Counseling Kickoff

Megan Kirby

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Counseling Kickoff Lesson Plan

By session’s end, Kindergarten–3rd graders will know counseling is a safe space to share feelings, learn a few simple safety rules, and help create three class promises.

Introducing counseling early with simple language and fun activities helps young students feel valued, understand safety, and build trust to share feelings in future sessions.

Audience

Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Puppet intro, emotion cards, and group promise-making.

Materials

Counselor Introduction Slides (simplified visuals and bright images), - Feelings Cards (printed emotion faces), - Chart Paper, - Markers, - Name Stickers, - Reward Stickers, and - Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down Cards

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

5 minutes

Arrange seating in a circle on the floor or chairs.
Print Counselor Introduction Slides and review simplified images.
Print and cut Feeling Cards (happy, sad, angry, surprised faces).
Set up chart paper and markers at child height.
Place name stickers and reward stickers at each spot.
Prepare thumbs up/down cards or stickers for feedback.

Step 1

Warm-Up & Name Game

5 minutes

Invite students to sit in a circle.
Distribute name stickers; have each child say their name and show one feelings card (favorite feeling today).
Teacher models first (e.g., “I’m Ms. Rivera and today I feel 😊”).

Step 2

Counselor Welcome

5 minutes

Show Counselor Introduction Slides with simple pictures.
Introduce yourself: “I’m here to help you feel good at school.”
Ask one or two easy questions (e.g., “What do you like?”) and let a few children share.

Step 3

Feelings & Safe Space

15 minutes

Spread feelings cards; ask each child to pick one showing how they feel.
Explain “our circle is a safe space” as “we use gentle words and keep our hearts kind.”
On chart paper, brainstorm three simple promises (e.g., “Be kind,” “Listen quietly,” “Keep secrets safe”).
Write and draw each promise with pictures, inviting student ideas.

Step 4

Closing & Feedback

5 minutes

Review the

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome to Counseling!

Building a safe, supportive space for everyone.

Welcome students warmly and introduce the purpose of today’s session: getting to know counseling and how it can support them.

Today’s Agenda

• Meet Your Counselor
• What We Do
• Confidentiality Guidelines
• Counseling Process
• Your Questions
• Next Steps

Briefly walk through each agenda item so students know what to expect.

Meet Your Counselor

• Name: Ms. Rivera
• Education: M.Ed. in School Counseling
• Experience: 5 years in middle schools
• Fun Fact: I love cooking and soccer

Share your background, training, and a fun personal detail to build rapport.

Role of School Counseling

• One-on-one check-ins
• Small group sessions
• Academic planning support
• Social-emotional skill building

Explain how counseling supports academic, social, and emotional growth.

Confidentiality Guidelines

• What you share stays between us
• Exceptions: harm to self/others, abuse, court orders
• My goal: keep you safe and supported

Emphasize that conversations stay private with noted exceptions.

Counseling Process

Listen: I hear your concerns
Plan: Set goals together
Act: Try strategies or activities
Reflect: Check progress and adjust

Describe the step-by-step approach you’ll follow in sessions.

Questions?

What would you like to know about counseling?

Invite students to clarify any doubts or curiosities.

Next Steps & Contact

• Office Location & Hours: Room 212, M–F lunch
• Sign up for sessions via counselor portal
• Next Group Meeting: Tuesday at 2:30 PM

Share how students can connect with you after class and what comes next.

Worksheet

Confidentiality Guidelines Handout

Welcome to our counseling group! This handout explains the rules about privacy and helps you reflect on how we’ll keep our space safe and respectful.

1. Key Confidentiality Rules

What you share stays between us. Your thoughts and feelings are private within this group.
Exceptions to confidentiality:
• If someone is in danger of hurting themselves or others
• If we learn about any form of abuse or neglect
• If required by a court order or law enforcement
Why these exceptions exist: To keep everyone safe and get additional help when it’s needed.

2. Reflection Questions

In your own words, what does “confidentiality” mean in our counseling group?
Why is it important for you and others to trust that your sharing is kept private?
What are the exceptions to confidentiality? List each one and explain why you think it exists.
How can you help maintain confidentiality and respect your classmates’ privacy?

Describe a time when you felt it was hard to share something personal. What would help you feel safer sharing in this group?

Thank you for reflecting thoughtfully! We’ll keep these guidelines in mind as we build a supportive, trusting space together.

Activity

Group Norms Chart Template

Use this chart to co-create five group norms with your classmates. For each norm, discuss why it’s important and how we can demonstrate it in our counseling sessions.

Norm #	Norm Statement	Why It’s Important	How We Will Show It
1.	________________________________	________________________________________________________	________________________________________
2.	________________________________	________________________________________________________	________________________________________
3.	________________________________	________________________________________________________	________________________________________
4.	________________________________	________________________________________________________	________________________________________
5.	________________________________	________________________________________________________	________________________________________

Instructions

Brainstorm potential norms (e.g., “listen actively,” “respect privacy,” “speak kindly”).
For each chosen norm, fill out all three columns:
- Norm Statement: A clear, concise rule.
- Why It’s Important: How it keeps our space safe and supportive.
- How We Will Show It: Specific behaviors or actions you can take.
Review the chart as a group and agree on each norm before finalizing.
Post the completed chart on the wall so everyone can see and follow our group agreement.