Impulse Control & Self-Regulation SEL Story + Activities | Words That Jump

PREVIEW

Words That Jump — Impulse Control & Blurting (STOP + One-Beat PAUSE) | SEL Story + Printables

NO PREP – JUST PRINT AND GO!
Help your students practice impulse control, listening without interrupting, and respectful classroom talk with this engaging SEL story + activity pack.

In Words That Jump, Wendy’s ideas come fast—and sometimes her words jump out before she’s ready. Through relatable classroom moments (Morning Meeting, read-aloud, group work, lunch line), Wendy learns what an impulse is and how to use STOP + One-Beat PAUSE (Stop → Breathe → Observe → Proceed) to notice body clues, slow down, and choose better timing and kinder words.

What this resource teaches (SEL + classroom skills)

Students will learn to:

• understand what an impulse is and why blurting happens
• notice body clues before blurting/interruption (early warning signs)
• practice a simple STOP/PAUSE strategy + “One-Beat Pause”
• use respectful words to wait, take turns, and repair after interrupting
• build stronger Speaking & Listening habits during discussions

SEL competencies supported: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making.

What’s Included

• Printable Storybook – Words That Jump (student pages with text + illustrations)
• Comprehension Questions (12 open-ended)
• Reading Check (True/False, Multiple Choice, Sequence)
• Story Map graphic organizer (with prompts)
• Feelings & SEL Vocabulary (word bank + practice)
• SEL Reflection Sheet (“My Words That Jump” + body clues + PAUSE plan + repair sentence)
• Writing Prompt: “Pause Power” (Letter to Wendy OR “What if?” rewrite)
• Role-Play Cards (4): “Practice the Pause”
• BONUS: “Pause Budget: Spend Your Words Wisely” (word coins decision activity)
• BONUS: “My Pause Remote” foldable (STOP/BREATHE/OBSERVE/PROCEED flaps)
• Coloring Pages (6) (line-art, no text)
• Teacher Guide (lesson flow, prompts, differentiation, extensions)

Perfect for…

• students who blurt, interrupt, talk over others, or struggle with waiting their turn
• classroom community lessons, morning meeting, small groups, counseling/SEL blocks
• Grades 2–5 (upper elementary), including support for ADHD/impulsivity needs (great for practice, not punishment)

Teacher Tip

Pair this story with a small “pause object” (like a smooth stone) to make the strategy concrete—students love the Pause Pebble idea.