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Group Launch Pad

Lesson Plan

Group Launch Pad Plan

Build rapport and establish clear group norms, introduce each student’s IEP counseling goals, and set shared expectations to create a safe, structured environment for ongoing Tier 3 counseling.

Setting group norms and sharing IEP goals helps students with learning and emotional disabilities feel understood, supported, and accountable. This foundation promotes trust and paves the way for meaningful progress.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, modeling, and visual aids.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Group Norms Chart and the IEP Goals Summary Sheet.
  • Print and laminate the Group Norms Chart.
  • Make individual copies of the IEP Goals Summary Sheet for each student.
  • Set up seating to face a shared board or easel.
  • Place name tags and markers on the table.
  • Prepare the Token Reward Chart with tokens or stickers.

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

5 minutes

  • Greet each student by name and hand out name tags.
  • Brief icebreaker: Ask “What’s one thing that makes you feel safe in a new group?”
  • Encourage each student to share one response.

Step 2

Establish Group Norms

10 minutes

  • Display the Group Norms Chart.
  • Read each norm aloud (e.g., Respect, Listen, Be Honest, Confidentiality).
  • Invite students to add 1–2 norms they feel are important.
  • Confirm agreement by having each student place a check mark next to each norm.

Step 3

Introduce IEP Counseling Goals

8 minutes

  • Distribute the IEP Goals Summary Sheet.
  • Briefly review each student’s individual goals (academic coping strategies, emotional regulation).
  • Ask each student to name one goal they’re most excited about working on.

Step 4

Set Expectations and Closing

7 minutes

  • Explain how tokens/stickers will be earned for following norms and effort toward IEP goals using the Token Reward Chart.
  • Summarize key points: norms, goals, rewards.
  • Ask students to each state one thing they will do to keep the group safe.
  • Collect materials and remind students of next session.
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Slide Deck

Group Launch Pad

Building trust and setting our group's foundation.

Welcome students by name, introduce yourself, and explain that today we’ll set the foundation for our counseling group. Emphasize that this is a safe space where everyone’s voice matters.

Welcome & Icebreaker

What makes you feel safe in a new group?

Prompt each student to answer the icebreaker question. Encourage respectful listening and validate each response.

Group Norms

  • Respect
  • Listen
  • Be Honest
  • Confidentiality
  • (Your ideas here!)

Display the Group Norms Chart. Read the norms aloud, then invite students to suggest 1–2 more. Have them place a check next to each norm they agree with.

IEP Counseling Goals

  • Academic Coping Strategies
  • Emotional Regulation Skills

Which goal are you most excited to work on?

Hand out the IEP Goals Summary Sheet. Briefly review each student’s individual goals. Ask each student: “Which goal are you most excited to work on?”

Token Reward System

Earn tokens or stickers by:

  • Following our norms
  • Working toward your IEP goals

Collect tokens to earn rewards!

Explain how tokens or stickers will be earned for following norms and making progress on IEP goals. Show the Token Reward Chart and examples of rewards.

Expectations & Closing

  • Remember our norms, goals, and rewards
  • Share one thing you’ll do to keep the group safe
  • See you next session!

Summarize today’s norms, goals, and rewards. Go around and ask each student to state one thing they will do to keep the group safe. Remind them of the next session.

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Worksheet

Group Norms Chart

Below are our group norms. Put a check (✔) next to each norm you agree to follow in our counseling sessions.

  • Respect everyone’s thoughts and feelings.
  • Listen without interrupting.
  • Be honest and share your true thoughts.
  • Keep what’s said in the group confidential.
     
     

My Additional Norms

Help us build a safe space by adding two more norms you think are important:

  1. ____________________________________________________________



  2. ____________________________________________________________




     
     

My Promise

I promise to follow these norms to help our group stay safe and respectful.

Signature: ____________________________


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Worksheet

IEP Goals Summary Sheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________


In our counseling sessions, we’ll work on strengthening two important areas from your IEP. Read each goal below and answer the questions to help you focus on what you want to accomplish.

1. Academic Coping Strategies

Goal: Learn and use techniques to stay organized, manage time, and handle challenging schoolwork.

  1. What does this goal mean to you?
    ______________________________________________________________


  2. One strategy I would like to try (e.g., breaking tasks into steps, using a planner) is:
    ______________________________________________________________





  3. A way I will know I’m doing well (how I’ll measure success) is:
    ______________________________________________________________


2. Emotional Regulation Skills

Goal: Recognize and manage strong feelings (like anger or anxiety) in positive ways.

  1. What does this goal mean to you?
    ______________________________________________________________


  2. One strategy I would like to practice (e.g., deep breathing, counting to ten) is:
    ______________________________________________________________





  3. A way I will know I’m making progress is:
    ______________________________________________________________


Reflection & Commitment

  1. Which goal are you most excited to work on? Why?
    ______________________________________________________________





  2. On a scale of 1 (not confident) to 5 (very confident), circle how ready you feel to work on these goals today:1 2 3 4 5


  3. I promise to do my best to follow these goals and share my progress each session.

Signature: ____________________________


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Worksheet

Token Reward Chart

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________


Every time you follow a group norm or show effort toward your IEP goal, color in one box below. When you collect enough tokens, pick a reward!

Token Tracking

[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]


[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]


[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]


[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Rewards Menu

Fill in a reward for each token milestone, then circle the reward you earn when you hit that number of tokens.

5 tokens: ____________________________________________________


10 tokens: ___________________________________________________


15 tokens: ___________________________________________________


20 tokens: ___________________________________________________

My reward choice when I reach my tokens:
_______________________________________________________________


Keep this chart in our group area so we can track progress each session!

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