Counselora · Small Groups
Asking a clear question about schoolwork: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Ask for help with one confusing part of a task.
Materials
These three story cards, the response page below, and pencils.
Write, draw, or say your answer. You may pass.
Session 1: Find a first response
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question names the unclear part?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student, Noor, must label a map but does not know what the symbol key means. Noor has the map open and says “I do not get any of it,” although the title and places are clear.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“I can find the places, but I don't know how to use this map key. Could you show me one symbol?”
Practice · 10 minutes
One partner reads the story above. The other tries the words or actions in the supplied response. Switch readers if you want. Writing, drawing, watching, or passing is also a choice.
Student response · 3 minutes
What question names the unclear part?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question names the unclear part?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question names the unclear part?”
Story · 6 minutes
A map key shows a star, but the student does not know what it means.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“What does the star in this key mean?”
Practice · 10 minutes
Use the story above. Try a first response, then compare it with the supplied response. A partner can read the response instead of acting.
Student response · 3 minutes
What question names the unclear part?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question names the unclear part?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question names the unclear part?”
Story · 6 minutes
The first explanation still does not help the student use the key.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Could we do one example together?”
Practice · 10 minutes
Use the story above. Write or say a response before reading the supplied response. Compare them. Choose one word or action that makes the response clearer.
Student response · 3 minutes
What question names the unclear part?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question names the unclear part?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question names the unclear part?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student, Noor, must label a map but does not know what the symbol key means. Noor has the map open and says “I do not get any of it,” although the title and places are clear.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“I can find the places, but I don't know how to use this map key. Could you show me one symbol?”
Practice · 10 minutes
Choose story 1, 2, or 3 from the cards below. One partner reads it; the other gives a response. Switch readers if you want. Use the supplied responses to check whether the action fits the problem.
Student response · 3 minutes
What question names the unclear part?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question names the unclear part?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A made-up student, Noor, must label a map but does not know what the symbol key means. Noor has the map open and says “I do not get any of it,” although the title and places are clear.
What question names the unclear part?
Card 2
A map key shows a star, but the student does not know what it means.
What question names the unclear part?
Card 3
The first explanation still does not help the student use the key.
What question names the unclear part?