Connect & Thrive Script

Warm-Up: What is Engagement? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Welcome, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for making your counseling sessions as helpful as possible: engagement. We're calling this 'Connect & Thrive,' because the more you connect, the more you thrive!"

Teacher: "Let's start with a quick brainstorm. When you hear the word 'engagement,' what comes to mind? Think about it in the context of school, or even just talking to a friend or family member. What does it look like? What does it feel like?"

(Allow students to share. Facilitate a brief discussion, writing keywords on the board or Slide 2 of the Connect & Thrive Slide Deck as they speak. Validate all responses.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! Engagement is about being present, paying attention, and actively participating. It's about being 'all in' with what's happening."

Why Engage in Counseling? (7 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's think specifically about counseling sessions, whether that's individual with a counselor or in a group like this one. Why do you think engagement is so important in that setting?"

(Listen to student responses. Use Slide 3 of the Connect & Thrive Slide Deck to reinforce points.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Counseling is a partnership. It's not just about the counselor talking at you; it's about both of you working together. When you engage, you help your counselor understand you better. This means they can offer support and strategies that are truly helpful and fit your unique needs. Think of it this way: the more you put in, the more you get out!"

Teacher: "I'm going to hand out this Engagement Strategies Handout. We'll be using it to jot down some ideas as we go." (Distribute handouts.)

Key Engagement Strategies (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive into some specific strategies you can use to boost your engagement in counseling. We'll focus on three key ones today."

Strategy 1: Active Listening

Teacher: "First up: Active Listening. It's more than just hearing words; it's about listening with your whole body, showing that you're paying attention and understanding. Look at Slide 4."

Teacher: "What does active listening look like? It could be making eye contact if you're comfortable, nodding your head to show you're following along, or even summarizing what you heard in your own words. 'So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...' This shows your counselor you're truly engaged."

Teacher: "On your handout, take a moment to write down one way you can practice active listening in your next session. It could be something simple!"

Strategy 2: Asking Questions

Teacher: "Next, don't be afraid to ask questions! Look at Slide 5. Sometimes, we might not understand something, or we might want more clarification. Asking questions shows your counselor that you're thinking deeply about what's being discussed."

Teacher: "It's perfectly okay to say, 'Can you explain that a bit more?' or 'What do you mean by that?' It helps you get the information you need and guides the conversation to what's most important to you."

Teacher: "Now, on your handout, write down a type of question you might ask in a counseling session. It could be a clarifying question, or a question to get more information."

Strategy 3: Sharing Openly

Teacher: "Our third strategy is Sharing Openly. Check out Slide 6. This can sometimes be the toughest one, but it's also incredibly powerful. Sharing your true thoughts and feelings, even when they're uncomfortable, helps your counselor truly understand what you're going through."

Teacher: "Remember, your counselor is there to support you, not to judge you. Being honest about how you feel or what's on your mind allows them to provide the most relevant and helpful guidance. You don't have to share everything, but sharing enough to be understood is key."

Teacher: "On your handout, write down one example of something you might consider sharing more openly, or a feeling you might want to express, in a counseling session. It could be something general like 'how stress affects my sleep.'"

Role Play/Practice (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, it's practice time! Look at Slide 7. I want you to pair up with someone near you. We're going to do a quick role-play. One person will be the 'student,' and the other will be the 'counselor.'"

Teacher: "Here's the scenario: The counselor will start by asking, 'So, how has your week been going?' The student's job is to practice using Active Listening, Asking Questions, and Sharing Openly during their response. After about 2 minutes, we'll switch roles."

(Circulate among students, offering guidance and positive feedback. Prompt students to remember the strategies.)

Teacher: "Great job everyone! What did you notice? Was it easy or challenging to use these strategies?"

Cool Down: Your Power to Connect (3 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up, remember this: You have the power to make your counseling sessions more effective. By using strategies like active listening, asking questions, and sharing openly, you can feel more heard, more understood, and get the most out of your support system. Look at Slide 8."

Teacher: "Please take a moment to complete the Counseling Connection Exit Ticket before you leave. It's a quick way for you to reflect on what we discussed today and what you'll try to use in the future."

(Collect exit tickets.)

Teacher: "Thank you for your engagement today! Keep practicing these skills, and remember, your voice matters."

Engagement Strategies Handout: Connect & Thrive

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

What is Engagement? (Warm-Up)

What comes to mind when you hear the word "engagement"? What does it look like or feel like when you are engaged in a conversation or activity?

Why Engage in Counseling?

Why do you think it's important to be engaged during counseling sessions (individual or group)?

Key Engagement Strategies

Strategy 1: Active Listening

• Definition: Listening with your whole body, showing that you are paying attention and understanding.
• Examples: Making eye contact (if comfortable), nodding your head, summarizing what you hear.

How can you practice active listening in your next counseling session?

Strategy 2: Asking Questions

• Definition: Clarifying anything you don't understand, asking for more information, and showing you're thinking about the discussion.
• Examples: "Can you explain that more?", "What do you mean by...?", "I wonder if..."

What type of question might you ask in a counseling session to better understand or get more information?

Strategy 3: Sharing Openly

• Definition: Being honest about your thoughts and feelings, even if they are uncomfortable.
• Examples: Expressing how you truly feel, explaining your perspective on a situation.

What is one thought or feeling you might consider sharing more openly in a counseling session to get better support?

Role Play Reflection

What did you notice during the role-play? Was it easy or challenging to use these strategies? Why?

Counseling Connection Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

1. What is one new engagement strategy you learned today?
   
   
   

2. How do you think this strategy will help you in your counseling sessions?
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to try using this strategy in your next counseling session? (1 = Not at all likely, 5 = Very likely)
   
   
   

4. Is there anything else you would like your counselor to know about your thoughts on engaging in sessions?