Lesson Plan
Individual Icebreaker Plan
Use a series of interactive icebreakers to build rapport, trust, and open communication with an individual 8th-grade student in a 30-minute counseling session.
Establishing a safe, comfortable environment early promotes honesty and engagement in future sessions, helping the student feel heard and supported.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on games and reflective prompts foster connection.
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and cut out Conversation Prompt Cards
- Print enough copies of the Two Truths and a Wish Worksheet
- Print and laminate Emotion Emoji Flashcards
- Review the Icebreaker Reflection Journal prompts
- Set up a comfortable, private seating area and have a timer ready
Step 1
Warm-Up & Greeting
3 minutes
- Welcome the student with a friendly tone and brief personal check-in
- Explain that today’s goal is to get to know each other better through fun activities
- Ask the student to share one word that describes how they’re feeling right now
Step 2
Icebreaker 1: Two Truths and a Wish
7 minutes
- Hand the student the Two Truths and a Wish Worksheet
- Model by completing yours first: two true statements and one wish about yourself
- Invite the student to write and then share their two truths and one wish
- Ask follow-up questions to learn more and validate their experiences
Step 3
Icebreaker 2: Emotion Emoji Matching
7 minutes
- Spread out the Emotion Emoji Flashcards on the table
- Ask the student to choose one emoji that best represents their current mood and explain why
- Invite them to pick a second emoji reflecting how they feel about school or home life
- Reflect back their descriptions and normalize their feelings
Step 4
Icebreaker 3: Conversation Prompts
8 minutes
- Shuffle the Conversation Prompt Cards and place them face down
- Have the student draw two cards and read the prompts aloud
- Use open-ended questions from the cards to explore interests, goals, or favorite memories
- Practice active listening and encourage elaboration with “Tell me more…”
Step 5
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Give the student the Icebreaker Reflection Journal
- Ask them to write one key insight and one feeling they had during today’s activities
- Discuss what they enjoyed most and ask if there’s anything they’d like next time
- Thank them for sharing, confirm the next session time, and end on a positive note
Slide Deck
Breaking the Ice
One-on-one, 30-minute counseling session for an 8th grader
Build rapport, trust, and comfort through interactive icebreakers.
Welcome the student warmly and introduce the purpose of today’s session: to get to know each other through fun, interactive activities. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers and that you’re curious about their perspective.
Session Agenda
• Warm-Up & Greeting (3 min)
• Icebreaker 1: Two Truths & a Wish (7 min)
• Icebreaker 2: Emotion Emoji Matching (7 min)
• Icebreaker 3: Conversation Prompts (8 min)
• Reflection & Wrap-Up (5 min)
Walk through each part of the session so the student knows what to expect. This helps reduce anxiety and builds anticipation.
Invite any quick questions before moving on.
Warm-Up & Greeting
Time: 3 minutes
- Friendly welcome and brief personal check-in
- Explain session goal: fun activities to get to know each other
- Ask student to share one word describing their current mood
• Greet the student by name and ask them how they’re feeling in one word.
• Share your own one-word check-in to model vulnerability.
• Explain that today’s goal is to learn about each other in a relaxed, fun way.
Icebreaker 1: Two Truths & a Wish
Time: 7 minutes
- Hand over the Two Truths & a Wish Worksheet
- Student writes two true facts and one wish about themselves
- Share aloud and discuss each statement
• Model the activity by completing your own “two truths and one wish” first.
• Encourage the student to write or say theirs aloud.
• Use follow-up questions (“Tell me more about that wish…”) to deepen connection.
Icebreaker 2: Emotion Emoji Matching
Time: 7 minutes
- Lay out the Emotion Emoji Flashcards
- Student chooses one emoji for current mood + explains why
- Student picks a second emoji for school/home life + discussion
• Invite the student to pick an emoji that reflects their current mood and explain their choice.
• Then ask them to select another emoji for how they feel about school or home life.
• Normalize their feelings and reflect back what you hear.
Icebreaker 3: Conversation Prompts
Time: 8 minutes
- Shuffle Conversation Prompt Cards
- Student draws two cards and reads prompts aloud
- Explore interests, goals, favorite memories
• Shuffle the cards and encourage the student to draw two at random.
• Read each prompt together and ask open-ended follow-up questions.
• Listen actively and invite deeper sharing with “Tell me more…”.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Time: 5 minutes
- Hand out the reflection journal
- Student writes a key insight + feeling
- Discuss takeaways and preferences for future
• Give the student the Icebreaker Reflection Journal.
• Ask them to jot down one key insight and one feeling from today’s activities.
• Discuss their reflections and ask what they'd like next time.
Materials Needed
• Conversation Prompt Cards
• Two Truths & a Wish Worksheet
• Emotion Emoji Flashcards
• Icebreaker Reflection Journal
• Timer and comfortable seating area
Ensure all materials are prepared before the session. Having them ready in advance keeps the session smooth and focused.
Place items within easy reach and set a visible timer.
Worksheet
Two Truths and a Wish Worksheet
Instructions
Write TWO statements that are true about you and ONE thing you wish for. Be honest and have fun! After you finish, you’ll share these with your counselor.
- Truth #1:
Why is this true for you?
- Truth #2:
Why is this true for you?
- My Wish (one thing I hope or dream for):
Why do you wish this?
- Reflection: Which of your statements was the most fun or the easiest to share? Why?
Good luck! Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. This is about getting to know you better.
Activity
Emotion Emoji Flashcards
Overview
A set of laminated emoji cards depicting a range of emotions. Use these cards to help students pinpoint and discuss how they’re feeling in a non-threatening, visual way.
Emotions Included
- 😄 Happy
- 😢 Sad
- 😠 Angry
- 😲 Surprised
- 😟 Anxious
- 😌 Calm
- 🤩 Excited
- 😕 Confused
- 🥳 Proud
- 😐 Bored
- 😔 Lonely
- 😤 Frustrated
Preparation
- Print each emoji on cardstock or heavy paper.
- Laminate and cut into individual cards.
- Keep them in a small box or pouch for easy transport.
Instructions for Use
- Lay out the cards face up in front of the student.
- Current Mood: Ask the student to pick one emoji that best represents how they feel right now and explain why.
- Context Mood: Invite them to select a second emoji for how they feel about school or home life, then discuss.
- Deepen the Conversation: Use prompts such as:
- “What does this emoji remind you of?”
- “When was the last time you felt like this?”
- “What helps you when you feel this way?”
- Reflect & Validate: Repeat back their words (“It sounds like…”), normalize the emotion, and thank them for sharing.
Follow-Up Questions
- “Tell me more about what that emotion looks like for you.”
- “How do you usually cope when you feel this way?”
- “Is there anything you’d like me to know that might help you next time?”
Tip: Stay curious and non-judgmental. Encourage the student to use the cards at any time in future sessions when they need help naming their feelings.
Discussion
Conversation Prompt Cards
Overview
A deck of open-ended question cards designed to spark conversation, build rapport, and help your 8th-grade student express thoughts, interests, and experiences.
How to Use
- Shuffle the cards and place them face down.
- Invite the student to draw one card at a time and read the prompt aloud.
- After they respond, use follow-up questions like “Tell me more…”, “How did that feel?”, or “What else can you share?”
- Aim for two to three cards in an 8-minute block.
Prompts
- If you could create your perfect day from start to finish, what would you do?
- What is something you’re proud of accomplishing this year, and why?
- Who in your life inspires you the most, and what qualities do you admire about them?
- Describe a favorite memory from childhood. What made it special?
- If you could learn any new skill instantly, what would you choose and why?
- What is one challenge you’ve faced recently, and how did you handle it?
- Describe a time when you felt really happy at school. What was happening?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?
- What hobbies or activities make you feel most relaxed or energized?
- Tell me about a book, movie, or song that has meant a lot to you. Why?
- If you had a superpower for one day, what would it be and how would you use it?
- What is a goal you have for next month, and what steps can you take to reach it?
Follow-Up Questions
- “That’s interesting—what else comes to mind?”
- “How did that situation make you feel?”
- “What do you wish had happened differently?”
- “Is there anything you’d like me to know about that experience?”
Tip: Keep your tone warm and curious. Affirm the student’s responses and encourage deeper sharing with simple, open-ended prompts.
Journal
Icebreaker Reflection Journal
Instructions
Take a few minutes to think back on today’s icebreaker activities. Answer each prompt thoughtfully—there are no right or wrong answers. Use the space provided to write complete sentences and express yourself.
- Something new I learned about myself today:
- The part of the session I enjoyed the most and why:
- One feeling I experienced and what brought it up:
- A question or thought I still have after these activities:
- One thing I’d like to explore in our next session:
- Optional—Draw or doodle how you felt overall today:
Thank you for reflecting honestly! Your thoughts help guide our future sessions. Feel free to add any extra comments below: