Counselora · Small Groups
Comparing options after high school: small-group series
Grades 9–12 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Compare two options after high school and check missing facts.
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
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student is interested in fixing equipment and working with others. The student wants to compare a paid training route and a college technical program. Costs, entry requirements, transport, and schedules have not been checked. A friend claims one route guarantees a job.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Compare schedules, entry rules, full costs, transport, and supports. A friend's job guarantee is not verified information.
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
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Story · 6 minutes
A fictional training notice gives a length but no entry rules or cost details.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Record the stated length and mark the other details unknown until checked with an official 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
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Story · 6 minutes
Two options have different meeting times. The student knows their available days.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Compare the confirmed days first, then ask about missing support and access details.
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
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up student is interested in fixing equipment and working with others. The student wants to compare a paid training route and a college technical program. Costs, entry requirements, transport, and schedules have not been checked. A friend claims one route guarantees a job.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Compare schedules, entry rules, full costs, transport, and supports. A friend's job guarantee is not verified information.
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
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which facts need checking before choosing?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A made-up student is interested in fixing equipment and working with others. The student wants to compare a paid training route and a college technical program. Costs, entry requirements, transport, and schedules have not been checked. A friend claims one route guarantees a job.
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Card 2
A fictional training notice gives a length but no entry rules or cost details.
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Card 3
Two options have different meeting times. The student knows their available days.
Which facts need checking before choosing?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Compare schedules, entry rules, full costs, transport, and supports. A friend's job guarantee is not verified information.
2. Record the stated length and mark the other details unknown until checked with an official source.
3. Compare the confirmed days first, then ask about missing support and access details.