Lesson Plan
SOAP Detective Mission
Students will collaboratively decode mock client scenarios into structured SOAP notes, reinforcing accuracy and consistency in clinical documentation through an interactive, game-based format.
Accurate SOAP notes are essential for clear communication in counseling and therapy settings. This lesson deepens understanding of SOAP components and builds practical documentation skills.
Audience
10th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive, team-based SOAP note decoding.
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the SOAP Breakdown Slideshow to ensure familiarity with each SOAP component
- Print and cut up the Mock Client Scenarios for group distribution
- Set up a visible scoreboard (poster or board) and label it for the SOAP Scoreboard Challenge
- Review the SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric to streamline scoring during gameplay
Step 1
Introduction to SOAP Notes
5 minutes
- Briefly explain the purpose of SOAP notes in counseling and therapy
- Highlight each component (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)
- Field 2–3 quick questions to gauge prior knowledge
Step 2
Review & Model with Slideshow
10 minutes
- Present key elements using the SOAP Breakdown Slideshow
- Walk through one example scenario live, drafting a sample SOAP note on the board
- Emphasize documentation tips and common pitfalls
Step 3
Group SOAP Detective Mission
15 minutes
- Divide students into small teams (3–4 per group)
- Distribute one Mock Client Scenario to each team
- Instruct teams to decode information and collaboratively draft a complete SOAP note
- Circulate and offer guidance, referring to the SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric
Step 4
SOAP Scoreboard Challenge
10 minutes
- Teams exchange notes with another group for peer scoring using the SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric
- Tally points on the SOAP Scoreboard Challenge board
- Announce top-scoring group and award any small recognition
- Discuss one strong example and one common area for improvement
Step 5
Debrief & Reflection
5 minutes
- Lead whole-class reflection: What made a SOAP note effective?
- Address remaining questions and clarify misunderstandings
- Encourage students to apply these documentation standards in future practice
Slide Deck
Understanding SOAP Notes
Welcome to the SOAP Breakdown Slideshow!
In this module, we’ll learn the four components of a SOAP note and why each is essential for clear clinical documentation.
Introduce the session, set expectations, and engage students by connecting SOAP notes to real-life counseling documentation.
What Are SOAP Notes?
SOAP stands for:
• Subjective: Client’s experience and self-report
• Objective: Observable data and measurements
• Assessment: Clinical interpretation and diagnosis
• Plan: Next steps and interventions
Why use SOAP notes?
• Ensures consistency
• Improves communication between providers
• Supports legal and ethical documentation
Explain that SOAP is a standardized format used across healthcare and counseling, emphasizing clarity and continuity of care.
S: Subjective
Definition: The client’s own story, feelings, and concerns.
Tips:
• Use direct quotes when possible (“I feel…,” “I’m worried…”)
• Note mood, affect, and subjective pain scores
• Ask open-ended questions to gather rich details
Example:
“Client reports a 6/10 anxiety level, stating, “I can’t stop thinking about exams.””
Highlight common pitfalls: vague descriptions, missing client perspectives. Encourage students to think like detectives—listen for quotes and emotions.
O: Objective
Definition: Measurable, observable data collected by the clinician.
Tips:
• Record vital signs, behavioral observations, and test scores
• Avoid interpretations—stick to facts (“Client paced 5 minutes,” “Tearful during session”)
• Use standardized scales when available
Example:
“Observed client tapping foot repeatedly; speech rapid and pressured.”
Point out objective signs (non-verbal cues, vital signs) and the importance of accuracy. Relate to what they observe in school or sports settings.
A: Assessment
Definition: Clinician’s interpretation and clinical impressions.
Tips:
• Synthesize Subjective & Objective findings
• Include your professional diagnosis or formulation
• Note changes from previous sessions
Example:
“Assessment: Generalized Anxiety Disorder exacerbated by upcoming exams; continues to show high physiological arousal.”
Emphasize how assessment bridges the client’s story with clinical reasoning. Show how S and O feed into A.
P: Plan
Definition: Next steps, interventions, and client responsibilities.
Tips:
• Include therapy modality, homework assignments, referrals
• Be specific about timelines and follow-ups
• Collaborate with the client—list agreed-upon goals
Example:
“Plan: Teach deep-breathing exercise; client to practice daily and log sessions; follow-up next week to review progress.”
Stress that the Plan outlines actionable steps and must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
Putting It All Together
Scenario: High-school student with test anxiety
S: “I’m so nervous I can’t sleep,” reports client nightly.
O: Client yawns frequently, expresses tremor in hands.
A: Panic symptoms triggered by performance stress.
P: Introduce progressive muscle relaxation; homework: practice twice before next session.
Walk through a complete example, pointing out how each section flows logically. Encourage students to notice transitions.
Interactive Practice
In pairs:
- Receive a Mock Client Scenario.
- Identify key S, O, A, P details.
- Draft a mini SOAP note on chart paper.
- Be prepared to share with the class.
Explain the upcoming interactive activity: they’ll work in pairs to decode a mock scenario into a SOAP note.
Summary & Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
• SOAP = Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
• Each section has a distinct purpose
• Clear documentation supports client care
Next Up: SOAP Detective Mission
• Apply what you’ve learned in a team-based game
• Decode real-world scenarios into SOAP notes
Close the slideshow by summarizing key takeaways and linking to the next lesson-plan activity: SOAP Detective Mission.
Activity
Mock Client Scenarios
Below are four detailed scenarios. Cut these into separate cards and distribute one per team.
Scenario 1: Presentation Panic
Alex, a 16-year-old high school junior, arrives at your office 15 minutes late for their session. They report feeling “overwhelmed” by an upcoming history presentation. Subjective details: heart racing, “I feel like everyone is staring at me,” sleeplessness the past two nights.
Objective observations: flushed face, fidgeting hands, voice tremors when speaking.
Background: Alex has performed well academically but struggles with public speaking. No prior counseling experience.
Scenario 2: Stress-Induced Insomnia
Taylor, age 15, describes difficulty falling asleep for the past three weeks. Subjective: “My mind just won’t turn off,” worries about family conflicts, grades, and social media drama. Reports only 3–4 hours of sleep nightly and feeling exhausted during the day.
Objective: Dark circles under eyes, yawning frequently during session, slowed reaction time completing a worksheet.
Background: Lives with two siblings and reports increased arguments at home since parents’ separation.
Scenario 3: Adolescent Depression
Jordan, a 17-year-old senior, states, “Nothing seems fun anymore.” Subjective: low mood nearly every day, loss of interest in soccer and art—their usual hobbies. Reports decreased appetite and trouble concentrating in class. Denies suicidal ideation but admits fleeting thoughts like “What’s the point?”
Objective: Monotone speech, slouched posture, minimal eye contact. Completed a brief PHQ-9 screener scoring in the moderate range.
Background: Family history of depression; Jordan’s older sibling was diagnosed two years ago.
Scenario 4: Anger Outbursts
Casey, 16, was referred after two incidents of verbal aggression toward peers in the hallways. Subjective: “I just snap sometimes,” reports feeling provoked by constant teasing about their accent. Describes intense frustration and “seeing red” before an outburst.
Objective: Raised voice during session, clenched fists resting on the table, paced around the room for two minutes before sitting. Teacher reports one physical push incident last week.
Use these details to draft thorough SOAP notes, noting key Subjective statements, Objective data, clinical Assessment, and Plan interventions for each scenario. Happy sleuthing!
Game
SOAP Scoreboard Challenge
A fast-paced peer-scoring game where teams rate each other’s SOAP notes for accuracy, clarity, and completeness—and compete for top marks!
Objective
Reinforce proper SOAP note documentation by having students evaluate peer notes using a standard rubric, track scores on a visible scoreboard, and recognize excellence.
Time
10 minutes (plus 5 minutes setup)
Materials
- A large scoreboard poster or whiteboard divided into team columns
- SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric
- Pens and markers for scoring
- Team name labels or index cards
Setup (Teacher)
- Before class, draw a scoreboard with columns labeled for each team. Leave space to record cumulative points.
- Place copies of the SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric and pens at each team’s station.
- Arrange teams in a circle or in pairs for quick note exchange.
Rules & Scoring
- Each team submits their drafted SOAP note to the team on their right (or assigned partner).
2. Using the rubric, reviewers score each section:- Subjective (0–5 points)
- Objective (0–5 points)
- Assessment (0–5 points)
- Plan (0–5 points)
- Overall Clarity & Professionalism (0–5 points)
Maximum possible per note: 25 points.
- Reviewers add up the points and record the total in the corresponding team’s column on the scoreboard.
- After 2 minutes, teams pass the note along to the next reviewer until every team has scored each other’s note or time is called.
Instructions (Students)
- Exchange: Pass your team’s SOAP note to the designated reviewer.
- Score: Refer to the rubric—be objective, constructive, and fair.
- Record: Write the total score on the scoreboard under the note-owner’s team name.
- Rotate: Send the note on until you’ve scored all teams’ notes or the timer rings.
Recognition & Rewards
- The team with the highest cumulative score wins a small recognition (e.g., brag tags, stickers, or a “SOAP Sleuth Champion” badge).
- Highlight 1–2 exemplary notes in each SOAP section for the whole class to see.
Debrief (5 minutes)
- Which SOAP component did reviewers score highest overall? Why?
- Which area tended to need more improvement? What strategies can improve those sections?
- How did the rubric help clarify expectations for professional documentation?
Rubric
SOAP Note Accuracy Rubric
Use this rubric during the SOAP Scoreboard Challenge to evaluate each component of a peer’s SOAP note. Scores range from 0 to 5 for each criterion, with a maximum of 25 points.
Scoring Key
• 5 – Exemplary: Exceeds expectations, thorough, highly accurate
• 4 – Proficient: Meets expectations, accurate with minor gaps
• 3 – Developing: Partially meets expectations; missing some details
• 2 – Emerging: Few elements addressed; significant gaps remain
• 1 – Beginning: Minimal content; largely incomplete or inaccurate
• 0 – Unacceptable: No relevant content provided
1. Subjective (0–5 points)
| Score | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 5 | Rich client quotes; captures mood, concerns, context, and direct language (e.g., “I feel…,” “I’m worried…”). |
| 4 | Includes at least one direct quote and clear description of feelings; minor context missing. |
| 3 | General summary of client concerns; few or no direct quotes; some vague language. |
| 2 | Mentions client feelings without quotes or context; lacks specificity. |
| 1 | Minimal or unclear client perspective; mostly interpretation by writer. |
| 0 | No subjective information recorded. |
2. Objective (0–5 points)
| Score | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 5 | Precise observations (behavior, appearance, vitals) with measurable data; no interpretations. |
| 4 | Accurate observations recorded; may lack one measurement or detail. |
| 3 | Observations present but general (e.g., “client seemed anxious”); missing specifics. |
| 2 | Few objective details; mostly subjective interpretation. |
| 1 | Minimal factual data; inaccurate or irrelevant observations. |
| 0 | No objective information recorded. |
3. Assessment (0–5 points)
| Score | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 5 | Integrates S & O clearly, provides clinical impression/diagnosis, notes changes or progress. |
| 4 | Sound clinical interpretation; minor linkage or diagnostic label missing. |
| 3 | Basic interpretation present; limited integration of S & O. |
| 2 | Vague or generic assessment; little clinical reasoning. |
| 1 | Minimal assessment; no clear interpretation or diagnosis. |
| 0 | No assessment provided. |
4. Plan (0–5 points)
| Score | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 5 | SMART interventions and follow-up: specific techniques, client responsibilities, timeline. |
| 4 | Clear interventions listed; may lack full specificity or timeline. |
| 3 | General plan with at least one intervention; limited detail. |
| 2 | Plan mentioned but non-specific or unrealistic. |
| 1 | Minimal plan; lacks actionable steps. |
| 0 | No plan provided. |
5. Clarity & Professionalism (0–5 points)
| Score | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 5 | Well-organized, concise, free of jargon/mistakes; professional tone and formatting. |
| 4 | Clear and organized; few minor errors in tone or formatting. |
| 3 | Understandable but some awkward phrasing or minor errors. |
| 2 | Several errors or unclear sections; distracts from content. |
| 1 | Poorly organized; frequent errors; detracts from professionalism. |
| 0 | Illegible or unprofessional; no clear organization. |
Total Score: ____ / 25
Evaluator Comments: