Counselora · Small Groups
Using examples to identify a strength: small-group series
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Use a specific action to explain a possible strength.
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 action supports a strength statement?”
Story · 6 minutes
During a club project, Niko checks that everyone has the directions, notices a missing supply, and tries a second design when the first one fails. Niko says, 'I did not do anything special.' Other group members noticed several useful actions.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Niko shared directions, noticed a missing supply, and tried another design. Each is a specific useful action.
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 action supports a strength statement?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student checks a source link before the team includes it.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“I checked information instead of guessing.”
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 action supports a strength statement?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Story · 6 minutes
A student changes a design after a partner points out an unclear part.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
“I used feedback to improve the design.”
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 action supports a strength statement?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Story · 6 minutes
During a club project, Niko checks that everyone has the directions, notices a missing supply, and tries a second design when the first one fails. Niko says, 'I did not do anything special.' Other group members noticed several useful actions.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Niko shared directions, noticed a missing supply, and tried another design. Each is a specific useful action.
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 action supports a strength statement?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What action supports a strength statement?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
During a club project, Niko checks that everyone has the directions, notices a missing supply, and tries a second design when the first one fails. Niko says, 'I did not do anything special.' Other group members noticed several useful actions.
What action supports a strength statement?
Card 2
A student checks a source link before the team includes it.
What action supports a strength statement?
Card 3
A student changes a design after a partner points out an unclear part.
What action supports a strength statement?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Niko shared directions, noticed a missing supply, and tried another design. Each is a specific useful action.