Introduction

Self-control is a vital skill for high school students to develop, as it enables them to manage their feelings and behaviors in various situations. By practicing self-control, students can prevent their impulses or upset feelings from taking over their minds and actions. This blog post will explore an easy-to-implement no-prep activity that helps students enhance their self-control, along with discussion questions and related skills to further support their development.

No-Prep Activity: The Self-Controller Scanner

This activity focuses on using a tool called the Self-Controller Scanner, which helps students stay in control of their feelings and emotions. Here’s how to implement the activity in your classroom:

1. Ask students to notice how they’re feeling at the moment. Encourage them to scan their brains and bodies, paying attention to their emotions and physical sensations.
2. Guide students through a series of questions to help them assess their current state. Examples include:
   • Am I paying attention?
   • Do I know what everyone is talking about?
   • How am I feeling? Excited, upset, or experiencing another strong emotion?
3. Once students have identified their feelings, ask them to consider what they can do to regain control. Some possible strategies include taking a break, addressing hunger or thirst, or engaging in calming physical actions such as deep breathing.
4. Encourage students to choose the strategy that works best for them and practice it regularly to improve their self-control.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is self-control important for high school students, and how can it benefit them in various aspects of their lives?
2. Can you share an example of a situation where you struggled with self-control? How did you eventually regain control of your emotions and actions?
3. What are some challenges students might face when trying to practice self-control? How can they overcome these obstacles?
4. How can educators and peers support students in developing and maintaining self-control?
5. What other skills or strategies can be helpful in managing emotions and behaviors effectively?

Related Skills

Developing self-control is just one aspect of a student’s social-emotional growth. Other related skills that can support students in managing their emotions and behaviors effectively include:

• Emotion regulation: Learning to identify, understand, and manage their emotions in a healthy and constructive way.
• Problem-solving: Developing the ability to analyze situations, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions.
• Empathy: Cultivating an understanding and appreciation of others’ feelings and perspectives.
• Communication: Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication skills to express thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach self-control skills to high school students, consider incorporating these strategies and activities into your classroom routine. To further support your students’ social-emotional learning, sign up for free samples of various skill-building resources at Everyday Speech. These materials can help you create a comprehensive and engaging learning environment for your students as they continue to develop essential life skills.