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1.2 Marshmallow Test Overview and Activity |15 minutes
Preparation Check
_____PowerPoint Lesson 1
_____The Marshmallow Test video (3:27) found in PowerPoint Lesson 1
_____Flipchart/board and markers (for “Discuss the concept of waiting” activity)
_____Bag of marshmallows (optional)
Rationale
This section will begin to teach tools that decrease reactivity, assist with self-regulation, and help develop resilience.
Marshmallow study. We start with the Marshmallow Study because it is funny and starts the class in a
lighthearted way. At the same time, it presents the foundation for the class: reducing reactivity and increasing
self-soothing skills. People who can wait do better in school, better in relationships, make more money, and
are more successful in life. They can overcome obstacles because they can wait, assess the challenge, and
make wiser choices. They can respond rather than react. This introduction is an explanation for the profound
benefits this curriculum can have on people: learning to wait or delaying gratification.
MARSHMALLOW TEST OVERVIEW AND ACTIVITY
Show The Marshmallow Test video, then begin a discussion using the
material that follows.
The video is hyperlinked inside the PowerPoint slide for Lesson 1. Enjoy the laughter and giggling.
This video is a result of a study by a group of social scientists who wanted to know what it took to have the emotional
control to wait for something and to have patience. They invited parents to bring their young children as subjects of
this research. They wanted to know what difference it makes over the course of a child’s life if he or she can wait and
have emotional control. These same researchers, then, kept track of these children over the next twenty years.
Optional: Pass out marshmallows so that each participant has one marshmallow to hold while watching the
video or until the end of class.
Safety Tip
During the discussion “Waiting and You,” some participants may over-share (share confidential or
traumatic information) regarding a time they wish they had waited. Use your best judgment with your
population regarding whether or not to offer sharing a time about when they wish they had waited. You
can model a very light example and/or choose to have them share regarding a time they were thankful
that they waited.
Let’s GO!
1.2 Marshmallow Test Overview and Activity |15 minutes
Preparation Check
_____PowerPoint Lesson 1
_____The Marshmallow Test video (3:27) found in PowerPoint Lesson 1
_____Flipchart/board and markers (for “Discuss the concept of waiting” activity)
_____Bag of marshmallows (optional)
Rationale
This section will begin to teach tools that decrease reactivity, assist with self-regulation, and help develop resilience.
Marshmallow study. We start with the Marshmallow Study because it is funny and starts the class in a
lighthearted way. At the same time, it presents the foundation for the class: reducing reactivity and increasing
self-soothing skills. People who can wait do better in school, better in relationships, make more money, and
are more successful in life. They can overcome obstacles because they can wait, assess the challenge, and
make wiser choices. They can respond rather than react. This introduction is an explanation for the profound
benefits this curriculum can have on people: learning to wait or delaying gratification.
MARSHMALLOW TEST OVERVIEW AND ACTIVITY
Show The Marshmallow Test video, then begin a discussion using the
material that follows.
The video is hyperlinked inside the PowerPoint slide for Lesson 1. Enjoy the laughter and giggling.
This video is a result of a study by a group of social scientists who wanted to know what it took to have the emotional
control to wait for something and to have patience. They invited parents to bring their young children as subjects of
this research. They wanted to know what difference it makes over the course of a child’s life if he or she can wait and
have emotional control. These same researchers, then, kept track of these children over the next twenty years.
Optional: Pass out marshmallows so that each participant has one marshmallow to hold while watching the
video or until the end of class.
Safety Tip
During the discussion “Waiting and You,” some participants may over-share (share confidential or
traumatic information) regarding a time they wish they had waited. Use your best judgment with your
population regarding whether or not to offer sharing a time about when they wish they had waited. You
can model a very light example and/or choose to have them share regarding a time they were thankful
that they waited.
Let’s GO!
