Counselora · Small Groups
Returning after an absence: small-group series
Grades 3–5 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose one first step for catching up after missed school.
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 should the student ask before catching up?”
Story · 6 minutes
Mina returns after two days away. There are three sheets on the desk. Mina does not know which one to start.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Mina asks the teacher, “Which sheet should I start today?” The teacher marks one first task and explains what can wait.
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 should the student ask before catching up?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student returns to four papers but cannot tell which is today's work.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Which paper should I start, and what can wait?”
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 should the student ask before catching up?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Story · 6 minutes
A missed assignment used a group. The student does not have that group's materials.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“How should I do this assignment now, and which materials can I use?”
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 should the student ask before catching up?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Story · 6 minutes
Mina returns after two days away. There are three sheets on the desk. Mina does not know which one to start.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Mina asks the teacher, “Which sheet should I start today?” The teacher marks one first task and explains what can wait.
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 should the student ask before catching up?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What should the student ask before catching up?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Mina returns after two days away. There are three sheets on the desk. Mina does not know which one to start.
What should the student ask before catching up?
Card 2
A student returns to four papers but cannot tell which is today's work.
What should the student ask before catching up?
Card 3
A missed assignment used a group. The student does not have that group's materials.
What should the student ask before catching up?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Mina asks the teacher, “Which sheet should I start today?” The teacher marks one first task and explains what can wait.