Counselora · Small Groups
Checking schoolwork against the directions: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Compare work with directions rather than with another student.
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
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Story · 6 minutes
Owen’s book cover looks different from a classmate’s. The directions ask for a title, author, and one picture. Owen has all three.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Owen checks the three directions. A different picture can still meet the task. If a direction is unclear, Owen can ask.
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
Does the work include the required parts?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Story · 6 minutes
Two covers have different pictures. Both have a title, author, and picture, as required.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Both meet those directions. They do not need matching pictures.
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
Does the work include the required parts?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Story · 6 minutes
A cover has an author and picture but no title.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Add the missing title rather than copying another student's design.
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
Does the work include the required parts?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Story · 6 minutes
Owen’s book cover looks different from a classmate’s. The directions ask for a title, author, and one picture. Owen has all three.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Owen checks the three directions. A different picture can still meet the task. If a direction is unclear, Owen can ask.
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
Does the work include the required parts?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Does the work include the required parts?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Owen’s book cover looks different from a classmate’s. The directions ask for a title, author, and one picture. Owen has all three.
Does the work include the required parts?
Card 2
Two covers have different pictures. Both have a title, author, and picture, as required.
Does the work include the required parts?
Card 3
A cover has an author and picture but no title.
Does the work include the required parts?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Owen checks the three directions. A different picture can still meet the task. If a direction is unclear, Owen can ask.
2. Both meet those directions. They do not need matching pictures.
3. Add the missing title rather than copying another student's design.