Counselora · Small Groups
Finding another school adult for help: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose a school helper and a backup helper.
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
“Who could help with this question?”
Story · 6 minutes
A pretend student needs to check a bus change, clarify homework directions, and ask for a private conversation about school. The student’s usual teacher is absent. The same helper may not handle all three questions.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
A teacher can clarify classwork. The office can help find transport information or the right school contact.
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
Who could help with this question?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help with this question?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help with this question?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student has a question about the bus. Their teacher is helping another class.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Could the office help me find the person who knows the bus information?”
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
Who could help with this question?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help with this question?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help with this question?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student wants to speak privately but their usual counselor is away.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Which available school adult can help me arrange a private conversation?”
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
Who could help with this question?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help with this question?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help with this question?”
Story · 6 minutes
A pretend student needs to check a bus change, clarify homework directions, and ask for a private conversation about school. The student’s usual teacher is absent. The same helper may not handle all three questions.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
A teacher can clarify classwork. The office can help find transport information or the right school contact.
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
Who could help with this question?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help with this question?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A pretend student needs to check a bus change, clarify homework directions, and ask for a private conversation about school. The student’s usual teacher is absent. The same helper may not handle all three questions.
Who could help with this question?
Card 2
A student has a question about the bus. Their teacher is helping another class.
Who could help with this question?
Card 3
A student wants to speak privately but their usual counselor is away.
Who could help with this question?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. A teacher can clarify classwork. The office can help find transport information or the right school contact.