Counselor Connection Script

Warm-Up: Meet & Greet (5 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Good morning, everyone! I’m Ms. Smith, your school counselor. I’m so excited to spend time with you today. Here’s a fun fact about me: I love painting and making homemade pizzas!

Now, I want to learn about you. We’re going to go around the room in a circle. When it’s your turn, please say your name and tell us one thing you enjoy doing outside of school. I’ll go first to show you how it works: “I’m Ms. Smith, and I love riding my bike on the weekends!”

Who wants to go next?”

As students share, respond with a quick follow-up (“You like drawing? That’s awesome!”) to model engagement.

Ice-Breaker: Counselor Charades (7 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Now let’s play Counselor Charades! I will divide you into groups of three or four. Each group will get a stack of Counselor Role Charades Cards.

Here’s how it works:

1. One person at a time picks a card and acts out the role without speaking (for example, “helps students handle stress”).
2. Your group tries to guess which counselor role you’re showing.
3. When you guess correctly, the next person picks a card and goes.

You’ll have about 1 minute per turn. Ready? Let’s get into groups and start!”

Circulate, cheer groups on, and if a group is stuck, offer a hint: “Think about a counselor helping you with friends.”

After 5 minutes, bring class back together.

Teacher says:
“Great job, everyone! What did you notice while acting out and guessing these roles? Anyone want to share?”

Listen for observations like “They help you talk about your feelings.” Acknowledge and move on.

Presentation: Counselor Roles Overview (8 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Now we’ll look at a few slides to learn three big ways I can help you. After each slide, show me a thumbs-up if you understand or a thumbs-down if you have a question. Let’s begin!”

1. Slide: Meet Your School Counselor!
   “This slide says, ‘Meet Your School Counselor!’ That’s me—Ms. Smith. I’m here to help with schoolwork, friendships, and feelings so you can do your best and feel your best. Thumbs-up if you’re with me?”

2. Slide: What Is a School Counselor?
   “Here we see three points: a counselor listens and cares, guides your learning and growth, and helps when you have problems or questions. Can someone give me another way a counselor might help?”

3. Slide: Role 1: Academic Planning
   “I help you set learning goals, pick classes, and build study skills. Think about a time you had to plan for a big test or project—how could I help you with that?”

4. Slide: Role 2: Social-Emotional Learning
   “This means talking about feelings, learning to manage stress, and building confidence. Who can tell me one strategy you use when you feel nervous?”

5. Slide: Role 3: Conflict Resolution
   “I can help you solve disagreements with friends by teaching respectful communication and finding fair solutions. Has anyone ever had a disagreement they wished they handled differently?”

6. Slide: How to Connect & What’s Next
   “We just played charades and soon you’ll do a worksheet. Remember, you can chat with me at lunch, recess, or by sending a note. Any questions so far?”

Pause for questions, answer briefly, then transition.

Activity: Getting to Know You Worksheet (7 minutes)

Teacher says:
“I’m handing out the Getting to Know You Worksheet. You’ll see three prompts:

1. Something I’m proud of
2. A worry I have
3. A question for the counselor

You can draw or write your answers. Work quietly for about 5 minutes. I’ll walk around to help and read questions.”

After 5 minutes:

Teacher says:
“Time to share! Turn to a partner and pick one prompt to share. You have 2 minutes. Go ahead!”

Circulate, listen, and offer supportive comments.

Closing & Reflection (3 minutes)

Teacher says:
“Let’s finish with a quick exit ticket. On the back of your worksheet, write:

1. One thing I learned today
2. One question I still have

You have about 1 minute. Go!”

Collect worksheets.

Teacher says:
“Thank you for sharing so openly! Remember, I’m always here to talk—feel free to drop by my office at lunch or recess, or send me a note. Have an amazing day!”

Counselor Role Charades Cards

Use these cards for the Ice-Breaker activity. Students take turns acting out one of the counselor’s roles without speaking while peers guess.

Cards (print, cut apart):

1. Helps students set and reach learning goals
2. Shows study strategies for a big test
3. Teaches ways to calm down when you’re stressed
4. Listens when you feel sad or worried
5. Suggests ideas for making friends
6. Mediates a disagreement between classmates
7. Teaches how to solve problems peacefully
8. Gives tips for managing test anxiety
9. Helps plan for a school project
10. Discusses ways to build self-confidence
11. Offers strategies to handle tough emotions
12. Guides you to set personal goals
13. Helps you ask for help when you need it
14. Suggests activities to practice gratitude
15. Supports you in improving classroom behavior

Feel free to add more or remove cards to match your class size and time constraints.

Getting to Know You Worksheet

Welcome! Use this worksheet to share a bit about yourself. You can draw or write your answers.

1. Something I’m proud of:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. A worry I have:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. A question for the counselor:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Exit Ticket

Before you leave, answer these on the back or in the space below.

1. One thing I learned today:
   
   
   
   

2. One question I still have: