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Counseling Connection

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KasCandra Dougherty

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Counseling Connection Lesson Plan

Students will meet the school counselor, learn about available counseling services, and explore how a growth mindset helps them overcome challenges; by the end, they’ll identify one service and one growth strategy.

Introducing counseling services early builds trust and ensures students know where to find support. Teaching growth mindset empowers them to embrace challenges, persist in their academics, and develop resilience.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive ice breaker, mini-lessons, and reflection.

Materials

  • Counselor Introduction Slides, - Ice Breaker Question Slips, - Growth Mindset Poster, - Reflection Worksheet, and - Name Tags and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review Counselor Introduction Slides.
  • Print and cut Ice Breaker Question Slips.
  • Print Growth Mindset Poster and hang it in the classroom.
  • Prepare name tags, markers, and copies of the Reflection Worksheet.
  • Familiarize yourself with school counseling services to answer student questions.

Step 1

Welcome and Ice Breaker

7 minutes

  • Greet students and introduce yourself as the school counselor.
  • Distribute name tags and ask students to write their names.
  • Have each student draw one Ice Breaker Question Slip and share their answer in small groups or with the whole class.
  • Model by sharing your own response to build rapport.

Step 2

Overview of Counseling Services

5 minutes

  • Present key points using the Counselor Introduction Slides: counselor role, available services, how to schedule visits, and confidentiality guidelines.
  • Pause for any quick student questions or clarifications.

Step 3

Growth Mindset Mini-Lesson

8 minutes

  • Display the Growth Mindset Poster and define fixed versus growth mindset.
  • Provide relatable middle school examples of both mindsets.
  • Conduct a think–pair–share: ask students to recall a time they overcame a challenge by changing their mindset.

Step 4

Reflection Activity

7 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to write down one academic or personal challenge and a growth mindset strategy they can apply.
  • Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections aloud.

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

3 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways: counselor role and benefits of a growth mindset.
  • Remind students how to schedule or drop in for counseling visits.
  • Thank students for participating and encourage them to practice a growth mindset this week.
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Activity

Ice Breaker Question Slips

Cut each strip apart along the dashed lines and place them in a container. Have each student draw one slip at random and share their answer with the class or a small group.

  1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
  1. What’s your favorite hobby or pastime?
  1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
  1. Share one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
  1. What’s one thing you’re excited to learn this year?
  1. What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
  1. Describe your ideal weekend.
  1. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
  1. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?
  1. Do you have a favorite quote or motto? Share it.
  1. What’s one goal you have for this school year?
  1. What’s something challenging you’ve overcome that made you proud?
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Slide Deck

Meet Your School Counselor

Hi everyone! I’m Ms. Rivera, your school counselor. I’ve been working in education for 8 years and love helping students solve problems, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Briefly introduce yourself—share your name, background, and why you’re passionate about being their counselor.

What I Do: Counseling Services

• One-on-one counseling for academic, social, or personal support
• Small group workshops on friendship, stress management, and study skills
• Drop-in check-ins during lunch or free periods
• Classroom lessons on growth mindset, goal setting, and more

Explain each service with a quick example. Encourage students to think about which might help them.

How to Schedule a Visit

  1. Drop by my office anytime during lunch or after school
  2. Fill out a quick sign-up slip in the counseling office
  3. Email me at rivieracounselor@school.edu with your name and a good meeting time
  4. Ask your teacher for a pass if you need to come during class

Show students how easy it is to reach out. Mention any online sign-up sheet or paper form.

Confidentiality & Trust

• What we discuss stays between us
• I only share information if someone’s safety is at risk
• You can feel safe talking about anything—academics, friends, family, emotions

Emphasize trust and safety. Clarify when confidentiality might need to be broken (harm to self or others).

Office Location & Hours

• Room 214, across from the library
• Open Monday–Friday, 8:00–8:30 AM and 3:00–4:00 PM
• Drop-in anytime during these windows—no appointment needed!

Point out the office location on a map if possible. Remind them of your regular hours.

Questions or Concerns?

I’m here to help you succeed and feel your best. Feel free to ask questions now or email me anytime at rivieracounselor@school.edu.

Encourage students to ask questions now or later. Remind them of contact options.

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Activity

Growth Mindset Poster

Growth Mindset

Belief: Abilities and intelligence can improve with effort, practice, and learning.

I Will Statements:

  • "I can learn from mistakes."


  • "Challenges help me grow."


  • "Effort leads to progress."


  • "I can get better with practice."


Examples:

  • When I don’t understand a math problem, I’ll ask for help and keep trying different strategies.
  • If I get a low score on a quiz, I’ll review my mistakes and study more before next time.

Fixed Mindset

Belief: Abilities and intelligence are static traits—you’re either good at something or you’re not.

I Won’t Statements:

  • "I’m just not a math person."


  • "If it’s hard, I’ll give up."


  • "Making mistakes means I’m not smart."


Examples:

  • If I don’t understand a new concept right away, I decide it’s too difficult and stop trying.
  • When I get a bad grade, I feel there’s no point in studying more because I won’t improve.

Display Tip: Hang this poster where students can see both mindsets side by side. Encourage them to replace fixed-mindset thoughts with growth-mindset statements throughout the day!

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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

Name: ___________ Date: ___________

  1. Describe one academic or personal challenge you have faced recently:





  2. What fixed-mindset thought or belief did you notice when facing this challenge?





  3. Reframe that thought into a growth-mindset statement:





  4. Which counseling service could help you with this challenge? (Circle one or write your own)
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Small group workshop
  • Drop-in check-in
  • Other: _______________________



  1. What specific action will you take this week to practice your growth mindset and address this challenge?





  2. Who can you ask for support and encouragement as you work on this challenge?





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