Counselora · Small Groups
Choosing another activity when a friend says no: small-group series
Grades K–2 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose another activity when a friend is not ready.
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 they choose after hearing not now?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jo asks Kim to play. Kim says, “Not now. I am finishing this puzzle.” Jo still wants to play.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Jo can say, “Okay.” Jo can choose a different game or ask an adult to help find a place to play.
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 they choose after hearing not now?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Story · 6 minutes
A friend wants to finish reading before playing.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Okay. I'll draw while you read.”
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 they choose after hearing not now?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Story · 6 minutes
A classmate says no to a puzzle invitation today.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Okay.” Choose another available activity or ask an adult for help finding one.
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 they choose after hearing not now?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jo asks Kim to play. Kim says, “Not now. I am finishing this puzzle.” Jo still wants to play.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Jo can say, “Okay.” Jo can choose a different game or ask an adult to help find a place to play.
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 they choose after hearing not now?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they choose after hearing not now?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Jo asks Kim to play. Kim says, “Not now. I am finishing this puzzle.” Jo still wants to play.
What could they choose after hearing not now?
Card 2
A friend wants to finish reading before playing.
What could they choose after hearing not now?
Card 3
A classmate says no to a puzzle invitation today.
What could they choose after hearing not now?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Jo can say, “Okay.” Jo can choose a different game or ask an adult to help find a place to play.
2. “Okay. I'll draw while you read.”
3. “Okay.” Choose another available activity or ask an adult for help finding one.