Counselora · Small Groups
Breaking schoolwork into smaller steps: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Break a task into steps and choose where to start.
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 is one clear first step?”
Story · 6 minutes
A pretend student has to make a one-page animal report by Friday. The directions ask for three facts, a picture, and a source. The student writes “do report” on a list but does not know how to begin.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Read the report directions and underline its required parts.
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 is one clear first step?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is one clear first step?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is one clear first step?”
Story · 6 minutes
A report needs an animal name and three facts. The student has not chosen an animal.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Choose an animal first, then check the school-approved fact source.
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 is one clear first step?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is one clear first step?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is one clear first step?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student has an animal and two facts but cannot find the approved source for a third.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Where can I find the source for another fact?”
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 is one clear first step?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is one clear first step?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is one clear first step?”
Story · 6 minutes
A pretend student has to make a one-page animal report by Friday. The directions ask for three facts, a picture, and a source. The student writes “do report” on a list but does not know how to begin.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Read the report directions and underline its required parts.
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 is one clear first step?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is one clear first step?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A pretend student has to make a one-page animal report by Friday. The directions ask for three facts, a picture, and a source. The student writes “do report” on a list but does not know how to begin.
What is one clear first step?
Card 2
A report needs an animal name and three facts. The student has not chosen an animal.
What is one clear first step?
Card 3
A student has an animal and two facts but cannot find the approved source for a third.
What is one clear first step?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Read the report directions and underline its required parts.
2. Choose an animal first, then check the school-approved fact source.