Lesson Plan
Pause Power Session 1
Introduce 'Pause Power' and teach students to use a simple stop-and-breathe technique to manage strong emotions. Students will learn to slow down before reacting and practice the pause skill.
Building early self-control helps children manage feelings, reduce impulsive actions, and supports a calm, focused classroom—vital for social and emotional growth.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Warm-Up
2 minutes
Step 2
Teach the Pause Power Technique
2 minutes
Step 3
Emotion Card Sharing
2 minutes
Step 4
Guided Pausing Practice
2 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet Activity and Closure
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Pause Power Session 1: Stop & Think!
Story Frame 1
Story Frame 2
Discussion
Our Pause Power Steps
Let’s Practice!
Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will learn what self-control means by listening to a short story about “Pause Power,” identify moments when characters use it, and be introduced to the simple Pause Power strategy to manage impulses.
Teaching self-control helps children calm big feelings, reduces impulsive actions, and builds a positive classroom where everyone can learn and play safely.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up
1 minute
Step 2
Story Time
3 minutes
Step 3
Story Discussion
2 minutes
Step 4
Teach Pause Power Steps
2 minutes
Step 5
Quick Practice Activity
2 minutes
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Reinforce Pause Power by applying it to turn-taking and sharing scenarios. Students will identify each step in Mia’s story and practice pausing before reacting in peer-sharing situations.
Repetition deepens understanding of self-control, supports positive peer interactions, and reduces conflicts during play.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Review
2 minutes
Step 2
Story Time
2 minutes
Step 3
Story Discussion
2 minutes
Step 4
Scenario Practice
2 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet & Closure
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Pause Power Session 2: Sharing & Turn-Taking
Story: Mia & the Swing
Discussion
Our Pause Power Steps
Let’s Practice!
Worksheet
Discussion
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will use Pause Power to manage impulses during classroom tasks, practicing stopping and thinking before starting an activity or when feeling distracted.
Applying self-control in everyday classroom situations helps students focus, complete tasks calmly, and reduces disruptive behaviors to support a productive learning environment.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Review
2 minutes
Step 2
Story Time
2 minutes
Step 3
Story Discussion
2 minutes
Step 4
Task Card Practice
2 minutes
Step 5
Worksheet & Closure
2 minutes
