Social Skills Groups

This group counseling session focuses on enhancing social skills through engaging activities and a video component. The session is designed to help students develop confidence in social interactions, improve communication skills, and understand the importance of active listening. By using Game-Based Learning strategies, the session aims to make learning social skills fun and interactive, encouraging students to apply these skills in real-life situations.

A series of six lessons designed for 6th-8th graders to enhance social skills in a group counseling setting. Each lesson focuses on different aspects of social interaction, including communication, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, friendship building, and self-awareness, with a duration of 30 minutes per session.

Through engaging silent group activities, 10th graders will learn to read and use non-verbal cues, boosting empathy and observational skills. This Tier 2 lesson in group counseling techniques spans one 40-minute session, offering hands-on practice in a supportive environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 counseling group session for 2nd-grade EL and Title I students, participants will explore core social skills for making and maintaining friendships. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and reflection, students will practice cooperation, communication, and empathy to strengthen peer connections.

This 5-session group intervention helps 10th graders develop key social skills—active listening, assertive communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and teamwork—through engaging activities and practice. These 30-minute sessions build essential interpersonal abilities to support students in all areas of life and boost their social confidence.

A 3-session CBT skills group for 10th graders with anxiety. Students will learn to identify cognitive distortions, fill out the CBT triangle, and reframe thoughts. These 30-minute Tier 2 group lessons build coping skills through interactive readings, discussions, games, and worksheets.

An 11-session Tier 2 group intervention for 1st–4th graders to build essential social skills like friendship, empathy, turn-taking, and conflict resolution. Each 1-hour session includes engaging warm-ups, activities, discussions, games, worksheets, quizzes, and scripts to minimize prep. Culminates in a creative group project to showcase learned skills.

This series of 10 counseling lessons is designed for a 1st grade special education student who is demonstrating a pattern of poor choices affecting their social interactions. The lessons aim to develop personal accountability and self-regulation skills, crucial for improving social relationships and overall classroom behavior. Each session is 30 minutes long, focusing on interactive and engaging activities tailored to individual needs.

In this 45-minute, small-group Tier 2 counseling activity, students work together to navigate a puzzle-based physical maze under time pressure. Through defined roles and rules, they practice communication, cooperation, and stress management. This session builds group counseling techniques by encouraging reflection on problem-solving under stress.

Over three 30-minute group sessions, middle school students will explore an introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), learning how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. This Tier 2 lesson helps students develop skills to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, promoting resilience and emotional well-being.

This lesson plan is designed for an 8-week counseling small group for 2nd graders who struggle with friendships. Each session will focus on different aspects of making and keeping friends through game-based, active, and experiential learning activities. This approach will help students develop essential social skills, empathy, and cooperation, which are crucial for building and maintaining friendships.

This lesson focuses on developing confidence in social interactions through role-playing and exercises that emphasize active listening, empathy, and assertiveness. By engaging in these activities, students will learn to navigate social situations more effectively, fostering better communication and relationships with peers.

This 5-session small group counseling lesson for 2nd graders focuses on developing social skills and understanding friendship. Through engaging activities, discussions, and games, students will learn how to communicate effectively, show empathy, and build strong friendships. This lesson is crucial for fostering a positive classroom environment and supporting students' social-emotional development, with differentiation strategies for students with disabilities.

This 5-session lesson plan for 7th graders focuses on understanding and managing social anxiety. Through group activities, discussions, and reflections, students will learn strategies to cope with social anxiety, fostering a supportive environment. Each session lasts 30 minutes, providing targeted support to help students build confidence and improve their social interactions.

In this 30-minute group therapy activity for 7th graders, students will explore self-esteem by identifying personal strengths, sharing positive feedback, and building a supportive classroom community. This lesson fosters emotional well-being, communication skills, and confidence, helping students feel empowered and connected to peers.

A two-session personalized program to help a 15-year-old male with anxiety and rigid thinking learn to read social cues in group and intimate settings, boosting confidence and communication skills.

In this Tier 3 group counseling technique for 9th graders, students use expressive arts to explore and share emotions, fostering self-awareness and regulation over a 50-minute session. This individualized approach helps build emotional insight and coping skills.

In this 15-minute Tier 2 small group counseling session, 5th graders will explore ‘mean girl’ behavior, understand its impact, and learn strategies to support themselves and others. This session fosters empathy, assertive communication, and peer support to build a kinder classroom community.

This six-week group counseling protocol is designed to help 1st-grade students develop relationship skills and make prosocial decisions. Each week focuses on different aspects of friendship, such as defining friendship, handling conflicts, and making healthy choices. Through discussions, activities, and art therapy, students will learn to navigate social situations positively and build healthy relationships. This protocol is important as it provides a structured approach to equip young students with essential social-emotional skills, aligned with the CASEL competency of relationship skills.

In this 15-minute Tier 2 group session, 7th-grade girls will explore strategies to break cycles of drama and build healthy friendships. Through engaging discussions and activities, they’ll learn communication skills, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution techniques—so they can stop tattling, reduce counselor visits, and foster supportive peer relationships.

Students in a 6th grade social skills small group will learn strategies to pause and think before acting. Over one 40-minute Tier 2 session, they’ll co-create a Think-Then-Act plan, practice identifying ‘pause points’ in scenarios, reflect on impulsive triggers, and track their progress with an Impulse Log. This session builds self-regulation skills to help reduce impulsive behaviors in real-life settings.

This lesson focuses on developing social skills through an experiential learning activity. Students will engage in a role-playing exercise to practice effective communication, empathy, and teamwork. This lesson is important as it helps students build essential interpersonal skills that are crucial for their personal and academic success.

In this 30-minute small group counseling session, 2nd grade boys will learn the importance of following directions and working cooperatively with peers. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will practice key social skills that help create a positive classroom community.

In this engaging lesson, high school students in a therapeutic classroom will explore various cognitive distortions and learn techniques to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering students to make informed choices about their moods and behaviors. The session will last 35 minutes and is designed as a Tier 2 group lesson.

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

In this 45-minute small group counseling session on friendship, students will explore what makes a good friend, identify friendship skills, and practice building positive connections. This lesson fosters social-emotional growth and helps students develop empathy, communication, and conflict resolution skills that are vital throughout their lives.

This lesson is designed for 6th to 8th graders to help them build self-confidence, improve self-image, and develop a positive mindset. The session will cover topics such as body image, handling negative self-talk, and building resilience. The duration of the lesson is 45 minutes.

This lesson uses board and card games to help high school students practice social interactions in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating Game-Based Learning and Active Learning strategies, students will enhance their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps students develop essential social skills in a supportive environment.

This individual counseling session welcomes 6th grade students who are one year below grade level and often struggle with social skills and anxiety. In a 20-minute one-on-one format, students will build rapport, learn basic coping strategies, and set personal goals. This lesson establishes trust and paves the way for future growth.

A 5-session small-group program for 9th graders to develop social skills, emotional awareness, and healthy coping strategies. These 30-minute sessions (Tier 2) provide interactive practice, guided reflection, and peer support to boost students’ emotional intelligence and peer interactions.

A four-session small-group training for 8th graders focused on practical impulse-control techniques. Students engage in interactive scenarios, peer feedback, and hands-on activities to build self-regulation skills—important for academic success and healthy relationships.

This 5-session lesson is designed for a 3rd grade student on an IEP, focusing on identifying negative and positive self-talk, understanding coping strategies, and exploring cognitive behavioral triangle connections. Each 20-minute session will empower the student with practical skills to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, enhancing their emotional well-being and resilience.

A small-group 7th grade workshop over four 60-minute sessions teaching communication, listening, and empathy through collaborative challenges. This Tier 2 group supports students in developing CASEL-aligned relationship skills in a fun, hands-on environment.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group counseling session for 7th graders, students will use art therapy techniques infused with pop culture references to explore and express emotions. This session promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and peer connection through creative expression.

Conduct an interactive session where students practice friendship skills through role-play scenarios, enhancing their social competence. This lesson is important as it helps first graders develop essential social skills in a fun and engaging way, fostering positive relationships and emotional intelligence. Designed for a 1st grade group, this session lasts 40 minutes and focuses on Tier 2 (Group) interventions.

This two-session lesson is designed for a 1st-grade female student to help her challenge negative thinking patterns related to peer relationships using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. Over two 50-minute sessions, the student will engage in activities, games, and discussions to foster positive social interactions and build confidence in her ability to form and maintain friendships.

This four-session lesson is designed for an 8th-grade girl with social anxiety, aiming to help her build confidence and security in her relationships. Through personalized activities and guided discussions, the student will learn strategies to manage anxiety and foster meaningful connections. Each session lasts 25 minutes and includes a lesson plan, slide deck, activity, and video to support learning.

In this Tier 2 group session, 10th grade students explore how their thoughts influence feelings and behaviors through a structured CBT framework. Over a 35-minute session, students engage in interactive mapping and scenario analysis to build cognitive awareness and self-regulation skills.

In this fun, interactive 45-minute session, 6th graders will explore what counseling is, why it’s valuable, and how it can support them and their peers. Through games, discussions, and reflective activities, students will build comfort with counseling concepts, learn active listening skills, and discover when and how to seek help. This Tier 1 lesson fosters a supportive classroom community and equips all students with foundational social-emotional skills.

In this 20-minute Tier 2 small-group session for 2nd graders, students will practice active listening, respectful turn-taking, and emotional awareness through fun, structured activities. This lesson helps build social skills and strengthens group cohesion.

This 8-session plan helps 10th-grade students understand social anxiety and explore effective coping strategies through personal reflection and self-guided activities. Each session focuses on different aspects of social anxiety, allowing students to develop personalized coping strategies and apply them in real-life situations. This approach promotes mental well-being and resilience by equipping students with the knowledge and tools to handle social situations more confidently.

In this interactive 50-minute session, 6th graders play a board game that practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills by navigating real-life thought challenges. This lesson helps students recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts, building emotional resilience and self-awareness. Perfect for a whole-class Tier 1 RTI session.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

In this energetic Tier 2 small-group session for 5th graders, students will develop key social-emotional skills—collaboration, trust, and positivity—through engaging games and activities. Over a 40-minute session, they will tackle trust challenges, practice giving compliments, and reflect as a team on their growth. The focus is on CASEL competencies: relationship skills and social awareness.

This lesson plan is designed for first graders in a small counseling group to help them develop self-control and learn how to make and keep friends. Over 8 sessions, students will engage in activities, discussions, and projects that promote social skills and emotional regulation. The use of Kelso's Wheel of Choices will provide a visual and interactive tool to help students understand and practice decision-making in social situations. This lesson is important as it equips young students with essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond.

In this dynamic session, students participate in a confidence-building circuit with various stations designed to challenge and enhance their self-esteem and interpersonal skills. This lesson is important as it helps students develop crucial social skills and self-confidence, which are essential for their personal growth and success in school and beyond. Targeted at a 4th-grade group, this session lasts 40 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group supports.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 session, clinical staff will learn strategies to facilitate small groups teaching the CASEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. This session equips staff with practical group activities and discussion guides to enhance social-emotional learning in their settings.

In this 45-minute small-group Tier 2 workshop, 8th graders will practice recognizing and naming their emotions through scenarios and guided reflection. Boosting emotional intelligence helps students manage stress, improve relationships, and succeed academically.

In this session, students work in small groups to identify and interpret social clues in various scenarios, enhancing their ability to infer and respond appropriately in social settings. This lesson is important as it helps students develop essential social skills that are crucial for effective communication and relationship building. Designed for a 3rd grade group, the session lasts 30 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group supports.

In this 90-minute Tier 2 group session, 4th graders will learn self-control strategies through engaging activities and reflective discussions. This lesson helps students recognize triggers, practice impulse control, and apply techniques to manage emotions, boosting their social-emotional growth and academic focus.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 small-group session, three 5th-grade girls with IEPs will learn to identify anxiety triggers and explore age-appropriate coping skills. This lesson builds self-awareness, emotional regulation, and peer support in a safe, engaging environment.

An 8-session individual counseling series for a 6th grade boy navigating his parents’ divorce and split household. These 30-minute sessions build trust, teach emotional regulation, coping strategies, and resilience, empowering the student to express feelings and develop healthy support systems.

In this 30-minute Tier 2 group session for 10th graders, students will build group rapport and learn the basics of the CBT triangle—how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. This lesson jumpstarts a 16-week anxiety-management curriculum with fun icebreakers and active group-building exercises.

An 8-session emotional regulation program for 1st-3rd graders. Students will learn to identify, understand, and manage emotions through engaging activities and reflection. This group-support curriculum builds self-awareness and coping skills in 35-minute lessons.

In this 4-session, 20-minute small group series, 3rd grade girls will explore and practice anxiety management strategies through engaging activities and games. This Tier 2 intervention helps students recognize anxious feelings, build coping skills, and support one another in a safe, encouraging environment.

A ten-session, 30-minute Tier 3 counseling series for an 8th-grade student with ODD, teaching how to identify triggers, express anger using “I” statements, and practice coping strategies. This scaffolded plan supports self-regulation, reduces outbursts, and builds mature communication skills.

A one-on-one, 15-minute counseling session for an 8th-grade male student focused on body image and anxiety. This session will use reflective activities to build self-awareness, challenge negative self-talk, and develop coping strategies. Tier 3 support tailored to individual emotional needs.

In this 4-session small group lesson, 6th and 8th grade special education students will learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts using fun detective-themed CBT techniques. Students will develop skills to replace negative self-talk with balanced thoughts, boosting resilience and emotional well-being. Sessions are 30 minutes each, ideal for learners with autism and depression.

A one-on-one counseling session for a 4th grader with ADHD and behavioral symptoms, focused on building self-awareness of emotions and strategies for maintaining focus. This 60-minute, Tier 3 intervention will help the student identify triggers, practice coping skills, and develop a personalized action plan.

This lesson focuses on enhancing social skills through experiential and game-based learning. Students will engage in a discussion, watch a video, and participate in a group game to practice and improve their social interactions. This lesson is important as it provides a safe and supportive environment for students to develop essential social skills, which are crucial for personal and professional success.