Counselora · Small Groups
Checking whether a school rumor is true: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Tell the difference between a claim and something known.
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 information is known and what needs checking?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student says recess is canceled for the whole week. Noor has only heard it from that student. No teacher has announced a change.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Noor says, “We do not know that yet.” Noor asks the teacher instead of passing the story along.
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 information is known and what needs checking?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Story · 6 minutes
A classmate says the art room moved. The class schedule still lists the old room.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Let's ask the teacher which room we should use.”
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 information is known and what needs checking?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student hears that a field-day activity is canceled but has seen no announcement.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Keep the cancellation marked unconfirmed and ask the school contact who manages the activity.
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 information is known and what needs checking?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student says recess is canceled for the whole week. Noor has only heard it from that student. No teacher has announced a change.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Noor says, “We do not know that yet.” Noor asks the teacher instead of passing the story along.
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 information is known and what needs checking?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What information is known and what needs checking?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A student says recess is canceled for the whole week. Noor has only heard it from that student. No teacher has announced a change.
What information is known and what needs checking?
Card 2
A classmate says the art room moved. The class schedule still lists the old room.
What information is known and what needs checking?
Card 3
A student hears that a field-day activity is canceled but has seen no announcement.
What information is known and what needs checking?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Noor says, “We do not know that yet.” Noor asks the teacher instead of passing the story along.
2. “Let's ask the teacher which room we should use.”
3. Keep the cancellation marked unconfirmed and ask the school contact who manages the activity.