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Connect & Care Chat

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Lesson Plan

Connect & Care Chat Lesson Plan

Build rapport with 9th graders through warm, thoughtful questions and a quick reflective activity to support mental health and trust building.

Establishing trust early helps students feel safe seeking help, fosters a positive counselor relationship, and lays groundwork for ongoing mental health support.

Audience

9th Grade High School Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Guided conversation plus brief written reflection.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials & Arrange Space

5 minutes

  • Shuffle and review Reflection Prompt Cards to familiarize yourself with questions
  • Print or prepare digital prompt cards for quick access
  • Gather Student Notecard & Pen
  • Arrange a comfortable, private seating area or virtual space

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

  • Greet the student by name with a warm smile and eye contact
  • Offer a brief introduction of yourself and your role as a counselor
  • Explain the purpose: a casual chat to get to know them and check in on how they’re doing
  • Emphasize confidentiality and that they can share only what they’re comfortable with

Step 2

Icebreaker Questions

5 minutes

  • Present the shuffled Reflection Prompt Cards and invite the student to choose 2–3
  • Ask each chosen question and listen actively
  • Use follow-ups like “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that feel?”
  • Reflect back key words (“It sounds like…”) to show understanding and build trust

Step 3

Reflective Activity

6 minutes

  • Hand the student a Student Notecard & Pen
  • Instruct: “Write or draw one thing you enjoy that helps you feel calm, and one challenge or worry you have right now.”
  • Reassure them there’s no right or wrong answer and it’s for their eyes only unless they choose to share
  • As they work, sit quietly, nod, and offer gentle prompts if they pause

Step 4

Closing & Next Steps

2 minutes

  • Thank the student for their honesty and time
  • Summarize one positive strength and one concern they shared
  • Remind them you’re available if they need to talk again
  • If appropriate, schedule a follow-up or note when you’ll check in next
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Slide Deck

Connect & Care Chat

One-on-one mental health check-in
Audience: 9th Grade | Duration: 15 minutes

Briefly introduce yourself and your counseling role. Set a warm, inviting tone. Remind confidentiality.

Welcome & Warm-Up

  • Greet the student by name with a warm smile and eye contact
  • Introduce yourself and explain your role as counselor
  • State the purpose: casual chat to get to know them and check in on how they’re doing
  • Emphasize confidentiality and that they share only what they’re comfortable with

Spend about 2 minutes. Use a relaxed tone and open body language to help the student feel at ease.

Icebreaker Questions

  • Present the shuffled Reflection Prompt Cards
  • Invite the student to choose 2–3 cards
  • Ask each chosen question and listen actively
  • Use follow-ups: “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that feel?”
  • Reflect back key phrases (e.g., “It sounds like…”) to show understanding

Allow the student to lead with their card choices. Listen actively and without judgment.

Sample Prompt Cards

  • What’s something you love doing outside of school?
  • Can you share a moment that made you smile recently?
  • When do you feel most calm during the day?
  • What’s one challenge you’ve faced this week?
  • Who do you turn to when you need support?
  • Describe a time you felt proud of yourself

These are sample prompts. Feel free to swap in others from your deck based on student needs.

Reflective Activity

  • Hand the student a Student Notecard & Pen
  • Instruct: “Write or draw one thing that helps you feel calm and one current worry.”
  • Reassure them there’s no right or wrong answer; it’s for their eyes only unless they choose to share
  • Sit quietly, nod, and offer gentle prompts if they pause

Allow 4–5 minutes for the reflection. Offer gentle encouragement if the student hesitates.

Closing & Next Steps

  • Thank the student for sharing and for their time
  • Summarize one strength and one concern they shared
  • Remind them you’re available if they need to talk again
  • If appropriate, schedule a follow-up or note when you’ll check in next

End on a supportive and positive note. Leave the door open for future check-ins.

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Connect & Care Chat • Lenny Learning