School Counselor Picture Book Read-Aloud Script

Teacher: “Today we’re going to read a story about a child who meets someone special at school—a school counselor! I want you to use your listening ears and your thinking brains. Ready?”

Page 1: Title Page

Teacher (holds up book so all can see): “The title of our book is Alex Meets the Counselor. What do you notice on the cover? Who do you think the counselor might be?”

Pause & Ask

• “What do you see in this picture?”
• “How do you think Alex feels?”

Page 2–3

Teacher (reads slowly, showing pictures):
“Alex’s tummy felt like a bundle of butterflies. It was the first day of school, and everything felt new and a little scary.”

Pause & Ask

• “Have you ever felt butterflies in your tummy on a first day?”
• “What do you do when you feel nervous?”

Page 4–5

Teacher (turns page):
“Ms. Smith walked into the room with a warm smile. She wore a name tag that said ‘Counselor.’ She knelt down so she was eye level with Alex and said, ‘Hi, I’m Ms. Smith. I’m here to listen and help you.’”

Pause & Ask

• “What do you think listening looks like?”
• “Why might it help Alex that Ms. Smith is smiling?”

Page 6–7

Teacher (reading):
“Alex sniffled and said, ‘I miss my old school.’ Ms. Smith nodded and said, ‘Change can feel hard. Would you like to tell me more?’ Alex felt safe to share.”

Pause & Ask

• “What did Ms. Smith do to help Alex feel safe?”
• “Can you share one thing that might make you feel safer when you’re sad?”

Page 8–9

Teacher (reads with expression):
“Ms. Smith taught Alex a ‘quiet breathing’ trick. She said, ‘Breathe in for four counts… 1…2…3…4. Breathe out for four counts… 1…2…3…4.’ Alex tried it and felt calm.”

Pause & Ask

• “Shall we try it together? Let’s breathe in… and out… Great job!”
• “How does breathing slowly help our bodies and hearts?”

Page 10–11

Teacher (continues):
“After talking and breathing, Alex felt brave enough to draw a picture of home. Ms. Smith put it on the ‘Feelings Wall’ and said, ‘You can always come back and talk more.’”

Pause & Ask

• “Why do you think Alex’s drawing went on the Feeling Wall?”
• “If you drew a picture of something that makes you happy, what would it be?”

Page 12 (The End)

Teacher (reads):
“Alex gave Ms. Smith a big hug and whispered, ‘Thank you, Ms. Smith.’ ‘You’re welcome,’ she said. ‘I’m always here to help you.’”

Pause & Ask

• “What was your favorite part of the story?”
• “How did Ms. Smith help Alex?”

Final Reflection

Teacher: “We just learned some ways a counselor can help us feel safe: by listening, by teaching us calm-down tricks, and by letting us share our feelings. Let’s remember these ideas as we talk about how our counselor can help us.”

Transition: “Now we’ll move to our chart paper to answer the question: ‘How can our counselor help us?’”

Counselor Coloring Activity Sheet

Instructions:

1. Color the picture of Ms. Smith (the school counselor) helping a student below.
2. Think about what you would say if you needed help.

1. Color the Picture

(Color this scene of Ms. Smith listening to a student.)

[Insert line drawing of a friendly counselor kneeling beside a child who is talking.]

2. My Words to the Counselor

Draw a speech bubble coming from the student and write or draw what you would say to Ms. Smith if you needed help.

3. Draw Yourself Talking to Ms. Smith

In the space below, draw you and Ms. Smith talking—maybe at her office door or in the counseling room.

Counselor Quick Check

Time: 2 minutes
Objective: Activate students’ readiness and gauge prior familiarity with the school counselor.

1. Display or write on the board:
   “Give a thumbs-up if you have ever met or visited our school counselor, Ms. Smith.
   Give a thumbs-down if you haven’t.”
2. Ask students to hold up thumbs-up or thumbs-down simultaneously.
3. Invite 2–3 students (one thumbs-up and one thumbs-down) to briefly share:
   • Thumbs-up student: “When did you meet Ms. Smith?”
   • Thumbs-down student: “What questions do you have for Ms. Smith?”
4. Transition: “Today we’ll all get to meet Ms. Smith and learn how she can help us feel safe and solve problems.”

Feelings Exit Ticket

Instructions:

1. On the top half of your paper, draw a smile if you would go to Ms. Smith when you feel upset, or draw a thinking face if you’re not sure and have questions.

1. On the bottom half, write or draw one way Ms. Smith (our counselor) can help you at school.

Optional: Write your name and the date at the top so I can see everyone’s answers.

Counselor Lesson Rubric

This rubric assesses students’ engagement, understanding, and demonstration of how the school counselor can help. Use a 3-point scale for each criterion.

Scoring Guide:

• Total Possible Points: 9
• 7–9: Demonstrates strong comfort with and understanding of the counselor’s role.
• 4–6: Developing awareness; may need additional support or reminders.
• 3 or below: Needs further guidance and encouragement to seek out the counselor.

Alignment with Objectives:

• Ensures students engage with and recall counselor supports.
• Encourages expression of feelings and help-seeking comfort.
• Provides quick formative feedback to guide Tier 1 emotional support.