ASCA Domain Brainstorm

Objective: Students will brainstorm and categorize examples of school counselor services into the three ASCA domains (Academic, Career, Personal/Social) to deepen their understanding before drafting the parent pamphlet.

Materials:

• Sticky notes or index cards (or digital sticky‐note tool)
• Markers or pens
• Large paper/chart divided into three columns (or virtual whiteboard)

Time: 10 minutes

1. Introduction (2 minutes)

• Teacher displays a chart with three labeled columns: Academic, Career, Personal/Social.
• Briefly remind students what each domain covers:
  • Academic = study skills, goal‐setting, course planning
  • Career = interest inventories, guest speakers, career fairs
  • Personal/Social = conflict resolution, stress management, peer support

2. Individual Brainstorm (3 minutes)

• Each student writes as many counselor services or activities as they can think of—one idea per sticky note.
• Encourage specific examples (e.g., "time management workshop," "college tour day," "mindfulness group").
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Group Sorting (4 minutes)

• Students place or drag their sticky notes under the domain they believe is the best fit.
• As a class, read out a few examples and discuss:
  • Does this service fit here, or might it cross into another column?
  • Are there any ideas that surprise us or that we haven’t seen before?

4. Quick Debrief (1 minute)

• Teacher highlights how varied and important each domain’s services are for families.
• Connect to next step: "We’ll use these examples as inspiration when writing the parent pamphlet sections!"

Follow-Up Questions for Discussion or Journal:

1. Which domain had the most ideas? Why do you think that is?
2. Were there services that could fit into more than one domain? Give an example.
3. Which idea would you definitely include in the parent pamphlet to show families what counselors do?

Use this brainstorm as your launchpad when beginning the Pamphlet Planning session.

ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors Summary

This summary highlights the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) key mindsets and behaviors. Use these as a guide when you describe counseling services in your parent pamphlet.

What Are Mindsets & Behaviors?

• Mindsets are beliefs or attitudes that support student success.
• Behaviors are the skills and actions students demonstrate to reach goals.

ASCA Mindsets for Student Success

1. Belief in Ability: I can learn and succeed at high levels.
2. Self-Motivation: I motivate myself to achieve my goals.
3. Sense of Belonging: I feel accepted and valued in my school.
4. Postsecondary Awareness: I understand how education connects to my future.
5. Time-Management: I use time and other resources to achieve my goals.
6. Positive Influence: I positively influence my environment.

ASCA Student Success Behaviors

Academic Behaviors

• Self-Management: Set goals, organize time, use study strategies
• Learning Strategies: Take notes, use critical thinking, ask questions
• Reading to Learn: Use reading skills to grasp new content

Career Behaviors

• Career Awareness: Explore interests, research occupations, set career goals
• Work Ethic: Demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and initiative
• Decision-Making: Evaluate options and make informed choices

Personal/Social Behaviors

• Self-Awareness: Recognize feelings, strengths, and challenges
• Social Skills: Communicate clearly, resolve conflicts, show empathy
• Resiliency: Manage stress, adapt to change, solve problems

Use this summary to:

• Ensure your pamphlet language reflects ASCA’s framework.
• Highlight specific mindsets and behaviors when describing counselor services.
• Help parents see how counseling supports their child’s growth in all areas.

Pamphlet Assembly

Objective: Students will integrate and format their drafted domain descriptions and examples into the Counselor Connection Pamphlet Template, ensuring a cohesive design and parent-friendly final product.

Why: Assembling the pamphlet reinforces students’ understanding of ASCA domains, hones their communication skills, and produces a tangible resource families can use at Open House.

Materials:

• Drafted Academic, Career, and Personal/Social content sections
• Peer feedback notes
• Counselor Connection Pamphlet Template
• Graphic Design Tool (e.g., Canva or Google Slides)
• Icons, images, or school logo (optional)

Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Review & Refine (5 minutes)

• In pairs, revisit your drafted sections and peer feedback.
• Ensure each domain description is clear, accurate, and parent-friendly.

1. Open Template & Insert Content (10 minutes)

• Access the Counselor Connection Pamphlet Template.
• Copy your finalized text into the corresponding sections: Academic, Career, Personal/Social.

1. Design & Format (10 minutes)

• Choose consistent fonts, colors, and headings aligned with school branding.
• Add icons or images to illustrate each domain (e.g., graduation cap for Academic).
• Ensure readability: use bullet points, bold key phrases, and leave white space.

1. Proofread & Finalize (5 minutes)

• Swap with another pair for a quick check: focus on typos, clarity, and visual balance.
• Make last adjustments and save/export as PDF or print-ready format.

Congratulations! You’ve created the Counselor Connection pamphlet, ready to share with families at Open House night.

Counselor Connection Pamphlet Template

Use this bi-fold pamphlet layout to draft a friendly, informative handout for families. Fill in each section with clear, parent-friendly language and examples.
Design Tip: Choose school colors, logos, and readable fonts.

Front Cover

Title: Counselor Connection
Welcome Message:
(Briefly introduce the role of the school counselor at Open House.)




Design Suggestion: Add a school logo or friendly photo of the counselor.

Inside Left Panel

Academic Services

(Describe how the counselor supports students’ academic success—goal setting, study skills, course planning, etc.)

Career Services

(Explain career exploration activities: interest surveys, guest speakers, college/career fairs, etc.)






Design Suggestion: Use icons like a book or compass next to headings.

Inside Right Panel

Personal/Social Services

(Outline supports for student well-being: conflict resolution, stress management, group counseling, etc.)

Contact Information & Resources

• Counselor Name: ________________________
• Office Location & Hours: _______________
• Phone/Email: ___________________________
• School Website/Resources: _____________
  
  
  
  Design Suggestion: Include a small map or QR code linking to online resources.

Back Cover

Additional Notes or Upcoming Events:
(Share any workshops, group meeting times, or parent resources.)




Design Suggestion: Place a “Thank You” note or inspirational quote here.