Counselora · Small Groups
Starting one small part of schoolwork: small-group series
Grades 6–8 · Ready-made original
Learning goal
Choose a small first step for a larger assignment.
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 is a small first action?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jordan's planner says 'work on science project.' Jordan has a blank document and a list of assignment requirements. Ten minutes pass while Jordan decides whether to find pictures, write a title, or research a topic.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Open the directions and list the required parts before searching for pictures.
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 is a small first action?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is a small first action?”
Session 2: Try a second situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is a small first action?”
Story · 6 minutes
A poster needs a title, two facts, and a picture. The student has not started.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Write the title and list the two facts still needed.
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 is a small first action?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is a small first action?”
Session 3: Try a different situation
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is a small first action?”
Story · 6 minutes
The title is finished, but the student is unsure which source to use.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Ask for the approved source before searching at random.
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 is a small first action?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is a small first action?”
Session 4: Choose and use the skill
Opening · 4 minutes
“What is a small first action?”
Story · 6 minutes
Jordan's planner says 'work on science project.' Jordan has a blank document and a list of assignment requirements. Ten minutes pass while Jordan decides whether to find pictures, write a title, or research a topic.
A response to compare · 5 minutes
Open the directions and list the required parts before searching for pictures.
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 is a small first action?
Closing · 2 minutes
“Choose the first action or words for this story.”
One action to keep
“What is a small first action?”
Story cards to print
Card 1
Jordan's planner says 'work on science project.' Jordan has a blank document and a list of assignment requirements. Ten minutes pass while Jordan decides whether to find pictures, write a title, or research a topic.
What is a small first action?
Card 2
A poster needs a title, two facts, and a picture. The student has not started.
What is a small first action?
Card 3
The title is finished, but the student is unsure which source to use.
What is a small first action?
Student response page
Story number: __________
My first words or action: ________________________________________________
A response I could try next: ________________________________________________
Response examples
1. Open the directions and list the required parts before searching for pictures.
2. Write the title and list the two facts still needed.
3. Ask for the approved source before searching at random.