School Counselor Unlocked

Tara Kolb

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Meet the School Counselor

Students will meet the school counselor, learn her key roles in supporting academics, emotions, and social skills, and understand how to request help.

Building trust and awareness of the counselor empowers 4th graders to seek support when facing academic or personal challenges, boosting their well-being.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation and guided discussion

Materials

Counselor Introduction Slide Deck, - Counselor Role Poster, - Counselor Request Slip Handout, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Sticky Notes

Prep

Prepare Materials and Space

10 minutes

Print the Counselor Introduction Slide Deck and Counselor Request Slip Handout.
Hang the Counselor Role Poster where all students can see.
Arrange desks or carpet seating in a semicircle facing the board.
Place chart paper and markers at the front of the class.
Have sticky notes ready for student responses.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Greet students and announce today’s special guest: the school counselor.
Ask: “What do you think a counselor does?”
Record student ideas on chart paper under “Counselor Roles.”

Step 2

Counselor Presentation

10 minutes

Display the Counselor Introduction Slide Deck.
Introduce the counselor’s name, job location, and fun facts.
Show the Counselor Role Poster and highlight three main duties: listening to feelings, helping with schoolwork, and teaching social skills.

Step 3

Role Exploration Discussion

10 minutes

Have students turn and talk in pairs: choose one role from the poster and discuss when they might need that support.
After 2 minutes, invite volunteers to share their scenarios.
Jot down examples on chart paper (e.g., feeling nervous before a test, having a disagreement with a friend).

Step 4

How to Seek Support

5 minutes

Explain how to visit the counselor: drop-in vs. scheduled appointment.
Model filling out the Counselor Request Slip Handout.
Distribute handouts and let students practice writing their name and request.
Invite final questions and remind students the counselor is here to help anytime!

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Slide Deck

Meet Your School Counselor!

[Insert a friendly photo of the counselor here]

Use this title slide to get students excited. Greet them warmly and point to the slide as you begin.

Hello! I'm Ms. Rivera

I’m Ms. Rivera, your school counselor.
I love reading mystery books and playing soccer.
I’m here to support you every day!

Introduce yourself by name, share your role and a fun fact to build rapport.

Where to Find Me

My office is in Room 102, next to the library.
Look for the purple door with this sign: [Image: Door Sign].
You’re always welcome to stop by when I’m available.

Show students where your office is located and how to spot it.

I Can Help You With...

• Listening to your feelings and worries
• Helping with schoolwork and study tips
• Teaching you how to make friends and solve problems

Highlight the three key duties and explain each with a quick example.

When to Visit Me

• When you feel nervous or upset about something
• If you have a disagreement with a friend
• If you need tips for studying or taking tests

Give concrete examples of situations when students might need support.

How to Ask for Help

Pick up a Counselor Request Slip in the hallway
Write your name and why you’d like to visit
Turn it in at my office door
I’ll call you in as soon as I can!

Model filling out the request slip and explain each field.

Any Questions?

• What would you like to know about my job?
• How can I help you feel more comfortable at school?

Encourage students to ask anything they’re curious about. Reinforce that there are no silly questions.

Activity

Counselor Role Poster Template

Hang this poster in your classroom to remind students how the school counselor can support them.

I Can Help You With...

🔊 Listening to Feelings
I’m here to listen when you feel happy, sad, worried, or anything in between.

📚 Schoolwork Support
I can help you with study tips, test-taking strategies, and homework questions.

🤝 Social Skills & Problem Solving
I teach ways to make friends, resolve disagreements, and work well with others.

Icons:
🔊 Ear icon for listening
📚 Book icon for academics
🤝 Handshake icon for social skills

(Optional: Leave blank space around each section for student doodles or notes.)

Worksheet

Counselor Request Slip Handout

Please fill out this slip to let me know you’d like to talk. Drop it in my office box, and I’ll call you when I’m available.

Student Name: ________________________________________ Date: _______________

Why I’d like to meet with the counselor (what’s on my mind?):

My preferred time to meet (check one):

[ ] Before school
[ ] Recess
[ ] Lunch
[ ] After school
[ ] Other: __________________________

Is there anything else you’d like me to know? (Optional)