Teaching Self-Control in the Classroom: Simple Strategies That Work

Helping students build self-control isn't just about classroom management—it’s about equipping kids with lifelong skills. As a school counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how developing self-management skills empowers students to pause, think, and make better decisions in the moment.

In this post, I’m sharing practical, classroom-friendly strategies to teach self-control to elementary students, plus one of my favorite ready-to-use tools: Stop, Think, Do Scenario Cards.

🤔 What Is Self-Control and Why Is It Important?

Self-control is a key part of self-management, one of the five core areas of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). It’s the ability to pause, manage impulses, and choose appropriate behaviors—even when emotions are running high.

Kids with strong self-control skills are more likely to:

• Stay focused on tasks

• Follow directions

• Manage frustration and disappointment

• Handle conflicts calmly

• Make safer, smarter choices

These aren’t just classroom wins—they’re life skills.

🧠 5 Simple Strategies to Teach Self-Control

You don’t need fancy equipment or a huge budget to help students build impulse control. These low-prep strategies are some of my go-to techniques:

1. Teach a Clear Framework

Give students a structure they can remember and apply—like Stop, Think, Do.

🔴 STOP and notice how you feel

🟡 THINK about your choices

🟢 DO what’s safe, respectful, and kind

Post visual reminders in your classroom or counseling space to reinforce this process.

➡️ Want ready-to-go support tools? My Stop, Think, Do Scenario Cards help students walk through real-life situations step-by-step using this framework.

2. Practice With Role-Play

Self-control isn’t just taught—it’s practiced. Create quick role-play scenarios where students act out common situations (e.g., waiting their turn, handling frustration, losing a game). Pause and guide them through the Stop, Think, Do process.

3. Use Movement to Re-Regulate

Incorporate short brain breaks or self-regulation stations into your day. Activities like “Freeze Dance,” “Mindful Breathing,” or “Wall Pushes” help students reset when emotions run high.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Learning self-control is a process. Celebrate small wins and effort just as much as outcomes. Encourage growth mindset language like “You stayed calm!” or “You remembered to take a breath—awesome job!”

5. Model It Consistently

Kids notice everything. If we react calmly and take a breath before responding, it models the exact skill we’re teaching. Narrate your own use of self-control aloud when appropriate.

💬 Final Thoughts

Teaching self-control doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does take intention and repetition. With the right tools and strategies, we can help students build the confidence and awareness to make better choices, even when it’s hard.