your Practice

Set a Personal Goal

Your Toolkit

Great Work! Next Steps

Worksheet

Reading

Reading

Stop? Think! Go!

Lea Alcover