Counselora · Small Groups
Pausing before choosing what to do: small-group series
Grades K–2 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose a safe pause and one thing to try next.
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 do before trying again?”
Story · 6 minutes
A puppet builds a tower. The tower falls. The puppet wants to push the blocks away. Other puppets are building nearby.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rest hands, ask for help, and choose one block to start again.
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 do before trying again?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do before trying again?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do before trying again?”
Story · 6 minutes
A picture tears while Sam is coloring. Sam feels upset and wants to crumple it.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rest the paper on the table and ask for tape or another sheet.
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 do before trying again?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do before trying again?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do before trying again?”
Story · 6 minutes
A puzzle piece will not fit. Lee keeps pushing it into the same space.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Put the piece down for a moment and ask, “Can you help me find its place?”
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 do before trying again?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do before trying again?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do before trying again?”
Story · 6 minutes
A puppet builds a tower. The tower falls. The puppet wants to push the blocks away. Other puppets are building nearby.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Rest hands, ask for help, and choose one block to start again.
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 do before trying again?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do before trying again?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A puppet builds a tower. The tower falls. The puppet wants to push the blocks away. Other puppets are building nearby.
What could they do before trying again?
Card 2
A picture tears while Sam is coloring. Sam feels upset and wants to crumple it.
What could they do before trying again?
Card 3
A puzzle piece will not fit. Lee keeps pushing it into the same space.
What could they do before trying again?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Rest hands, ask for help, and choose one block to start again.
2. Rest the paper on the table and ask for tape or another sheet.