Role-Play with Scenario Cards

Objective: Students will practice identifying when and how to seek help from the school counselor by acting out realistic situations in small groups.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials:

• School Counselor Scenario Cards
• Counselor Role Chart (for reference)

Instructions

1. Setup (2 minutes)
   • Arrange students into groups of 3–4.
   • Give each group one School Counselor Scenario Card.
2. Group Discussion (3 minutes)
   • In each group, students read their card together.
   • Prompt: “What is happening in this situation? When would someone talk to the counselor? How would they start the conversation?”
   • Encourage students to refer to the Counselor Role Chart for ideas on what the counselor can help with.
3. Role-Play (7 minutes)
   • Assign roles: one student plays the person seeking help, another plays the counselor, and others observe.
   • Students act out the conversation step by step:
     1. Student asks to see the counselor.
     2. Counselor listens and asks clarifying questions.
     3. Counselor offers a next step or solution.
   • Observers note one thing the seeker did well and one question they still have.
4. Share & Feedback (3 minutes)
   • Invite one or two groups to perform their role-play for the class.
   • After each performance, observers share:
     • “One thing the student seeker did that helped them get support.”
     • “One question we have for the counselor.”
   • Reinforce positive help-seeking language (e.g., “Can I talk to you about something?”) and confidentiality.

Follow-up: Use student observations to guide the whole-class discussion in the subsequent reflection step of the lesson.

Counselor Role Q&A Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Counselor Role Chart, class chart paper or whiteboard, markers, Counselor Reflection Worksheet

Objectives

• Reinforce understanding of the school counselor’s role and responsibilities.
• Give students a chance to ask real questions and hear peer ideas.
• Build confidence in asking for help.

Discussion Guidelines

• Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
• Listen respectfully when classmates speak.
• Speak in a clear voice and use complete sentences.
• There are no “silly” questions—every question is important!

1. What Does a Counselor Do?

Teacher Prompt: “Who can share one thing our counselor helps with?”
Follow-Ups:

• “Can someone give an example from our Counselor Role Chart?”
• “Why is that important for students?”

2. Why Do We Have a School Counselor?

Teacher Prompt: “Why do schools have counselors? How do they help our classroom feel safe and happy?”
Follow-Ups:

• “What might happen if we didn’t have a counselor?”
• “How does it feel to know someone is there to listen?”

3. Practicing Help-Seeking Language

Teacher Prompt: “Let’s practice asking to see the counselor. I’ll say the first part, and you finish the sentence.”
Model: “May I talk to you…”
Student Completion: “…about something?” “…about feeling sad?” “…about my work?”

Then invite 2–3 volunteers to role-play that sentence with a partner in front of the class.

4. When Could You Visit the Counselor?

Teacher Prompt: “Can someone tell me a time they might decide to talk to the counselor?”
Possible Answers:

• Feeling worried or sad
• Having trouble with friends
• Needing help with schoolwork
• Wanting someone to listen

Follow-Up: “If you ever aren’t sure, what could you do first?”
(Example: “Ask the teacher,” “Write a note,” “Raise my hand”)

5. Questions for the Counselor

Teacher Prompt: “Remember the questions you wrote on your Counselor Reflection Worksheet? Who would like to share one question they still have?”

• Write each question on chart paper.
• Invite classmates to help answer or add ideas.

Teacher Wrap-Up

• Review key ideas recorded on the chart.
• Remind students it’s always okay to ask for help.
• Encourage them to visit the counselor anytime they need support.

Counselor Role Chart

What Is a School Counselor?
A school counselor is a helpful grown-up at our school. They listen, support, and guide students when they need help.

What Can the School Counselor Help With?

1. Feelings & Emotions
   • Feeling sad, worried, or angry? The counselor listens and helps you feel better.
2. Friendship Problems
   • Having a fight with a friend or finding it hard to make friends? The counselor helps you talk it out and find solutions.
3. Schoolwork Support
   • Struggling with a lesson or feeling nervous about a test? The counselor shares tips and plans to help you succeed.
4. Family Changes
   • Moving to a new home, parents getting divorced, or a new baby in the family? The counselor helps you understand and cope with changes.
5. Bullying & Safety
   • If you feel bullied or unsafe, the counselor works with you and adults to keep you protected.
6. Dreams & Goals
   • Want to set goals for reading, sports, or other activities? The counselor helps you make a plan to reach your dreams.

How It Works

• Confidentiality: The counselor keeps what you say private. They only share if someone’s safety is at risk.
• How to Visit:

1. Ask your teacher.
2. Write a note and give it to the counselor.
3. Walk to the counselor’s office during class with a pass.

Remember:
It’s always okay to ask for help. Your counselor is here to listen!

School Counselor Scenario Cards

Instructions: Print and cut these cards. Give each small group one card for the role-play activity. Students should read their scenario, discuss when and how to visit the counselor, and then act it out.

Card 1: New in School
You just moved to a new neighborhood and don’t know anyone. You feel lonely at recess and aren’t sure what to do.

Card 2: Friendship Fight
You and your best friend had a disagreement at lunch. Now you feel sad because you can’t play together.

Card 3: Test Worries
You have a big spelling test tomorrow. You’re nervous and don’t know how to study.

Card 4: Family Change
Your parents recently got separated. You feel confused and miss how things were before.

Card 5: Bullying
Someone in another class called you mean names on the playground. You feel hurt and don’t want to go out there.

Card 6: Goal Planning
You want to get better at reading but aren’t sure how to practice or who to ask for help.

Card 7: Feeling Scared
A big storm last night made your house shake. You feel scared and had trouble sleeping.

Card 8: Feeling Excluded
All the students are choosing partner groups for a project. You worry no one will pick you.

Counselor Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________ Date: ________________

1. Draw or Write One Situation Where You Might Talk to the School Counselor

(You can draw a picture or write a few sentences.)

2. Write One Question You Have for the School Counselor