12 Engaging Ways to Teach Self-Control In Elementary School 

Self-control, for obvious reasons, has always found its way as a focus area in my school counseling program each year. However, when we returned to school after over a year of virtual learning, it was not hard to see elementary teachers struggling to deal with students who lacked impulse control and self-regulation skills. Given that students are getting back to school after a few weeks of Winter Break, there is a high possibility you as a counselor might need to address the issue sooner than later. If you're not sure how to go about it, I hope this blog post helps.

How School Counselors can Teach Self-Control

1. Whole Class Lessons

When it comes to tackling Self Control and Self Regulation, I've always found that a school-wide approach is the best to start with. Here's where you as a counselor can facilitate guidance lessons, grade/class-wise, across the board.

In my experience, younger students might need more than one lesson to reinforce or to practice the skills you've taught them. With this Self-Control Guidance Lesson, for example, students of grades 1-5 will be able to define self-control, identify strategies to stay in control, and apply this information at school and at home.

With my upper elementary kiddos, I prefer using this Self-Control Character Ed Lesson. Inspired by and compatible with the book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine by Michele Borba, this editable Canva lesson focuses on self-control which is one of the 7 essential traits of Thrivers according to author Michele Borba. The interactive nature of this lesson will allow students to easily comprehend and practice using the information covered.

I also love to use breakout groups in self-control classroom lessons. Each group learns about self-control and then they come back together as the whole class to discuss. Check out this super engaging lesson!

If you prefer a highly interactive class lesson, this scavenger hunt-esque Self-Control Escape Room Guidance Lesson is so much fun! Students learn self-control coping strategies and how to deal with situations that make them feel angry or upset with these fun activities. Students are divided into groups and must work as a team as they move around the room to solve all 5 missions that include a sorting activity, a sentence scramble, acting it out, drawing a picture, and writing examples.

2. Group Counseling Sessions

At the start of each group I ensure data is tracked using these Self-Control Self Assessments. I then re-send the same forms at the conclusion of the group to track student progress.

With my younger students, this Self-Control Wiggle Worms Group has always been a success. This 8 week self-control group teaches students self-control through engaging and fun activities. Wiggle Worms includes outlines with ASCA Standards and Objectives. This group is perfect for younger students who struggle with impulse control and self-control. Students will learn to identify self-control strategies and how to apply them in their everyday lives. In addition, they will improve communication skills and learn how to practice thinking before speaking.

Wiggle Worms is designed for younger students (K-2) but it can be modified to use with a more broad age range. Kids love coming to this group because they are not completing worksheets but are getting to incorporate movement and games in their learning!

For my upper elementary students who find self-control challenging, I've found that my 8 week low prep Self-Control Calming the Storm Group is ideal to use. This self-control counseling group helps students identify triggers, coping skills, and systems to put in place to feel empowered to make good choices and maintain self-control at home and at school.