Lesson Plan
Meet the Counselor
Students will learn the school counselor’s role, understand how to access support, and build trust through interactive dialogues and scenarios.
This lesson empowers students with knowledge of a key resource for academic, social-emotional, and personal growth and fosters a trusting relationship with the counselor.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Brief counselor intro, guided Q&A, and trust-building activities.
Materials
- Counselor Introduction Slides, - Counselor Q&A Worksheet, - Trust-Building Scenario Cards, - Index Cards, - Markers (various colors), and - Poster Paper
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials and instructions as needed.
- Print and prepare Counselor Introduction Slides.
- Print copies of Counselor Q&A Worksheet for each student.
- Print and cut Trust-Building Scenario Cards.
- Gather index cards, markers, and poster paper.
- Set up projector and test slides.
Step 1
Welcome and Icebreaker
5 minutes
- Teacher welcomes class and introduces the counselor.
- Hand out index cards; ask students to write one question they have about counseling or seeking advice.
- Collect cards to use during the Q&A activity.
Step 2
Counselor Presentation
10 minutes
- Counselor uses Counselor Introduction Slides to explain their role, responsibilities, and how students can access support.
- Pause periodically and ask for thumbs-up/down to check understanding.
Step 3
Guided Q&A
10 minutes
- Distribute Counselor Q&A Worksheet.
- Pair students; have them share their questions (from index cards) and record the counselor’s responses on the worksheet.
- Counselor circulates to answer additional questions and support discussions.
Step 4
Trust-Building Scenarios
5 minutes
- Divide students into small groups; give each group a card from Trust-Building Scenario Cards.
- Groups read their scenario (e.g., feeling nervous about a test) and discuss how they might approach the counselor for help.
- Invite one or two groups to share their scenario and key takeaways with the class.
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Slide Deck
Welcome to Meet the Counselor
Get to know your school counselor and learn how I can help you grow academically and personally.
Welcome the students and briefly explain the purpose of today’s session.
Who Am I?
Name: Ms. Smith
Role: School Counselor
Experience: 5 years working with middle school students
Introduce yourself: share your background and why you became a counselor.
What I Do
- Academic Support: study strategies, goal setting
- Social-Emotional Support: managing feelings, building confidence
- Personal Growth: planning for the future, resolving conflicts
Walk through each support area and give examples.
When and How to Reach Me
Office Location: Room 203 near the library
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30–4:00 PM
No appointment needed for drop-ins
For private meetings, set up an appointment via email or counselor referral
Explain drop-in policy and appointment process.
How Our Meetings Work
One-on-one or small group sessions
Confidential conversations except in safety emergencies
You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with
Emphasize confidentiality and set ground rules.
Trust-Building Scenarios
Scenario 1: Feeling worried about an upcoming test
Scenario 2: Having a disagreement with a friend
Scenario 3: Feeling overwhelmed by homework and activities
Ask students to think about how they would approach you in each scenario.
Contact & Next Steps
Email: jsmith@school.edu
Phone: 555-1234
Follow-up: Complete the Q&A worksheet and bring any questions
Encourage students to keep this information and remind them of the worksheet for the next activity.
Questions & Thank You
Any questions? I’m here to help!
Thank you for your attention.
Open the floor for any immediate questions and wrap up the presentation.
Worksheet
Counselor Q&A Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________
Instructions: In pairs, share the questions you wrote on your index cards. For each question, write it below and record the counselor’s response during the Q&A session.
- Question:
Counselor Response: - Question:
Counselor Response: - Question:
Counselor Response: - Question:
Counselor Response:
Reflection
- What is one new thing you learned about the counselor today?
- How might you approach the counselor if you need help in the future?
- Do you have any other questions or thoughts after today’s session?
Activity
Trust-Building Scenario Cards
Distribute one card per group. Each card describes a situation. In your group, read the scenario and discuss:
- How would you feel in this situation?
- What would you say or ask when you talk with the counselor?
- Why is it important to reach out for help?
Cards:
Scenario 1: You’ve been feeling nervous about an upcoming math test. You’re worried you might not pass and it’s making you lose sleep.
Scenario 2: You had a disagreement with your best friend at lunch, and now you feel left out and upset.
Scenario 3: You’re having trouble keeping up with homework from all your classes. You feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Scenario 4: You’re thinking about what you want to do in middle school and beyond but feel confused and unsure of your goals.
Scenario 5: You feel like no one at school understands you, and you’re lonely even when surrounded by classmates.
Scenario 6: Something at home is making it hard to focus in school, but you’re not sure if you should talk about personal matters here.
Cool Down
Counselor Exit Ticket
Name: ____________________________ Date: ___________________
- One thing I learned about the counselor today was:
- One way I might reach out to the counselor in the future is:
- A question I still have after today’s session is:
- How could talking to the counselor help me with school or my feelings?
- Any other thoughts or suggestions for future sessions?
Script
Counselor Quest: Teacher & Counselor Script
Welcome and Icebreaker (5 minutes)
Teacher: [Smile and make eye contact] “Good morning, everyone! Today we have a special guest—our school counselor, Ms. Smith. Let’s give her a warm welcome!”
(Pause for applause)
Teacher: “Ms. Smith is here to help us learn how she can support you academically, emotionally, and personally. To get started, we’ll do a quick icebreaker.”
Teacher: “I’m handing out one index card to each of you. On your card, write one question you have about counseling or seeking advice—anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about whether it’s big or small; every question matters!”
(Walk around distributing index cards)
Teacher: “Now, write your name on the back of the card, and when you’re finished, place it in the basket I’m passing around.”
(Collect cards)
Teacher: “Great work! We’ll use these questions in our Q&A session shortly.”
Counselor Presentation (10 minutes)
Teacher: “Ms. Smith will now share more about her role using the Counselor Introduction Slides. As she speaks, give a thumbs-up if you understand or a thumbs-down if you need clarification.”
Counselor: [Advance to Slide 1] “Welcome to Meet the Counselor! I’m here so you know how I can help you grow in school and beyond.”
Counselor: [Slide 2] “Who Am I? I’m Ms. Smith, your school counselor. I’ve worked with middle school students for five years, and I’m excited to support each of you.”
Counselor: [Slide 3] “What I Do:
- Academic Support: study strategies, goal setting
- Social-Emotional Support: managing feelings, building confidence
- Personal Growth: planning for the future, resolving conflicts”
(Pause, look around)
Counselor: “Thumbs up if that makes sense. ... Thank you!”
Counselor: [Slide 4] “When and How to Reach Me:
- Office: Room 203 near the library
- Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:30–4:00 PM
- Drop-ins welcome (no appointment needed)
- For privacy, email me or ask a teacher to refer you”
Counselor: [Slide 5] “How Our Meetings Work:
- One-on-one or small group
- Confidential (unless there’s a safety concern)
- You share what you’re comfortable with”
Counselor: [Slide 6] “Think about these scenarios: a tough test, a friendship problem, or feeling overwhelmed. We’ll discuss them soon.”
Counselor: [Slide 7] “Contact & Next Steps:
- Email: jsmith@school.edu
- Phone: 555-1234
- After this, you’ll complete a Q&A worksheet with your questions”
Counselor: [Slide 8] “Any quick questions before we move on? … Great—let’s go!”
Guided Q&A (10 minutes)
Teacher: “I’m handing out the Counselor Q&A Worksheet.”
(Distribute worksheets)
Teacher: “Find a partner. Share the question you wrote on your index card and write it in slot 1 of your worksheet. Listen carefully as Ms. Smith answers, and record her response. You’ll have about five minutes for two questions and answers, then switch partners to complete questions three and four.”
(Monitor pairs for 5 minutes)
Teacher: “Time for a quick check! How’s everyone doing? … Awesome. Now switch partners and work on questions three and four.”
(Monitor and support discussions)
Counselor: [Circulating] “That’s a great question about test anxiety—here’s a strategy you can try…” or “Thank you for asking about friendship conflicts. Let’s talk through some steps.”
Trust-Building Scenarios (5 minutes)
Teacher: “Now, let’s do the Trust-Building Scenario Cards. I’ll divide you into small groups and hand out one card per group.”
(Group students; distribute cards)
Teacher: “Read your scenario. In your group, discuss:
- How you’d feel in this situation
- What you’d say or ask when talking with the counselor
- Why it’s important to reach out for help
You have three minutes—go!”
(Start timer)
(After 3 minutes)
Teacher: “Welcome back! Group 2, please share your scenario and discussion highlights.”
Counselor: “Thank you for sharing. It takes courage to talk about these feelings, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.”
Exit Ticket (2 minutes)
Teacher: “To wrap up, please take a moment to complete the Counselor Exit Ticket.”
(Distribute exit tickets)
Teacher: “Answer the five questions: one thing you learned, one way you might reach out, a question you still have, how talking to the counselor could help you, and any suggestions for future sessions. Write quietly.”
(Monitor for 2 minutes)
Teacher: “Time’s up! Place your exit tickets in the basket as you leave.”
Counselor: “Thank you all for being so engaged! Remember, my door is always open—don’t hesitate to stop by.”
Teacher: “Let’s give Ms. Smith another round of applause. Fantastic job today, everyone!”