FICTIONAL EXAMPLE · FOR PROFESSIONAL REVIEW
Making room
for one more.
A Grade 3 friendship lesson · 30 minutes · Social/emotional development
This example was written in advance to show what you can review and change. It is not a live AI result or an ASCA resource. It has not had an independent professional review, and we have not tested whether it improves student outcomes.
What students will practice
- Proposed standard
- ASCA B-SS 2: developing positive, respectful relationships with peers across similarities and differences (paraphrase).
- Learning objective
- By the end of the lesson, students will demonstrate two respectful ways to invite a peer into a group in a fictional situation.
- How the activity supports the goal
- Students identify an inclusive invitation, rehearse two invitations with a partner, and explain how each makes space for another person.
- Learning check
- Use similar made-up situations before and after the activity. Record whether the response includes an invitation and a respectful choice. These are suggested classroom checks, not validated measures.
Verify the proposed mapping against the official ASCA Student Standards. Selection depends on local needs and counselor judgment. No endorsement or formal affiliation is implied.
Lesson plan for review
Materials & preparation
Paper, drawing materials, and fictional situation cards. Allow spoken, written, drawn, or supported communication. Avoid identifying or discussing excluded students in the class.
- 0–4 min
Start with a fictional moment
“A group is building a paper tower. Another student is nearby and wants to join.” Ask: “What could someone in the group say or do?” Ask students to respond privately by speaking, writing, or drawing. Use this to see what they already know.
- 4–10 min
Model an invitation with choice
Compare “You can join if you do it our way” with “Would you like to build with us? You could design or build.” Discuss welcoming language, choice, and accepting a person’s decision to decline.
- 10–22 min
Practice two ways to include someone
In pairs or with adult support, rehearse two invitations in the paper-tower situation. Offer an alternative situation: a group is choosing a playground game. Students may observe, draw, or dictate rather than role-play. Do not require personal disclosure.
- 22–27 min
Try a similar situation
“A group is making a poster. A classmate would like to help.” Ask students to show two respectful invitations. Check for an invitation, a meaningful choice, and language that respects the peer.
- 27–30 min
Reflect & close
Ask: “What makes an invitation feel welcoming?” Offer a voluntary closing reflection. Follow up through ordinary school procedures if a concern arises.
Before using this example
- Verify the standard and revise the objective for your students and program.
- Review language and scenarios for developmental and cultural fit; avoid stereotyping.
- Provide accessible response options and consider sensory, language, and participation needs.
- Keep any learning-check records in school-approved systems. Do not enter individual student responses into Counselora.
- A short lesson does not establish lasting behavior change or a student-outcome effect.