Counselora · Small Groups
Checking information about a college or training program: small-group series
Grades 9–12 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Identify a claim that needs checking before making a plan.
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
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Story · 6 minutes
A fictional poster says a training program leads to “a job for everyone.” It lists no placement data, requirements, or source for that claim.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Sage separates the advertisement from verified information. Sage asks the school counselor how to check the program’s current official details and support options.
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
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Story · 6 minutes
A fictional advertisement says every graduate gets a job but provides no source.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask what the claim measures, which group it describes, and where the current evidence can be checked.
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
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Story · 6 minutes
A program lists a class length but no entry rules, cost, or support details.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Record the stated length and leave the missing information unconfirmed until checking official details.
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
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Story · 6 minutes
A fictional poster says a training program leads to “a job for everyone.” It lists no placement data, requirements, or source for that claim.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Sage separates the advertisement from verified information. Sage asks the school counselor how to check the program’s current official details and support options.
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
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
A fictional poster says a training program leads to “a job for everyone.” It lists no placement data, requirements, or source for that claim.
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Card 2
A fictional advertisement says every graduate gets a job but provides no source.
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Card 3
A program lists a class length but no entry rules, cost, or support details.
Which statement needs checking before someone relies on it?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Sage separates the advertisement from verified information. Sage asks the school counselor how to check the program’s current official details and support options.
2. Ask what the claim measures, which group it describes, and where the current evidence can be checked.
3. Record the stated length and leave the missing information unconfirmed until checking official details.