Stop Think Act Impulse Control Free Printables and Song
Supporting children as they learn to manage their impulses can be both fun and effective with the right tools. The Stop Think Act Impulse Control Free Printables and Song, is a simple, engaging way to help kids develop better self-regulation skills through real-life scenarios and music. You can download the PDF packet at the bottom of the post.
WHAT IS IMPULSE CONTROL?
Impulse control is the ability to pause before acting on a strong feeling or urge. For children, this means learning how to wait their turn, keep their hands to themselves, manage frustration, and think before they speak or act. It’s a crucial skill that supports social success, emotional well-being, and classroom behavior.
Self Regulation Workbook – Learn About Yourself
HOW TO TEACH KIDS TO STOP, THINK, ACT
The Stop, Think, Act method breaks impulse control into three simple steps:
- Stop – Pause your body before reacting.
- Think – Ask yourself, “What’s the right thing to do?”
- Act – Choose a safe, helpful response.
Teaching this strategy with visuals, movement, and songs helps children remember the steps and apply them when it matters most.
PRACTICE STOP, THINK, ACT APPROACH
Use these 10 real-life scenarios from our printable packet to help children reflect on their choices and practice how to Stop, Think, Act:
- 🏃♂️ You feel really wiggly and want to jump out of your seat during a lesson.
- 🙋 You really want to answer the question, but the teacher calls on someone else.
- 😡 You feel mad because a friend said something unkind.
- 🍽️ Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
- 🧸 You’re playing with a toy and someone grabs it from you.
- 😤 You didn’t get picked for a game and feel left out.
- 👟 You’re waiting in line and feel impatient. Your foot is tapping and you want to go first.
- 🗣️ You want to tell a long story but your friend is talking.
- 🤾 You’re playing a game and the rules suddenly change. It feels unfair.
- 🖐️ You feel like pushing when someone stands too close.
Each scenario encourages kids to answer three questions:
How can I stop?
How can I think?
How can I act?
This structure helps children slow down and build real-world problem-solving skills.
Impulse Control Workbook – Pause, Think, Act
ADD IN THE STOP THINK ACT SONG
To reinforce the concept even further, play the Stop, Think, Act Song with your students or children. The catchy rhythm and repetitive structure help kids internalize the steps in a multisensory way—perfect for music time, brain breaks, or transition moments. The lyrics appear on screen to support early literacy and reading fluency, making it a great tool for both regulation and learning.
🎵 Watch the song here
MORE RESOURCES
Looking for more ways to help children build self-regulation and impulse control? Check out these additional tools:
- Free Impulse Control Worksheets
- How to Improve Impulse Control in Children
- Impulse Control Strategies for Students
- Impulse Control Game for Kids
- Self-Control Song
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE STOP THINK ACT IMPULSE CONTROL PACKET HERE
Get your copy of the full scenario-based reflection sheet to start meaningful conversations and build strong self-regulation skills with the children you support.
