Counselora · Small Groups
Saying goodbye at school: small-group series
Grades K–2 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Practice one goodbye step and find the classroom adult.
Materials
These three story cards, the response page below, and pencils.
Read aloud. Point, draw, tell, or pass.
Session 1: Find a first response
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Story · 6 minutes
Nico arrives with a caregiver. The class is drawing. Nico wants one more hug before going in.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
The adult says, “One hug, then we find your teacher.” Nico may wave or hold a picture while the teacher helps.
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 could help the child start the school day?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Story · 6 minutes
Lee wants another goodbye before joining the class. The teacher is by the classroom door.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“One wave, then can you help me start?”
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 could help the child start the school day?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jo has said goodbye but does not know where to put a folder.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Where does my folder go?” The teacher can point to its place.
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 could help the child start the school day?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Story · 6 minutes
Nico arrives with a caregiver. The class is drawing. Nico wants one more hug before going in.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
The adult says, “One hug, then we find your teacher.” Nico may wave or hold a picture while the teacher helps.
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 could help the child start the school day?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could help the child start the school day?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Nico arrives with a caregiver. The class is drawing. Nico wants one more hug before going in.
What could help the child start the school day?
Card 2
Lee wants another goodbye before joining the class. The teacher is by the classroom door.
What could help the child start the school day?
Card 3
Jo has said goodbye but does not know where to put a folder.
What could help the child start the school day?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. The adult says, “One hug, then we find your teacher.” Nico may wave or hold a picture while the teacher helps.
2. “One wave, then can you help me start?”
3. “Where does my folder go?” The teacher can point to its place.