Self Management Grade 7 – Lesson 2
Objectives:
- Students will be able to define self-control and recognize instances when they are not practicing it.
- Students will be able to describe a personal experience of lacking self-control and the resulting consequences.
- Students will identify and discuss at least two strategies to maintain self-control in challenging situations.
Introduction:
Self-control encompasses the regulation of reactions to steer clear of detrimental actions, realize objectives, and uplift one’s holistic welfare. It is commonly acknowledged as the skillful management of behaviors to sidestep temptations and attain goals, all the while possessing the ability to postpone instant gratifications. Moreover, it functions as a precious asset that can be easily depleted. Nonetheless, it remains a pivotal competence that paves the way for achievements across diverse realms, encompassing academics, sports, and personal development.
Activity 1: Strategies for Self-Control
Class Discussion:
- What is your understanding of self-control?
- How can you tell when you’re demonstrating self-control?
- Why is self-control important for personal development?
- How can self-control positively impact your achievements and aspirations?
Enhancing Self-Control:
Present the following strategies to the class:
- Avoid temptation
- Find a healthy distraction – go for a walk, chat with a friend, or do another effective action to distract your mind from what is tempting you in the moment.
- Plan ahead and decide how to handle temptations.
- When faced with temptation what actions will you take to not give in to the temptation?
- Practice self-control regularly to strengthen the skill.
- Think of self-control as a muscle. The more you practice the stronger your ability to avoid temptation.
- Consider briefly exposing yourself to situations you have the least amount of self-control in order to build this muscle.
- Use mindfulness meditation to enhance self-control.
- This is a great way to strengthen your self-control muscle. Search for mindfulness meditation videos or apps to help you start.
- Remind yourself of the consequences of your actions.
Partner Discussion:
Reflect on a moment when you exhibited self-control and share with a partner:
- What self-control strategy did you use?
- Why did you choose self-control in that situation?
- What was the outcome of your self-control demonstration?
- How might the situation have unfolded if you didn’t employ an effective self-control strategy?
Activity 2: Navigating Moments of Weakness
We all face challenging moments where maintaining self-control is tough. Even when we recognize the long-term impact, short-term gratification can be tempting.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on a personal moment of weakness and its impact on you.
Closing:
Journal Prompt Reflection:
- How does this journal prompt relate to the broader concept of mindfulness?
- How does this prompt tie into the lesson’s core message?
- Compare your thoughts with those of your peer [student’s name]. What similarities and differences do you observe?
Lesson adapted from: Mindful Choices: Middle & High School Program