Lesson Plan
Counselor Connection Lesson Plan
Students will learn the role and purpose of the school counselor, understand how and when to seek counseling support, and practice identifying situations where a counselor can help.
Introducing counseling services early builds trust, reduces stigma around seeking help, and empowers students to advocate for their emotional well-being, fostering a supportive school climate.
Audience
4th & 5th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and hands-on scenarios.
Materials
Counselor Introduction Slides, Counselor Scenario Cards, When to See the Counselor Worksheet, Chart Paper, Markers, and Sticky Notes
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Counselor Introduction Slides.
- Print and cut the Counselor Scenario Cards.
- Make copies of the When to See the Counselor Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare chart paper or whiteboard and gather markers and sticky notes.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and briefly explain that today they’ll learn about the school counselor’s role.
- Ask: “Who do you turn to when you need help at school?” Note responses on chart paper.
- Introduce the counselor as a trained adult who helps with feelings, problems, and goals.
Step 2
Role Exploration
10 minutes
- Project or flip through the Counselor Introduction Slides.
- Discuss each slide: what a counselor does (e.g., listens, gives advice, teaches coping skills).
- Invite students to share examples of when they might visit the counselor.
Step 3
Scenario Sorting
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of Counselor Scenario Cards.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and sort into two piles: “Go to Counselor” or “Other Option.”
- Circulate, prompt discussion, and ask groups to explain one scenario decision.
Step 4
Reflection Worksheet
12 minutes
- Distribute the When to See the Counselor Worksheet.
- Students complete sections: “3 reasons I might talk to the counselor” and “How I would ask for help.”
- Encourage honest reflection; offer support to any student who seems unsure.
Step 5
Closure and Q&A
8 minutes
- Reconvene whole class and invite volunteers to share one thing they learned.
- Use sticky notes for students to write a question or comment about counseling and post on chart paper.
- Address common questions and remind students of counselor’s office location and how to schedule a visit.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Counselor Connection
Today we will learn who your school counselor is, what they do, and how you can reach out when you need help.
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Explain that today they’ll learn who the school counselor is and how the counselor can help them feel safe and supported.
What Is a School Counselor?
• A trained adult in our school
• Helps with feelings and problems
• Teaches skills to reach goals
• Keeps things confidential and safe
Introduce the concept of a school counselor. Emphasize that a counselor is a trusted adult dedicated to their well-being.
What Does the Counselor Do?
• Listens and cares about you
• Gives advice and helpful strategies
• Teaches coping and social skills
• Works with others to support your success
Discuss each point. For “listens,” invite a volunteer to share an example of a time they needed someone to listen. For skills, mention examples like calming down or making friends.
When Should You See the Counselor?
• Feeling sad, worried, or upset
• Having trouble with friends or family
• Feeling stressed about schoolwork
• Wanting to set personal goals
Guide students to think of situations when they might visit. Use examples to make it concrete and relatable.
How to Access Counseling Services
- Tell your teacher or ask to go to the counselor’s office
- Fill out a visit slip or send a note
- Drop by the counselor’s door when the sign says “Welcome”
- Schedule an appointment if you need more time
Explain the steps clearly and model filling out a visit slip or sending an email if your school uses it.
Benefits of Talking with a Counselor
• Feel heard and understood
• Learn new skills to handle challenges
• Build confidence and set goals
• Improve relationships and school success
Highlight the benefits to reinforce why seeking help is a positive choice.
Next Steps
• Counselor’s office is in Room 204 (down the hall, right side)
• Office hours: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Confidential and here to help you
• Ask your teacher or drop by anytime
Wrap up by reminding students where the office is and how to get help. Invite any quick questions.
Worksheet
When to See the School Counselor Worksheet
A. Three Reasons I Might Talk to the Counselor
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
B. How I Would Ask for Help
Write exactly what you might say or write to ask to see the counselor. Try starting with “Hello, I’d like to….”
______________________________________________________
C. Scenarios: Circle When to See the Counselor
Read each situation below. Circle the best choice for your next step.
-
I’m feeling very sad every day.
- ( ) Go to the Counselor ( ) Other Option
-
I had an argument with a classmate at recess.
- ( ) Go to the Counselor ( ) Other Option
-
I want to learn how to make more friends.
- ( ) Go to the Counselor ( ) Other Option
-
I’m worried about an upcoming test.
- ( ) Go to the Counselor ( ) Other Option
D. My Question or Comment
Is there anything you’d like to ask the counselor or share?
______________________________________________________
Keep this worksheet as a reminder of when and how to reach out for help!
Activity
Counselor Scenario Cards
Print and cut along the lines. Each card contains one situation. In your group, read each scenario and sort into two piles: “Go to Counselor” or “Other Option.”
Scenario 1:
I feel nervous before presenting my poster to the class.
Scenario 2:
I had an argument with my best friend at recess and now we aren’t talking.
Scenario 3:
I’m worried about my cousin who is in the hospital and can’t stop thinking about them.
Scenario 4:
I have a lot of homework and I feel stressed that I won’t finish on time.
Scenario 5:
I get so angry when someone teases me that I yell at them.
Scenario 6:
I feel left out when classmates play without asking me to join.
Scenario 7:
I feel sad because I didn’t make the basketball team.
Scenario 8:
I want to learn how to set goals to improve my reading level.
Scenario 9:
I’m not sleeping well because I keep thinking about a big test.
Scenario 10:
I need someone to talk to when I feel upset but don’t know who.
Warm Up
Warm-Up: Who Helps You?
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Chart Paper with four headings (Family, Friend, Teacher/Staff, Other Support), Markers, Sticky Notes
Directions
- Think of one person who helps you at school or at home.
- On a sticky note, write that person’s name and one way they help you.
- Place your sticky note under the category on the chart paper that best fits (Family, Friend, Teacher/Staff, Other Support).
- When everyone has placed their notes, we’ll do a quick gallery walk and share a few examples aloud.
Goal: Reflect on your support network and recognize the people you can turn to when you need help!
Cool Down
Cool-Down: Counselor Post-It Questions
Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Chart Paper with two headings (Questions, Comments), Sticky Notes, Markers/Pens
Directions
- Explain that this activity gives everyone a chance to share thoughts with the counselor.
- Think of one question you have about the counselor or counseling services, OR one comment about what you learned today.
- On a sticky note, write your question or comment. You can start with:
• “I wonder…”
• “I’d like to know…”
• “Thank you for…”
- Place your sticky note under the appropriate heading on the chart paper: Questions or Comments.
- Teacher and counselor will review these notes after class and address them in the next session or via a classroom display.
Feel free to share anything—it can be anonymous!