Counselor Corner Kickoff

Kelly Emmett

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Counselor Corner Kickoff Lesson Plan

Introduce third graders to their school counselor, clarify the counselor’s role, and equip students with a simple tool for seeking support when they need it.

Building trust and understanding of the counselor’s role promotes social-emotional well-being and ensures students know when and how to ask for help.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive introduction with visual aids and an easy request tool.

Materials

Counselor Introduction Slide Deck, - Emotion Expression Chart Poster, - Counselor Connection Ticket, - Name Tag Stickers, and - Dry-Erase Board and Marker

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Print and display the Emotion Expression Chart Poster.
Load and test the Counselor Introduction Slide Deck on your projector or interactive board.
Cut and assemble the Counselor Connection Ticket.
Gather name tag stickers and write each student’s name on the board (or have markers ready).
Review the lesson plan steps to ensure smooth flow.

Step 1

Welcome & Warm-Up

2 minutes

Greet students at the door and have them place their name tag sticker on their chest.
Ask: “Has anyone ever met a school counselor? What do you think they do?”
Listen to 2–3 volunteer answers to activate background knowledge.

Step 2

Meet the Counselor

5 minutes

Display the first slides of the Counselor Introduction Slide Deck.
Introduce yourself: name, pronouns, favorite hobbies, and why you’re excited to support them.
Show key slides on how you help with feelings, friendships, and school challenges.
Invite one or two quick clarifying questions.

Step 3

Role Explanation Activity

5 minutes

Display the Emotion Expression Chart Poster.
Ask each student to point to a feeling they’ve had today and share one sentence about why.
Explain how when feelings get big, they can talk to you privately in your office or via a ticket.
Reinforce that all feelings are okay and talking helps.

Step 4

Closing & Connection Ticket

3 minutes

Introduce the Counselor Connection Ticket as a simple way to request a check-in.
Model filling out a ticket: name, date, and a brief note (e.g., “I need to talk about feeling sad”).
Hand a ticket to each student and explain where to turn it in (e.g., counselor’s mailbox).
Remind students of your office location and encourage them to use tickets anytime.

Slide Deck

Welcome to Counselor Corner!

Hello, third graders! I’m Ms. Emma Smith, your school counselor. Let’s learn how I can support you. 🔍

Greet students as they settle in. Introduce the slide: “Welcome to our special Counselor Corner! Today you’ll meet me and learn how I can help you.”

Meet Your Counselor

Name: Ms. Emma Smith (she/her)
Hobbies: Painting 🎨, Soccer ⚽, Reading 📚

Point to your name on the slide and wave. Share a quick story about your favorite hobby to build rapport.

My Job as Your Counselor

I help you with:
• Understanding big feelings
• Making and keeping friends
• Solving school or class challenges

Explain each bullet: “When you have big feelings, I’m here to help you understand them…”

When You Might Need Help

You can come to me if you:
• Feel sad, angry, or scared 😢😡😱
• Have trouble with friends 🤝
• Need someone to talk to about school

Ask a volunteer: “Can you share a time you felt worried or sad?” Validate their response.

How to Ask for Help

Here’s how to reach me:

Fill out a Counselor Connection Ticket 📝
Send me a private note 💌
Ask me in class or visit my office 🙋

Show a sample ticket or hold up a real one. Walk through filling in name and note.

Where to Find Me

My office is in Room 105 🏫
Office hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
You’re welcome anytime!

Display a simple map or photo of your office door. Encourage students to stop by even for a quick hello.

Let’s Be Friends!

I’m here to listen and help. Remember, all feelings are okay!
See you soon! 😊

Close with high energy: “I’m so excited to work with each of you this year!” Ask for any quick questions.

Reading

Emotion Expression Chart Poster

Instructions: When you have a feeling, point to the picture and word that best match how you feel!

• 😊 Happy

• 😢 Sad

• 😡 Angry

• 😱 Scared

• 😕 Confused

• 😃 Excited

• 😞 Worried

• 😍 Loving

• 😖 Frustrated

• 😩 Tired

Worksheet

Counselor Connection Ticket

Use this ticket to let me know you’d like a private check-in with your school counselor. Fill out the parts below and turn it in to my mailbox or hand it to me directly. I’ll get back to you soon!

Name: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________

Why I’d like to talk (feelings, questions, or anything on your mind):

(Optional) How I’m feeling right now (circle one):

😊 Happy 😢 Sad 😡 Angry 😱 Scared 😕 Confused 😃 Excited 😞 Worried 😍 Loving 😖 Frustrated 😩 Tired

Thank you for sharing! I’m here to help. 😊