Counselora · Small Groups
Before I take a photo: small-group series
Grades K–2 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Ask before making or sharing a picture of someone.
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 do when someone says no?”
Story · 6 minutes
Dee pretends a paper square is a camera. Dee wants a photo of a classmate who says no.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Dee says, “Okay.” Dee can draw the classroom plant instead. Saying no does not need a reason.
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 do when someone says no?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Story · 6 minutes
A child wants to draw a classmate, but the classmate does not want to be in the picture.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Okay. I can draw the classroom plant instead.”
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 do when someone says no?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Story · 6 minutes
A child asked before taking a pretend photo. Their friend says not now.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“Okay.” The child can choose a toy or an empty place to draw instead.
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 do when someone says no?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Story · 6 minutes
Dee pretends a paper square is a camera. Dee wants a photo of a classmate who says no.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Dee says, “Okay.” Dee can draw the classroom plant instead. Saying no does not need a reason.
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 do when someone says no?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What could they do when someone says no?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Dee pretends a paper square is a camera. Dee wants a photo of a classmate who says no.
What could they do when someone says no?
Card 2
A child wants to draw a classmate, but the classmate does not want to be in the picture.
What could they do when someone says no?
Card 3
A child asked before taking a pretend photo. Their friend says not now.
What could they do when someone says no?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Dee says, “Okay.” Dee can draw the classroom plant instead. Saying no does not need a reason.
2. “Okay. I can draw the classroom plant instead.”
3. “Okay.” The child can choose a toy or an empty place to draw instead.