Counselora · Small Groups
A plan for a substitute day: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Find a helpful routine when a familiar adult is away.
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 question would clarify today's routine?”
Story · 6 minutes
A substitute teacher is leading the class. Tia does not know whether the usual reading spot is available today.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Tia asks, “Where should I read today?” The substitute points to the schedule and explains a quiet option.
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 question would clarify today's routine?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Story · 6 minutes
A substitute gives a different order for reading and art. A student is unsure what comes first.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Which activity comes first on today's schedule?”
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 question would clarify today's routine?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Story · 6 minutes
The usual reading place is being used by another group.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Where can I read today?”
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 question would clarify today's routine?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Story · 6 minutes
A substitute teacher is leading the class. Tia does not know whether the usual reading spot is available today.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Tia asks, “Where should I read today?” The substitute points to the schedule and explains a quiet option.
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 question would clarify today's routine?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What question would clarify today's routine?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A substitute teacher is leading the class. Tia does not know whether the usual reading spot is available today.
What question would clarify today's routine?
Card 2
A substitute gives a different order for reading and art. A student is unsure what comes first.
What question would clarify today's routine?
Card 3
The usual reading place is being used by another group.
What question would clarify today's routine?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Tia asks, “Where should I read today?” The substitute points to the schedule and explains a quiet option.