Counseling Crew: Your Safe Zone

Gabrielle Self

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Counseling Intro Session Plan

Introduce 5th graders to school counseling through movement, games, brainstorms, and partner work so they feel engaged, understand confidentiality, and know how to seek support.

Active, hands-on activities boost engagement, build trust, and help students internalize counseling concepts, making them more comfortable reaching out when they need help.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive movement, group brainstorms, scenario games, partner share

Materials

Counselor Introduction Slides, - Confidentiality Overview Poster, - Feelings Check-In Cards, - Index Cards with Counseling Scenarios, - Chart Paper & Markers, - Sticky Notes, - Reflection Worksheet, and - Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Session Materials

15 minutes

Print one copy per student of Reflection Worksheet
Write 8–10 brief counseling scenarios on Index Cards (e.g., worry about a test, conflict with a friend, feeling left out)
Display Confidentiality Overview Poster and affix a blank piece of Chart Paper titled “Why Counseling Helps”
Queue up Counselor Introduction Slides
Cut and shuffle Feelings Check-In Cards
Arrange chairs in a circle; place sticky notes and markers at each seat

Step 1

Movement Icebreaker

5 minutes

Play upbeat music and have students dance freely in the circle
When music stops, each student grabs one Feelings Check-In Card, names the emotion, and freezes in a pose that matches it
Quick debrief: “How did it feel to act out an emotion?”

Step 2

Intro & Group Brainstorm

7 minutes

Show the first two slides of Counselor Introduction Slides to define counseling and your role
Ask: “Why might talking to a counselor help?”
Students shout out ideas; write each on sticky notes and post on the “Why Counseling Helps” Chart Paper
Highlight key points as you discuss them (academic support, friendship skills, managing feelings)

Step 3

Scenario-Based Small-Group Game

7 minutes

Divide students into groups of 3–4 and hand each group an Index Card with a counseling scenario
Groups discuss:
- What would you say to a counselor in this situation?
- How might the counselor help you?
Each group shares one scenario and their answer with the class

Step 4

Confidentiality Role-Play Pairs

6 minutes

In pairs, students exchange a new scenario card and decide if the counselor
- Can keep it private
- Must share it with others (e.g., danger situations)
Reference Confidentiality Overview Poster to check exceptions
Invite a few pairs to demonstrate their decision and reasoning

Step 5

Reflection & Closure

5 minutes

Partners share

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Slide Deck

Counseling Crew: Your Safe Zone

Welcome! In this session, you’ll discover what school counseling is, how it works, and how to reach out when you need support.

Welcome students warmly as they enter. Introduce yourself and the purpose of today’s session: to learn about school counseling as a safe, helpful space.

What Is School Counseling?

School counseling is a support service that helps you with:
• Academic success (schoolwork and study skills)
• Social skills (making friends, teamwork)
• Emotional well-being (managing feelings and stress)

Ask: “What do you think school counseling means?” Then share this definition and relate it to things they care about (homework, friendships).

My Role as Your Counselor

I’m here to:
• Listen and talk with you one-on-one
• Lead small groups on skills (like coping with stress)
• Teach lessons in your classroom
• Help you set goals and solve problems

Highlight each bullet with a quick story: helping plan for a big test, resolving a conflict, or calming nerves before a presentation.

Confidentiality: Your Privacy Matters

When we meet, our conversations are private.
I will keep what you share confidential so you can feel safe talking openly.

Ask students why they think confidentiality matters. Emphasize trust and safety.

When Confidentiality Changes

I must share information if:
• You or someone else is in danger of being hurt
• You tell me about harm to self or others
• A court order or school policy requires it

Explain each exception clearly. Reinforce that these rules are in place to keep everyone safe.

Ways We Can Work Together

• Individual sessions—just you and me
• Small groups—learning and sharing with peers
• Classroom lessons—activities for everyone

Describe real-life examples for each format: dropping by for a quick chat, joining a small group on problem-solving, guest lessons in class.

Next Steps & Questions

You’re always welcome to visit me!
• Drop by my office anytime during breaks
• Ask your teacher for a pass
• Send me a quick note or email
Questions?

Invite students to ask questions now or privately. Show them where your office is and how to make an appointment.

Activity

Feelings Check-In Cards (5th Grade)

Use these cards during the “Feelings Check-In Activity” to help students name and share their emotions. Each card has a feeling word paired with a simple emoji/icon. Print, cut out, and shuffle before the session.

Feelings Cards:

• 😃 Happy
• 🙂 Content
• 😕 Confused
• 😞 Sad
• 😠 Angry
• 😨 Scared
• 😬 Nervous
• 😍 Excited
• 😴 Tired
• 🤔 Curious
• 😖 Frustrated
• 😇 Proud
• 😐 Bored
• 😢 Worried
• 😓 Embarrassed
• 😌 Relieved

Print on cardstock for durability. If desired, add color-coding or personalized icons to match your counselor’s style.

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet 5th Grade

Name: ______________________________________ Date: _______________

1. One thing I learned today about school counseling is:

2. A question I still have about counseling or talking with the counselor is:

3. If I could tell the counselor one thing about how I feel or what I need, I would say:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Reading

Confidentiality Overview Poster

What Does Confidentiality Mean?

Confidentiality means that what you share with the school counselor stays private. You can trust that your thoughts, feelings, and stories won’t be shared without your permission—so you can talk openly and honestly.

Why Confidentiality Matters

• Builds Trust: You feel safe knowing your words stay between us.
• Encourages Sharing: Honest conversations help you get the support you need.
• Protects Privacy: Your personal information stays respected and secure.

When Confidentiality Changes

A counselor must share information if:
• You or someone else is in danger of being hurt
• You tell about harm to yourself or others
• A court order or school policy requires it

Remember: Your counselor is here to listen, support, and help you grow. You’re not alone!