Julia Cook’s My Mouth Is a Volcano: Game Show & Book Study

What Others Say

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“I would recommend this as an easy, no-prep activity for this book. It does an excellent job of engaging students while allowing them to show what they’ve learned.”
Cody the Counselor
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“I was on maternity leave for the first quarter and I used this to go over procedures when I returned in October! The kids enjoyed it so much that I think it may be an activity to do at the beginning of every year!”
April C.
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“This resource has been great! I use it all the time with my students in individual and small group sessions. I love how my students stayed engaged throughout this activity. They had fun and learned how to deal with their BIG emotions without interrupting others.”
Meghan S.
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My Mouth Is a Volcano Game Show | Book Companion SEL Lesson on Blurting & Self-Control

Your students will love this interactive book study lesson based on Julia Cook’s My Mouth Is a Volcano. The quiz show style SEL activity helps kids understand blurting, interrupting, and practicing self-control in a fun and engaging way. By the end of the lesson, students will be laughing, learning, and asking to play again!

Please note: Julia Cook’s book, My Mouth Is a Volcano, is not included in this resource.

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Why Students Love This Lesson

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to address blurting out and interrupting? This social emotional learning book companion combines interactive play with reflection, helping students build self-regulation, patience, and communication skills. While working through the game show categories, they also strengthen higher-level thinking skills and social awareness.

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Game Show Categories

• ACT IT OUT – Teams role play blurting and self-control scenarios

• TRUE or FALSE – Students test their knowledge of interrupting behaviors

• SKETCH IT – Teams draw their answers to show understanding

• IMAGINE IF – Students explore “what if” problem-solving questions

• RISK – A surprise challenge that keeps the energy high

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What Makes This Lesson Unique

• Hands-on & experiential – Students act, draw, reflect, and collaborate

• Encourages critical thinking – Promotes self-control and empathy

• Customizable – All prompts and challenges can be edited to fit your class needs

• Low-prep – Quick to set up and easy to run for busy teachers and school counselors

• Includes a full counseling lesson plan

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Ways to Use This SEL Activity

• Classroom guidance lessons on self-control

• Small group counseling for impulse control

• Distance learning or teletherapy sessions

• Bibliotherapy companion to My Mouth Is a Volcano

• School counseling or character education lessons

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Flexible Lesson Formats

The full game show runs 40–60 minutes, but additional 6+ low-prep activities are included for flexibility. These alternatives are perfect for:

• Shorter class periods

• Tech-free days or when projectors aren’t available

• Small group reflection time

• Quieter, independent classroom activities

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What You Need to Play

• In-person: Use the Google Slides™ or PowerPoint™ file on a Promethean White Board or projector

• Distance learning: Share your screen with students (internet access required)

• Screen-free option: Printable task cards with the same prompts are included

Click here if you’re looking for other book companion lessons.  Even better, if love a good deal, be sure to check out our Game Show Bundle, which is always half off the listed price.  

PLEASE NOTE: Julia Cook’s book, My Mouth Is a Volcano, is not included in this lesson.

Love to teach Julia Cook books? Check out this money-saving bundle: Julia Cook Book Companion Bundle: School Counseling Lessons & Games