Lesson Plan
Counselor Detectives Lesson Plan
Students will learn the role of a school counselor by listening to a story, participating in a discussion, and completing a fun detective activity to identify how and when to seek help.
Introducing counselors helps kindergarteners feel supported, builds trust in school adults, and empowers students to seek help when they need it.
Audience
Kindergarten
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Story, discussion, detective game
Materials
- The School Counselor Cares Story, - Counselor Detective Badges Template, - Counselor Clues Worksheet, - Chart Paper and Markers, - Magnifying Glasses (optional), and - Stickers for Detective Badges
Prep
Pre-Class Preparation
10 minutes
- Print and cut out enough Counselor Detective Badges Template for each student
- Photocopy the Counselor Clues Worksheet for all students
- Reserve a copy of The School Counselor Cares Story (digital or print)
- Set up chart paper and markers in a visible location
- Optionally gather magnifying glasses and stickers
- Review the story and worksheet so you’re familiar with key discussion points
Step 1
Welcome & Mystery Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet students and tell them they’re going to be “Counselor Detectives” today.
- Show a badge sample: “Counselor Detective Badge.”
- Ask: “What do you think a school counselor does?” and record quick ideas on chart paper.
Step 2
Story Time
8 minutes
- Read The School Counselor Cares Story aloud.
- Pause occasionally to ask comprehension questions:
- “How did the counselor help the student?”
- “What feelings did the student share?”
- Highlight that counselors listen, help solve problems, and keep feelings safe.
Step 3
Guided Discussion
5 minutes
- Return to chart paper. Label two columns: What Counselors Do and When to Visit.
- Invite students to share examples from the story or their own experience.
- Fill in ideas under each column.
Step 4
Detective Activity
8 minutes
- Give each student a badge and sticker to decorate it.
- Hand out the Counselor Clues Worksheet.
- Instruct students to use magnifying glasses (if available) to find hidden picture cards around the room that show counselor activities (listening ear, feelings chart, office door).
- When a student finds a picture, they glue or circle the matching clue on their worksheet.
- Circulate and support students in naming each activity.
Step 5
Share & Reflect
4 minutes
- Gather students in a circle with their completed worksheets and badges.
- Ask volunteers to name one thing they learned about counselors.
- Reinforce that counselors are here to help everyone.
- Encourage students to visit the counselor if they ever need to talk or feel upset.
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Counselor Detectives!
Welcome detectives! Today we will learn about school counselors and how they help us feel safe and heard.
Welcome the students warmly. Hold up a sample badge made from the Counselor Detective Badges Template. Tell students: “Today, you are Counselor Detectives! We will learn how school counselors help us.” Encourage excitement and briefly explain that detectives look for clues—and today we’ll look for clues about what a counselor does.
What Is a School Counselor?
A school counselor is a special helper at school who:
• Listens to your thoughts and feelings
• Helps you solve problems
• Keeps your feelings safe
Explain that a school counselor is a special helper at school. Ask: “What do you think a counselor does?” Jot student answers on chart paper. Then highlight the key roles: listening, solving problems, keeping feelings safe.
Story Time
Let’s listen to a story about how our school counselor cares for us.
The School Counselor Cares Story
Introduce the story: “Now we’ll hear how a counselor helped a student.” Read The School Counselor Cares Story aloud. Pause to ask:
– “How did the counselor help the child?”
– “What feelings did the child share?”
Emphasize that counselors are good listeners and problem-solvers.
Guided Discussion
Let’s fill in:
What Counselors Do | When to Visit
– Listen 🎧 | – When I feel sad 😢
– Help solve problems 🧩 | – When I need someone to talk to 💬
Return to the chart. Draw two columns labeled “What Counselors Do” and “When to Visit.” Invite students to share examples from the story or their own experiences. Write their responses under the correct column.
Detective Activity
- Decorate your badge from the Counselor Detective Badges Template.
- Use a magnifying glass to find hidden counselor pictures.
- Circle or glue each picture on your Counselor Clues Worksheet.
Hand out detective badges and stickers. Demonstrate your badge. Distribute Counselor Clues Worksheet and magnifying glasses. Explain: “Find the hidden picture cards around the room that show counselors helping. Circle or glue the matching pictures on your worksheet.” Circulate to support and name each activity.
Share & Reflect
Great job, detectives! What’s one thing you learned about counselors today?
Remember: Counselors help us feel better and solve problems. You can visit them anytime.
Gather students in a circle with their badges and worksheets. Invite volunteers to share one thing they learned. Reinforce: “Counselors are here to help everyone. You can visit them when you need to talk or feel upset.” Praise all detectives for their hard work.
Reading
The School Counselor Cares Story
Mia was feeling a little blue one morning. She missed her grandma’s hug and felt shy talking to her friends at recess. During carpet time, Mia’s teacher noticed her quiet face and said, “Would you like to take a break and talk to our school counselor?” Mia nodded and followed her teacher down the bright hallway.
When Mia stepped into the counselor’s cozy office, she saw soft chairs, colorful pictures on the walls, and a big feelings chart. The counselor, Mr. Lee, greeted Mia with a warm smile. He said, “Hi Mia, I’m here to listen. You can tell me anything.” Mia’s shoulders relaxed a bit.
Mia whispered, “I feel sad because I miss my grandma.” The counselor nodded and showed Mia the feelings chart. Together, they found the sad face and talked about what made Mia feel better at home—like looking at grandma’s photo album. Mr. Lee taught Mia a deep-breathing trick: she could pretend to blow bubbles to help her feelings float away when she felt upset.
Before Mia left, Mr. Lee gave her a little “Feelings Detective” sticker and said, “Remember, you can always come back and share how you’re feeling. I’m here to help.” Mia smiled, held her sticker close, and skipped back to class. She felt lighter knowing someone at school cared and would always listen.
End of story. Feel free to ask: “How did Mr. Lee help Mia?” or “What can you do if you feel sad at school?"
Worksheet
Counselor Clues Detective Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________
Instructions: You’re a Counselor Detective! There are three hidden pictures around the room showing things a school counselor does. When you find each picture card, either circle the matching outline below or glue the picture in the box.
- Listening Ear
Circle or glue the matching picture here:
- Feelings Chart
Circle or glue the matching picture here:
- Counselor’s Office Door
Circle or glue the matching picture here:
Great detective work! When you’ve found all three, bring your worksheet back to the circle so we can share what each picture shows about how counselors help us.
Activity
Create Counselor Detective Badges Template
Instructions for Teachers: Print one badge page per student. Students will color, decorate, and cut out their badges. Provide stickers or markers for personalization.
✩✩✩ CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINE ✩✩✩
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
. COUNSELOR .
. DETECTIVE .
. .
. [ Badge Art ] .
. .
. Name: ___________________ .
. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Use:
- Color and decorate your badge inside the dotted border.
- Write your name on the line.
- Carefully cut along the dotted line.
- Attach a sticker or yarn to wear your badge.
(You can include magnifying glass stickers or fun shapes to make your badges extra special!)