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Counselor Quest

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Lesson Plan

Counselor Quest Lesson Plan

Students will identify the school counselor’s role, explore how counselors support their emotional well-being, and practice when and how to seek help through discussion and role-play.

Familiarity with the school counselor empowers students to ask for support, promotes emotional health, and fosters a trusting classroom community.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, reflection worksheets, and role-plays.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduce the Counselor

5 minutes

  • Gather students on the carpet and display the Counselor Introduction Poster
  • Ask: “Who can tell me what a school counselor does?”
  • Record student ideas on chart paper under “Counselor’s Job”
  • Summarize: Explain counselor supports feelings, solves problems, and keeps us safe and happy

Step 2

Explore Feelings

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Student Feelings Worksheet
  • Students draw or write about a time they felt happy, sad, or worried
  • Invite volunteers to share one feeling and how they handled it
  • Teacher connects each example to ways a counselor can help

Step 3

Role-Play Scenarios

12 minutes

  • Pair students and give each pair a Counselor Quiz Card
  • Each card describes a situation (e.g., being bullied, feeling nervous)
  • Pairs discuss: “Should we talk to the counselor? Why or why not?”
  • Volunteers role-play approaching the counselor and asking for help
  • Teacher circulates, prompts deeper thinking, and notes understanding

Step 4

Reflect and Wrap Up

5 minutes

  • On sticky notes, students write one thing they learned about the counselor
  • Post notes on chart paper under “Takeaways”
  • Review key points: role, support, when/how to approach
  • Encourage students to visit the counselor anytime they need help
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Slide Deck

Counselor Quest

Today’s Goals:

  • Learn what our school counselor does
  • Find out how they support us
  • Practice talking to them for help

Welcome students to our Counselor Quest! Explain today’s goals: we will learn what our school counselor does, how they support us, and practice talking to them when we need help.

Who is the School Counselor?

  • A helpful adult at our school
  • Listens to our feelings
  • Helps solve problems
  • Keeps us safe and supported

Display the Counselor Introduction Poster. Ask: “Who can tell me what a school counselor does?” Record ideas on chart paper. Then highlight key counselor roles.

How the Counselor Supports Us

  • Listens when we feel happy, sad, or worried
  • Suggests ways to solve problems
  • Teaches us how to manage feelings
  • Shows us when and how to ask for help

Walk through each support role with examples (e.g., talking through worries, helping friends get along). Emphasize that counselors are our partners in feeling safe.

Explore Your Feelings

  1. Take your [Student Feelings Worksheet]
  2. Draw or write about a time you felt happy, sad, or worried
  3. Be ready to share one example

Pass out the Student Feelings Worksheet. Explain that students will draw or write about a time they felt happy, sad, or worried. Give them 5 minutes and then invite volunteers to share.

Role-Play Scenarios

  1. In pairs, pick a [Counselor Quiz Card]
  2. Discuss: Should we talk to the counselor? Why or why not?
  3. Role-play approaching the counselor and asking for help

Divide students into pairs and hand out shuffled Counselor Quiz Cards. Instruct them to discuss each scenario, decide if they’d go to the counselor and why, then role-play asking for help.

Reflect and Share

  1. Write one thing you learned on a sticky note
  2. Post it under “Takeaways” on chart paper
  3. Listen as classmates share theirs

Bring students back together. Give each a sticky note. Ask them to write one thing they learned about the counselor and post it under “Takeaways” on chart paper. Read a few aloud.

Remember

  • Counselors are here to help you
  • You can visit them anytime you need support
  • Ask your teacher to show you where the counselor’s office is

Review key messages: counselor roles, support services, when and how to ask. Encourage students to visit the counselor anytime they need help or have questions.

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Activity

Counselor Quiz Cards

These scenario cards help students decide when to seek the counselor’s help and practice asking for support. Cut them apart and shuffle before use.

  • Card 1
    Situation: You forgot your homework and feel worried you might get in trouble.
    Prompt: Should you talk to the counselor? Why or why not?


  • Card 2
    Situation: Your friend is crying and you don’t know how to help them.
    Prompt: Should you go to the counselor? Why might that help?


  • Card 3
    Situation: You always sit by yourself at lunch and feel lonely.
    Prompt: Could talking to the counselor help? How?


  • Card 4
    Situation: You had a fight with a classmate and now won’t talk to them.
    Prompt: Should you ask the counselor for help? Why or why not?


  • Card 5
    Situation: Your family just moved to a new town and you’re nervous about making friends.
    Prompt: How could the counselor help you feel more comfortable?


  • Card 6
    Situation: You saw another student being bullied on the playground.
    Prompt: Why is it a good idea to tell the counselor?


  • Card 7
    Situation: You feel really sad because your pet died at home.
    Prompt: Would the counselor be someone you could talk to about your feelings? Why?


  • Card 8
    Situation: You are nervous about an upcoming test and can’t stop worrying.
    Prompt: How might the counselor help you calm down or plan?


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Worksheet

Student Feelings Worksheet

Name: ______________________ Date: ______________________

  1. Think of a time you felt HAPPY. Draw a picture or write about it:











  2. How did you handle that happy feeling? Could the counselor help you share or celebrate this feeling? Explain:






  3. Think of a time you felt SAD. Draw a picture or write about it:











  4. How did you handle that sad feeling? Could the counselor help you feel better? Explain:






  5. Think of a time you felt WORRIED. Draw a picture or write about it:











  6. How might the counselor help you with that worried feeling? Explain:






  7. Which one of these feelings would you talk to the counselor about first? What would you say to them?






Great job! Remember, the counselor is here to help with all kinds of feelings.

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Reading

Meet Your School Counselor!

Who Am I?

I’m Ms. Rivera, your school counselor. I’m here to help YOU feel your best at school!

What I Do

  • Listen to Your Feelings
    Happy, sad, worried, or excited – you can share anything with me.
  • Solve Problems Together
    Whether it’s a friendship bump or a homework worry, we’ll come up with ideas.
  • Teach Helpful Skills
    Learn ways to calm down, make friends, and feel confident.
  • Keep You Safe and Supported
    I work with teachers and families to make our school a great place to learn.

When to Visit Me

  • Feeling lonely or left out
  • Worried about a test or project
  • Having a problem with a friend
  • Missing someone at home
  • Just want to celebrate something good!

Where to Find Me

Location: Room 102, near the library door
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Just knock or ask your teacher to escort you!

Remember:
You can talk to me anytime. No feeling is too big or too small – I’m here for you!

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