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Counselor Connection

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Lesson Plan

Counselor Connection Lesson Plan

Students will meet the school counselor, understand the importance of regular attendance, and practice self‐regulation strategies to stay calm and focused in class.

Building rapport with the counselor and understanding attendance and self‐regulation prepares students for academic success, social connection, and emotional well‐being.

Audience

3rd Grade Elementary Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and hands-on practice.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Welcome

5 minutes

  • Greet students and introduce the school counselor
  • Display the Counselor Bio Slide with photo and fun facts
  • Counselor shares a brief story about their role and how they support students

Step 2

Attendance Importance Discussion

8 minutes

  • Show the Attendance Importance Poster
  • Ask: “Why is coming to school every day important?”
  • Record student responses on chart paper under “Why Attend?”
  • Summarize key points: learning new things, building friendships, maintaining routines

Step 3

Self-Regulation Strategy Exploration

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Self-Regulation Strategies Cards
  • Counselor models deep breathing using a calm-down bottle or hand demonstration
  • Discuss each card: counting, positive self-talk, stretching
  • Students pair up and practice one chosen strategy together

Step 4

Reflection and Commitment

5 minutes

  • Distribute sticky notes to each student
  • Ask students to write one attendance goal and one strategy they’ll use when upset
  • Students place notes on chart paper under “Attendance Goals” and “Calm Strategies”
  • Read aloud a few examples to reinforce understanding

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Counselor Invitation

2 minutes

  • Counselor thanks students for participation and highlights their goals
  • Invite students to visit the counselor’s office for support anytime
  • Remind them to practice their chosen self-regulation strategy when needed
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Slide Deck

Counselor Connection

Welcome! Today we will:
• Meet our school counselor
• Learn why coming to school is important
• Practice ways to stay calm and focused

Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson: meeting the counselor, learning why attendance matters, and exploring ways to stay calm and focused.

Meet Your School Counselor

Check out my story and fun facts on the screen:

• Name and favorite subject
• Hobbies and why I love helping students

Counselor Bio Slide

Display the Counselor Bio Slide. Share your photo, role, and two fun facts. Invite a few questions.

Why Attendance Matters

Let’s think together:

Attendance Importance Poster

Why do you think it’s important to come to school every day?

Show the attendance poster. Ask students: “Why is coming to school every day important?” Record answers on chart paper under “Why Attend?”

Attendance Benefits

• Learning new things every day
• Making and keeping friends
• Building good routines and habits

Summarize student ideas and highlight key benefits.

Self-Regulation Strategies

Here are some ways to stay calm and ready to learn:

Self-Regulation Strategies Cards

Introduce the self-regulation cards. Explain that these are tools to help calm down and focus when students feel upset or distracted.

Strategy 1: Deep Breathing

  1. Sit or stand comfortably
  2. Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds
  3. Hold your breath for 2 seconds
  4. Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds

Repeat until you feel calmer.

Model deep breathing with a calm-down bottle or hand. Inhale for four seconds, hold, exhale for four.

Strategy 2: Positive Self-Talk

• Think of a kind, encouraging phrase
• Say it out loud or in your mind
• Examples: “I’ve got this!” or “I am in control”

Explain positive self-talk. Give examples like “I can do this” or “I am calm.” Encourage students to choose their own phrase.

Strategy 3: Stretching

• Reach arms up toward the sky
• Bend gently from side to side
• Roll your shoulders backward and forward

Show simple stretching moves: reach up high, side bends, shoulder rolls. Invite a volunteer to demonstrate.

Practice with a Partner

  1. Pair up with a friend
  2. Choose one strategy card
  3. Practice the steps together
  4. Share how it made you feel

Have students pair up. Each pair picks one strategy card, practices together, and shares how it felt.

Reflection & Commitment

Write on a sticky note:

  1. My attendance goal: __________________
  2. My calm-down strategy: ________________

Post under “Attendance Goals” and “Calm Strategies.”

Distribute sticky notes. Ask each student to write one attendance goal and one self-regulation strategy to try when upset. Students post notes under the headings.

Thank You & Next Steps

Great job today!

• I’m here to help—visit me anytime
• Practice your chosen strategy this week
• Aim to come to school every day

Thank students for their participation. Remind them they can visit your office anytime for support.

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Reading

Why Attendance Matters

🗓️ Learn Something New Every Day
• Every morning brings a chance to explore exciting lessons.
• You build skills in reading, math, science, and art.

🤝 Make and Keep Friends
• See your classmates and play together.
• Working with friends helps you learn teamwork and kindness.

🔄 Build Good Routines
• Arriving on time sets you up for a great day.
• Being on schedule makes school feel calm and organized.

🎉 Join Fun Activities
• Participate in art projects, games, and music class.
• Special events and field trips happen when you’re here!

❤️ Get Support and Help
• Teachers and School Counselor are here for you.
• Asking questions when you’re present helps you stay on track.

How You Can Help Yourself

  1. Wake Up Early so you’re not rushing.
  2. Pack Your Backpack the night before.
  3. Go to Bed on Time to feel rested.
  4. Talk About School with family—share your “best part” each day.

Remember: Every day you come to school helps you grow, learn, and play!
Your presence makes our classroom brighter!

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Activity

Self-Regulation Strategies Cards

Print, cut, and laminate these cards. Students can keep one at their desk or in a calm-down corner.

Card 1: Deep Breathing 🌬️

  1. Sit or stand comfortably.
  2. Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
  3. Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
  5. Repeat until you feel calmer.






Card 2: Positive Self-Talk 🗣️

  1. Pause and notice how you feel.
  2. Think of a kind, encouraging phrase.
  3. Say it out loud or in your mind.
  4. Examples:
    • “I can do this.”
    • “I am in control.”
    • “I’ve got the tools I need.”






Card 3: Stretching 🤸

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Reach both arms up to the sky and stretch tall.
  3. Gently bend to the right, then to the left.
  4. Roll your shoulders backward and forward.
  5. Take a deep breath in and out between each move.






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