The Self-Control Card Game

Description

What Others Say

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“A little bit of work to get it ready to use, but my students found it fun as did my daughters at home! With some students, the game needed to be modified, or the cards just used as prompts without playing a game. Easily adaptable.”
Mix Mix Millan
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“Thank you for sharing this wonderful resource!”
Ellie M.
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“My kids love these games to practice talking about the skills we’re learning. Great reinforcement.”
The School Psych Spot
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Teach Kids About Self-Control with This Fun Self-Regulation Game

Looking for an engaging way to help kids practice self-control, coping strategies, and emotional regulation? The Self-Control Card Game is a hands-on social-emotional learning (SEL) activity designed to make self-regulation both fun and effective. Ideal for classrooms, small groups, individual counseling, or even family game night, this resource gives children practical strategies they can use when they feel restless, frustrated, or unfocused.

Available in two formats—a printable card game and a digital Google Slides™ version—this resource works for in-person learning, distance learning, or teletherapy. It’s also an excellent addition to trauma-sensitive classroom management strategies.

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What’s Included

• Printable Self-Control Card Game (PDF)

• Digital Self-Control Connect Game (Google Slides™)

• 50+ coping skill and self-regulation questions and prompts

• Pass Tickets for student choice and flexibility

• Special Action Cards for added challenge and fun

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Skills Kids Will Develop

• Self-control and emotional regulation

• Coping strategies for stress, frustration, and restlessness

• Turn-taking, social interaction, and teamwork

• Respect for rules and boundaries

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Improved focus and impulse control

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How to Use

• Small Groups: SEL skill-building and practice

• Individual Counseling: Interactive tool and informal assessment

• Classroom Activities: Builds community and supports group learning

• Family Game Night: Fun, meaningful way to practice skills at home

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Printable Card Game Instructions

Modeled after classic shedding-style games, the goal is to discard all your cards first. Players match the top card in the discard pile by number, color, or symbol. If a card includes a self-control prompt, players answer before continuing. Students may also use Pass Tickets to skip up to two responses.

Action Cards Include:

• Take 3: The next player must draw three cards before their turn.

• Rotate Right / Rotate Left: All players pass their cards in the chosen direction.

• Go Again: The player takes another turn immediately.

• Free!: The player chooses a new color (or shape) and discards an extra card.

• Free + Spy!: The player peeks at another player’s hand, then chooses a new color (or shape) and discards an extra card.

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Digital Connect Game Instructions (Google Slides™)

Players take turns selecting a number on the board and answering the corresponding self-control question. They place their pawn on the number chosen, aiming to complete a row of four or five in a line. This version is perfect for teletherapy, distance learning, or virtual SEL groups.

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Why Teachers, Counselors, and Parents Recommend It

• Versatile formats: printable and digital

• Research-based SEL support for trauma-sensitive classrooms

• Action-packed gameplay that keeps kids motivated

• Builds lifelong skills while providing meaningful, structured fun

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The Self-Control Card Game is more than just a game—it’s a practical tool to help kids build coping skills, strengthen focus, and develop the self-control they need to succeed at school and at home.