Counselora · Small Groups
Finding the right school adult for a problem: small-group series
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Match a school question to a helper and a backup.
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, and what could they ask?”
Story · 6 minutes
Avery has three questions: a class assignment is unclear, a bus route has changed, and Avery wants a private conversation about a school concern. One person may not handle every question. Avery is unsure where to begin.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask the teacher about classwork, the office about the transport contact, and an available school adult about a private conversation.
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, and what could they ask?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student is unsure about a bus change and does not know the transport contact.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Could the office help me find who can confirm the bus plan?”
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, and what could they ask?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student's usual counselor is away and the student needs a private conversation today.
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, and what could they ask?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Story · 6 minutes
Avery has three questions: a class assignment is unclear, a bus route has changed, and Avery wants a private conversation about a school concern. One person may not handle every question. Avery is unsure where to begin.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask the teacher about classwork, the office about the transport contact, and an available school adult about a private conversation.
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, and what could they ask?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Who could help, and what could they ask?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Avery has three questions: a class assignment is unclear, a bus route has changed, and Avery wants a private conversation about a school concern. One person may not handle every question. Avery is unsure where to begin.
Who could help, and what could they ask?
Card 2
A student is unsure about a bus change and does not know the transport contact.
Who could help, and what could they ask?
Card 3
A student's usual counselor is away and the student needs a private conversation today.
Who could help, and what could they ask?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Ask the teacher about classwork, the office about the transport contact, and an available school adult about a private conversation.