Counselora · Small Groups
Naming a feeling and choosing a next step: small-group series
Grades K–2 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Name a possible feeling and choose a safe next step.
Materials
These three story cards, the response page below, and pencils.
Read aloud. Point, draw, tell, or pass.
Session 1: Find a first response
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Story · 6 minutes
Rain means Rae’s class will play inside. One child wanted to run outside. Another likes the indoor game. Rae has not said how they feel.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rae may feel disappointed. “What can we play inside?”
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 could they feel and ask for?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Story · 6 minutes
The planned art activity changes to reading. Pip wanted to draw.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“I wanted to draw. What are the choices now?” Pip may feel disappointed or another feeling.
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 could they feel and ask for?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jo finishes a hard picture and wants to show it to someone.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Jo may feel proud or happy. “Can I show you my picture?”
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 could they feel and ask for?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Story · 6 minutes
Rain means Rae’s class will play inside. One child wanted to run outside. Another likes the indoor game. Rae has not said how they feel.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rae may feel disappointed. “What can we play inside?”
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 could they feel and ask for?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they feel and ask for?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Rain means Rae’s class will play inside. One child wanted to run outside. Another likes the indoor game. Rae has not said how they feel.
What could they feel and ask for?
Card 2
The planned art activity changes to reading. Pip wanted to draw.
What could they feel and ask for?
Card 3
Jo finishes a hard picture and wants to show it to someone.
What could they feel and ask for?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Rae may feel disappointed. “What can we play inside?”
2. “I wanted to draw. What are the choices now?” Pip may feel disappointed or another feeling.