Lesson Plan
Counselor Quest Plan
Introduce 3rd graders to their school counselor’s role and practice three concrete strategies to ask for help, empowering students to seek support when they need it.
Early connection with a trusted adult promotes emotional safety, reduces stigma around asking for help, and equips students with practical tools to advocate for themselves.
Audience
3rd Grade Elementary School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, modeling, and role-play practice.
Materials
Chart Paper, Markers, Meet Your Counselor Poster, Counselor Quest Worksheet, Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards, and Optional: Projector or Smartboard
Prep
Prepare Lesson Materials
15 minutes
- Print enough copies of Counselor Quest Worksheet for each student.
- Cut and laminate (optional) the Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards.
- Hang or display the Meet Your Counselor Poster where all students can see it.
- Gather Chart Paper and Markers for whole-class brainstorming.
- Review this lesson plan and all linked materials to familiarize yourself with the flow and talking points.
Step 1
Welcome & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students at the door and welcome them to today’s special session.
- Display the Meet Your Counselor Poster and have students gather around.
- Prompt: “How are you feeling right now?”
- Record a few student feelings on Chart Paper to normalize sharing emotions.
Step 2
Counselor Role Presentation
10 minutes
- Introduce yourself as the school counselor: share your name, classroom location, and two fun facts.
- Use the poster to explain your job duties (e.g., helping with feelings, solving conflicts, planning for success).
- Ask students to brainstorm times they might visit you (e.g., feeling sad, struggling with a friend, excited about something).
Step 3
Class Discussion on Help-Seeking
5 minutes
- Ask: “What makes it hard to ask for help?” Record responses on Chart Paper under “Barriers.”
- Ask: “What helps you feel comfortable asking?” Record responses under “Supports.”
- Highlight that everyone needs support sometimes and it’s brave to ask.
Step 4
Modeling Help-Seeking Strategies
10 minutes
- Introduce three strategies using the Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards:
- Use Your Words: talk directly with the counselor.
- Write a Note: pass a note into the counselor’s box.
- Draw a Picture: express feelings through art.
- Demonstrate each strategy with a volunteer student acting out a scenario.
- After each demo, ask the class: “How did that feel?” and “When could you use this?”
Step 5
Student Practice & Role-Play
10 minutes
- Distribute the Counselor Quest Worksheet.
- Students work in pairs to read two brief scenarios on the worksheet.
- For each scenario, they choose one strategy card and role-play asking for help.
- Circulate to listen, offer feedback, and praise clear communication.
Step 6
Closing & Reflection
5 minutes
- Gather students back on the carpet.
- Prompt: “Share one thing you learned about our school counselor today.”
- Encourage students to put worksheets in a “Counselor Box” if they wrote notes, or to keep it as reminder.
- Remind them: “I’m here to help—anytime you need support, you can use one of these strategies!”
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Slide Deck
Counselor Quest: Meet Your School Counselor
• Today’s Goal: Get to know our counselor
• Understand how they can help us
• Practice asking for support when we need it
Welcome students warmly as they enter. Introduce today’s session: explain that they will meet the school counselor, learn about the role, and practice asking for help.
Welcome & Warm-Up
- Look at the poster and gather around.
- Question: “How are you feeling right now?”
- Let’s share and write a few feelings on our chart.
Display the “Meet Your Counselor” poster. Ask students to share aloud how they’re feeling. Record 3–4 feelings on chart paper to normalize sharing.
Meet Your Counselor
• My name is Ms. Lopez
• My office is in Room 12 next to the library
• Fun Facts: I love drawing cartoon animals and playing soccer
Introduce yourself: share name, office location, and two fun facts. Encourage students to listen for connections.
What Does a Counselor Do?
• Help with big feelings (sad, mad, worried)
• Solve problems with friends
• Plan for success (set goals)
• Keep your conversations private
Explain each duty in simple terms. Encourage students to think of real examples.
When Might You Visit?
• Feeling sad or upset
• Having a fight with a friend
• Feeling nervous about schoolwork
• Just want to share something exciting!
Ask students to brainstorm aloud times they might visit the counselor. Add their ideas to the chart under “When to Visit.”
Class Discussion: Asking for Help
Barriers:
• Feeling shy or scared
• Not knowing what to say
Supports:
• Friendly reminder
• A note or drawing
• A trusted adult’s encouragement
Guide students to identify barriers and supports. Record their answers under two headings on chart paper.
Help-Seeking Strategies
Use one of these three ways to ask for help:
- Use Your Words
- Write a Note
- Draw a Picture
Introduce each strategy card. Demonstrate briefly with a volunteer. After each demo, ask: “How did that feel?”
Student Practice & Role-Play
- Pair up and read Scenario A and B
- Pick a strategy card for each scenario
- Take turns asking for help using that strategy
- Share with the class how it felt
Distribute the Counselor Quest Worksheet and strategy cards. Explain that students will work in pairs, choose a strategy, and role-play two scenarios.
Closing & Reflection
• Share one new thing you learned today
• Keep or submit your worksheet as a reminder
• Remember: I’m here whenever you need help!
Bring students back together on the carpet. Prompt reflection and remind them of ongoing support available.
Worksheet
Counselor Quest Worksheet
Instructions
Read each scenario below. Choose one way to ask for help from the Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards.
Circle your choice and then practice what you would say or do in the space provided.
Scenario A
You feel sad because a friend didn’t include you in a game at recess.
Which strategy will you use? (Circle one)
Use Your Words Write a Note Draw a Picture
Practice: Write what you would say or draw a picture of how you’d ask for help below.
Scenario B
You’re worried about a big spelling test tomorrow and don’t know how to study.
Which strategy will you use? (Circle one)
Use Your Words Write a Note Draw a Picture
Practice: Write what you would say or draw a picture of how you’d ask for help below.
Your Turn
Think of a time you might need help (for example, if you feel angry, lonely, or nervous).
Which strategy will you choose? (Circle one)
Use Your Words Write a Note Draw a Picture
Practice: Draw or write your request for help below.
Activity
Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards
Print, cut out, and (optional) laminate each card. Distribute to students to choose their favorite way to ask for help.
Use Your Words 💬
What to do:
Tell the counselor how you feel or what you need using clear words.
Examples:
“I feel sad because…”
“I need help with my spelling test.”
Write a Note 📝
What to do:
Write a short note explaining your feelings or questions and drop it into the counselor’s box.
Examples:
“Dear Ms. Lopez, I’m worried about my math quiz.”
“Can you help me if I feel lonely at recess?”
Draw a Picture 🎨
What to do:
Draw how you’re feeling or what support you need and share the picture with the counselor.
Examples:
-Picture of a frown and question mark
-Picture of yourself needing a friend to talk
Reading
Meet Your School Counselor: Ms. Lopez
Office Location: Room 12 (next to the library)
👋 About Me
• Name: Ms. Lopez
• Role: School Counselor
• Favorite Things: Drawing cartoon animals, playing soccer, reading mystery stories
🌟 Fun Facts
- I have a pet turtle named Luna.
- I once built a treehouse with my cousins.
- I love trying new ice cream flavors (mint chocolate chip is my favorite!).
💼 How I Can Help You
• Talking about big feelings (sad, mad, worried)
• Solving problems with friends
• Setting and reaching personal or academic goals
• Helping you feel safe and heard
🕒 When to Visit
• If you feel upset or anxious
• When you need advice about a friendship
• If you’re excited about something and want to share
• Anytime you just need someone to talk to!
Remember:
I’m here for you—feel free to use your words, write a note, or draw a picture when you need support!
Cool Down
Counselor Quest Cool Down
Name: ____________________ Date: ___________
1. One new thing I learned about our school counselor today is:
2. The strategy I will use next time I need help is (circle one):
Use Your Words Write a Note Draw a Picture
(You can look at the Ask-for-Help Strategy Cards for ideas.)
3. How comfortable do I feel asking for help? (Circle one)
1 2 3 4 5
(1 = not comfortable, 5 = very comfortable)
4. Draw or write below how you will ask for help the next time you need support:
Quiz
Help Seeking Strategies Form