Lesson Plan
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Students will identify and practice pausing before acting through multiple quick, movement-based games and reflection, reinforcing impulse control in fun, active ways.
Short, varied games help students experience self-control in motion, making the skill memorable and transferable to real-life situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Self-Control
5 minutes
Step 2
Pause and Plan Icebreaker
8 minutes
Step 3
Red Light, Green Light Freeze
3 minutes
Step 4
Impulse Control Tag
3 minutes
Step 5
Reflection Activity
8 minutes
Step 6
Closing and Wrap-Up
3 minutes
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 1
What Is Self-Control?
Why Self-Control Matters
Think About It
Icebreaker: Pause and Plan
Icebreaker Example
Reflection Activity
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Script
Activity
Game
Activity
Game
Lesson Plan
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Students will identify personal emotional triggers and practice strategies to manage their reactions before they escalate.
Recognizing emotional triggers helps students anticipate feelings, maintain self-control, and make thoughtful decisions under pressure.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Emotional Triggers
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Emotion Thermometer Activity
8 minutes
Step 4
Feelings Charades Game
8 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Strategy Planning
5 minutes
Step 6
Closing & Wrap-Up
1 minute
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 2
What Is an Emotional Trigger?
Why Recognize Triggers?
Think About Your Triggers
Emotion Thermometer
Game: Feelings Charades
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Script
Activity
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 3 Lesson Plan
Students will learn to resolve conflicts peacefully by identifying common disagreements, practicing active listening, and using “I” statements through role-plays and guided discussion.
Conflict resolution skills empower students to handle disagreements constructively, strengthen peer relationships, and reduce classroom disruptions.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Conflict
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Active Listening Demonstration
7 minutes
Step 4
Role-Play Conflict Resolution
10 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Strategy Planning
3 minutes
Step 6
Closing & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 3
What Is Conflict?
Types of Conflict
Why Resolve Conflicts?
Active Listening & “I” Statements
Role-Play Instructions
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Script
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 4 Lesson Plan
Students will strengthen teamwork skills by completing cooperative challenges and a no-touch Marshmallow Tower building game that require communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Collaborative activities teach students to trust peers, share ideas, and work toward common goals—key skills for healthy relationships and classroom success.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Teamwork
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Cooperative Challenges
10 minutes
Step 4
Game: Marshmallow Tower Challenge
7 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Strategy Planning
3 minutes
Step 6
Closing & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 4
What Is Teamwork?
Why Teamwork Matters
Quick Pair Share
Cooperative Challenges
Game: Marshmallow Tower
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Activity
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 5 Lesson Plan
Students will build self-confidence by identifying personal strengths, celebrating successes, and practicing positive feedback through interactive challenges and a “Compliment Catch” game.
Boosting self-confidence helps students trust their abilities, take on new challenges, and maintain motivation, supporting long-term self-management and decision-making.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Self-Confidence
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Strengths Inventory Activity
7 minutes
Step 4
Game: Compliment Catch
10 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Action Plan
3 minutes
Step 6
Closing & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 5
What Is Self-Confidence?
Why Self-Confidence Matters
Think About It
Strengths Inventory
Game: Compliment Catch
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 6 Lesson Plan
Students will practice responsible decision-making by evaluating real-life dilemmas, predicting outcomes, and considering impacts of their choices.
Understanding consequences and thinking ahead helps students make ethical decisions, learn from outcomes, and build accountability.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Introduction to Responsible Decisions
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Dilemma Discussion
8 minutes
Step 4
Game: Choice Corners
10 minutes
Step 5
Reflection & Action Plan
3 minutes
Step 6
Closing & Wrap-Up
1 minute
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 6
What Is Responsible Decision-Making?
Why Responsible Decisions Matter
Think About It
Dilemma Discussion
Game: Choice Corners
Key Takeaway & Next Session
Activity
Activity
Activity
Lesson Plan
Session 7 Lesson Plan
Students will review the six core self-management skills learned, demonstrate understanding through a fun Skill Bingo game, and set personal SMART goals to apply these skills moving forward.
Reinforcing and celebrating learned skills helps students internalize strategies, see their growth, and commit to using these tools in real-life situations.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
Step 1
Welcome & Session Overview
5 minutes
Step 2
Quick Pair Share
3 minutes
Step 3
Game: Skill Bingo
12 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Goal Setting
8 minutes
Step 5
Closing & Celebration
2 minutes
Slide Deck
Control Commanders: Session 7
Our Six Skills
Why These Skills Matter
Think About It
Game: Skill Bingo
Goal-Setting Steps
Key Takeaway & Next Steps
Activity
