Lesson Plan

Counselor Connections Lesson Plan

Introduce students to the school counselor, build rapport through an interactive ice-breaker, and gather individual student needs via a brief assessment.

Early counselor–student relationships foster trust and allow timely support. Understanding each student’s needs ensures targeted interventions and a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation, ice-breaker, and quick assessment.

Materials

Counselor Introduction Slides, Feelings Emoji Cards for Ice-Breaker, and Individual Needs Assessment Form

Prep

Set Up Materials and Tech

15 minutes

Ensure projector/computer is ready for Counselor Introduction Slides.
Test audio and visuals.
Print and cut Feelings Emoji Cards for Ice-Breaker.
Print one Individual Needs Assessment Form per student.
Organize pencils or crayons for assessments.

Step 1

Welcome and Introduction

5 minutes

Greet students as they enter the room.
Display Counselor Introduction Slides: slide 1 (photo & name), slide 2 (role and support services).
Ask: “What do you think a school counselor does?” to engage prior knowledge.

Step 2

Ice-Breaker Activity

10 minutes

Hand each student one Feelings Emoji Cards for Ice-Breaker.
Explain: “You’ll act out your emoji feeling; classmates will guess the emotion.”
Model with one card (e.g., act out “excited”).
Invite volunteers to take turns; encourage supportive feedback.

Step 3

Individual Needs Assessment

10 minutes

Distribute Individual Needs Assessment Form.
Read questions aloud: favorite activities, things that make you worried, ways I can help.
Students complete quietly; circulate to offer help or clarify questions.

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

5 minutes

Collect assessment forms.
Recap: “Today you met me and shared how I can help.”
Explain how to find or schedule time with the counselor (office location, sign-up procedure).
Encourage students to stop by or talk privately whenever they need support.

Slide Deck

Meet Your Counselor

• Hello! I’m Ms. Taylor, your school counselor.
• I’m here to listen, support, and help you succeed.
• Fun fact: I love drawing cartoons!

Welcome students warmly. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm. Mention your name, pronouns (if desired), and a fun fact to connect. Encourage smiles and eyes on you.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

• Listen to your thoughts and feelings
• Help solve problems at school or with friends
• Teach lessons about emotions and friendship
• Keep what you share private (unless you’re in danger)

Ask: “What do you think a school counselor does?” Encourage 2–3 student responses. Then guide them toward understanding the role.

How I Can Help You

• One-on-one chats when you feel happy, sad, or worried
• Small group lessons on feelings and friendships
• Strategies for managing big emotions
• Connecting you with other supports at school

Briefly describe each bullet. Emphasize confidentiality and safety. Invite students to ask questions if time permits.

Ice-Breaker: Feelings Emoji

I’ll hand out an emoji card to each of you.
You’ll act out the emotion on your card (no words!).
Your classmates will guess which feeling it is.
We’ll cheer and support each guess.

Transition to activity. Explain that you’ll play a short game to get to know feelings and each other.

Let’s Get Started!

• Stand up by your seat.
• Take one emoji card from me.
• Watch my demonstration first.
• Then, your turn to shine!

Conclude slide. Prompt students to stand or stay seated based on class norms. Begin distributing emoji cards.

Activity

Feelings Emoji Cards

Printable cards to help students express and act out different emotions during the ice-breaker.

How to Use:

Print the cards and cut along the lines.
Shuffle and place face down on a table or hold in your hand.
Distribute one card to each student without showing classmates.
Students take turns acting out the emotion on their card (no words or sounds!).
Classmates guess the emotion and cheer each other on.

Cards Included:

😊 Happy
😢 Sad
🤩 Excited
😠 Angry
😲 Surprised
😨 Scared
🙈 Shy
😌 Proud
😟 Worried
😐 Bored

Enjoy getting to know each other’s feelings!

Worksheet

Individual Needs Assessment Form

Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________

What is your favorite activity or subject at school? Why do you like it?

What do you enjoy doing during recess or free time?

What makes you feel happy or excited at school?

What is something that sometimes makes you feel worried, nervous, or sad at school?

If you could talk to the counselor about one thing, what would it be?

How can the counselor help you feel better or do your best at school?

Counselor Connections

Chelsea Bowens