Kids struggle with impulse control. It’s natural. In the classroom, impulsive actions can mean trouble for kids. When kids act out in school, attention lags, peers are distracted, and learning suffers. Recently, I shared some strategies to help kids improve impulse control. There was a nice list of strategies to help with self-control in the classroom. It has been well-received with readers so I wanted to share even MORE strategies to help kids with impulse control in the classroom.
Strategies to help impulse control in the classroom
Strategies to Help with Impulse Control
Use a timer for activities
Count to 3 before answering
Reduce visual distractions
Act out appropriate behaviors
Use timer apps
Tell someone else your goals
Work on problem solving skills
Use a daily schedule
Prioritize important tasks
Work on anger management skills
Make a schedule
Reduce clutter
Play impulse control games like Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says
Create a list of rules and post them where they can be seen
Break big tasks into smaller portions
Provide positive feedback
Use a goal tracker
Teach listening skills
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This free printable packet may also be of use if you are struggling to address issues with impulse control in kids. You’ll also receive a short email series loaded with information on impulse control and resources and strategies that can really help.
That’s why I created The Impulse Control Journal.
The Impulse control journal is a printable journal for kids that helps them to identify goals, assess successes, and address areas of needs. The Impulse Control Journal is a printable packet of sheets that help kids with impulse control needs.
Read more about The Impulse Control Journal HERE.
The Impulse Control Journal has been totally revamped to include 79 pages of tools to address the habits, mindset, routines, and strategies to address impulse control in kids.
More about the Impulse Control Journal:
- 30 Drawing Journal Pages to reflect and pinpoint individual strategies
- 28 Journal Lists so kids can write quick checklists regarding strengths, qualities, supports, areas of need, and insights
- 8 Journaling worksheets to pinpoint coping skills, feelings, emotions, and strategies that work for the individual
- Daily and Weekly tracking sheets for keeping track of tasks and goals
- Mindset, Vision, and Habit pages for helping kids make an impact
- Self-evaluation sheets to self-reflect and identify when inhibition is hard and what choices look like
- Daily tracker pages so your child can keep track of their day
- Task lists to monitor chores and daily tasks so it gets done everyday
- Journal pages to help improve new habits
- Charts and guides for monitoring impulse control so your child can improve their self-confidence
- Strategy journal pages to help kids use self-reflection and self-regulation so they can succeed at home and in the classroom
- Goal sheets for setting goals and working to meet those goals while improving persistence
- Tools for improving mindset to help kids create a set of coping strategies that work for their needs
Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.
