Lesson Plan

Traffic Light Coaching Plan

Students will learn to recognize impulses and use the traffic light metaphor—Red to stop, Yellow to think, Green to act—to self-monitor and choose appropriate responses in challenging moments.

This lesson gives second graders a simple visual framework to manage emotions and reduce impulsive behavior, supporting positive social interactions and academic readiness.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Greeting and Warm-Up

2 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Traffic Light Metaphor

3 minutes

Step 3

Identify Triggers

5 minutes

Step 4

Practice Response

5 minutes

Step 5

Track and Reflect

3 minutes

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Journal

2 minutes

Slide Deck

Red: Stop!

Display a bold red traffic light icon filling most of the slide. Encourage the student to call out “Red!” with enthusiasm. Emphasize taking a deep breath as you discuss.

Yellow: Think!

Show a large yellow light icon. Ask the student to tilt their head and think aloud. Guide them to brainstorm possible solutions.

Green: Go!

Feature a bright green circle. Have the student give a thumbs-up when they’re ready to move forward. Reinforce positive action.

Lesson Plan

Traffic Light Coaching Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

Step 1

Greeting and Warm-Up

Step 2

Introduce Traffic Light Metaphor

Step 3

Identify Triggers

Step 4

Practice Response

Step 5

Track and Reflect

Step 6

Wrap-Up and Journal

Slide Deck

Red: Stop!

Yellow: Think!

Green: Go!

Script

Worksheet

Journal

Traffic Light Technique

Jill Shannon