Counselora · Small Groups
Changing a group plan so everyone can contribute: small-group series
Grades 9–12 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Offer a realistic fix when a group task was missed.
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 repair would address the missed task?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up team member agreed to add sources to a shared presentation but did not do it or tell the team. The remaining members discover the gap during rehearsal. The deadline is tomorrow and the missing member has not explained what happened.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“The sources are missing. I'll tell the team, check what can be completed now, and ask the teacher about options.”
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 repair would address the missed task?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Story · 6 minutes
A teammate forgot to label the sources and finds out during practice.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Name the missing labels, add only checked information, and tell the team what remains unknown.
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 repair would address the missed task?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Story · 6 minutes
A missed task cannot be completed before the deadline with the resources available.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask the teacher about the available options instead of promising an outcome the team cannot deliver.
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 repair would address the missed task?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Story · 6 minutes
A made-up team member agreed to add sources to a shared presentation but did not do it or tell the team. The remaining members discover the gap during rehearsal. The deadline is tomorrow and the missing member has not explained what happened.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“The sources are missing. I'll tell the team, check what can be completed now, and ask the teacher about options.”
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 repair would address the missed task?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What repair would address the missed task?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A made-up team member agreed to add sources to a shared presentation but did not do it or tell the team. The remaining members discover the gap during rehearsal. The deadline is tomorrow and the missing member has not explained what happened.
What repair would address the missed task?
Card 2
A teammate forgot to label the sources and finds out during practice.
What repair would address the missed task?
Card 3
A missed task cannot be completed before the deadline with the resources available.
What repair would address the missed task?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. “The sources are missing. I'll tell the team, check what can be completed now, and ask the teacher about options.”
2. Name the missing labels, add only checked information, and tell the team what remains unknown.
3. Ask the teacher about the available options instead of promising an outcome the team cannot deliver.