Counselora · Small Groups
Choosing a calming action that helps: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose a short pause and one small next step.
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 pause and next step could help?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student, Jules, has tried three times to fold a paper shape and it keeps opening. Jules feels frustrated and wants to crumple the paper. The class still has time to work.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rest hands, then ask to see one fold again.
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 pause and next step could help?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What pause and next step could help?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What pause and next step could help?”
Story · 6 minutes
A puzzle has no picture showing the finished shape. Jules feels frustrated.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Pause and ask, “Could I see the picture or try one piece with you?”
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 pause and next step could help?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What pause and next step could help?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What pause and next step could help?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student is stuck on a drawing and keeps erasing the same line.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Set the pencil down briefly, then ask for an example of that line.
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 pause and next step could help?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What pause and next step could help?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What pause and next step could help?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student, Jules, has tried three times to fold a paper shape and it keeps opening. Jules feels frustrated and wants to crumple the paper. The class still has time to work.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rest hands, then ask to see one fold again.
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 pause and next step could help?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What pause and next step could help?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A made-up student, Jules, has tried three times to fold a paper shape and it keeps opening. Jules feels frustrated and wants to crumple the paper. The class still has time to work.
What pause and next step could help?
Card 2
A puzzle has no picture showing the finished shape. Jules feels frustrated.
What pause and next step could help?
Card 3
A student is stuck on a drawing and keeps erasing the same line.
What pause and next step could help?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Rest hands, then ask to see one fold again.
2. Pause and ask, “Could I see the picture or try one piece with you?”
3. Set the pencil down briefly, then ask for an example of that line.