Counselora · Small Groups
Planning schoolwork backward from a deadline: small-group series
Grades 9–12 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Plan backward from a due date and check unclear directions.
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 order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up history project is due Friday. It requires a claim, two school-approved sources, and a short presentation. The student has class work time Tuesday and Thursday but does not know whether the sources must be different types.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask about source types first, find two approved sources, draft the claim, and use Thursday to practice before Friday.
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 order fits the deadline and missing information?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Story · 6 minutes
A project is due Friday. The student has a draft and two sources but has not checked a required part.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Check the draft against the directions before spending time decorating it.
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 order fits the deadline and missing information?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Story · 6 minutes
A source requirement is still unclear before the final work session.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask the teacher which sources count and revise the remaining steps using the answer.
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 order fits the deadline and missing information?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up history project is due Friday. It requires a claim, two school-approved sources, and a short presentation. The student has class work time Tuesday and Thursday but does not know whether the sources must be different types.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask about source types first, find two approved sources, draft the claim, and use Thursday to practice before Friday.
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 order fits the deadline and missing information?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What order fits the deadline and missing information?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A made-up history project is due Friday. It requires a claim, two school-approved sources, and a short presentation. The student has class work time Tuesday and Thursday but does not know whether the sources must be different types.
What order fits the deadline and missing information?
Card 2
A project is due Friday. The student has a draft and two sources but has not checked a required part.
What order fits the deadline and missing information?
Card 3
A source requirement is still unclear before the final work session.
What order fits the deadline and missing information?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Ask about source types first, find two approved sources, draft the claim, and use Thursday to practice before Friday.
2. Check the draft against the directions before spending time decorating it.
3. Ask the teacher which sources count and revise the remaining steps using the answer.