Kickoff Lesson Plan Tier 2 Small Group • 7th Grade Girls
General Group Kick-off
Session 1: Establishing Safety, Trust, & Shared Norms
Pacing 25 MIN
Purpose & Focus
Lays a secure foundation for relationship building, emotional self-awareness, and personal growth by defining shared boundaries and positive group expectations.
Student Objectives
Share facts and build rapport via Two Truths & A Lie.
Identify and communicate current emotions using 9-weather scale.
Co-create and sign off on 5 foundational group norms.
Materials Checklist
Connect & Chat slide deck readyTruths & Lies cards (cut 1 per girl)Feelings Checkin sheets (projector backup)Group Agreement sheets (1 per girl)Pens / pencils for each student
Timed Instructional Sequence (25 Min)
5-Part Pacing Guide
5 MIN 0:00-0:05
1. Welcome & Icebreaker ("Two Truths & A Lie")
Welcome each girl warmly. Hand out game cards. Students write 2 truths and 1 lie, then take turns reading aloud while peers guess. Keeps energy light and low-pressure.
3 MIN 0:05-0:08
2. Quick Feelings Check-In ("Internal Weather")
Display Slide 3 (or distribute printed Feelings Checkin Worksheet if no projector). Girls identify their weather (1–9). Do a quick finger-vote or whisper round: "Hold up your number on 3." Validate all weather states.
8 MIN 0:08-0:16
3. Group Norms & Agreement Building
Discuss confidentiality ("what is said here stays here"), active listening, and mutual respect. Hand out Group Agreement Activity sheet. Guide students to agree upon and write down 5 group rules.
5 MIN 0:16-0:21
4. Purpose & The Road Ahead
Introduce future session topics: coping with school stress, navigating friendships, and building confidence. Frame the group as an "Empowerment Lab" for personal growth.
4 MIN 0:21-0:25
5. Closing Circle & Commitment Sign-off
Students and counselor sign the commitment pledge on their agreement sheets. Conclude with a rapid 1-word checkout: "Share one word describing your hope for this group."
Facilitation Tip: Normalizing Heavy Weather Tier 2 Best Practice
If a student chooses a stormy (6) or chill/guarded (8) weather number, acknowledge it gently: "Thank you for being real about where you're at today. You don't have to fix it to belong here." Check the private note box on their worksheet after session.
Connect Chat Slides Connect & Chat
We're so glad you're here! Today is all about starting our journey together.
Connect
Set Rules
Explore
TEACHER NOTES: Welcome the girls warmly. Introduce yourself and express excitement for the group. Set a positive and inviting tone.
Icebreaker Time!
Two Truths & A Lie
Let's learn some surprising facts about each other! Can you spot the lie?
Example:
1. I have a pet hedgehog.
2. I've never broken a bone.
3. I can bake a perfect soufflé.
TEACHER NOTES: Explain the 'Two Truths and a Lie' game. Model an example if needed. Encourage lighthearted sharing and active listening.
Option A • Standard 2 Minutes
What's Your Internal Weather?
Choose the number (1–9) that matches how you feel walking in today:
1
Sunny Happy & Energized
2
Partly Sunny Calm & Steady
3
Rainbow Hopeful & Open
4
Foggy Tired & Unfocused
5
Gentle Rain Quiet & Sensitive
6
Thunderstorm Stressed & Full
7
Gusty Wind Rushed & Scattered
8
Snowy Chill Guarded, Need Space
9
Electric Spark Excited & Buzzing
How to share: Hold up fingers (1–9) or share with a quick whisper!
All weather is welcome here.
TEACHER NOTES: Option A uses vocabulary descriptors. Ask students to hold up fingers (1–9) or turn to a peer to share their weather.
Option B • Visual Check-In Low Text • Universal Access
How Are You Feeling Inside?
Show 1 – 9
1 Sunny
2 Calm
3 Rainbow
4 Foggy
5 Rainy
6 Stormy
7 Windy
8 Chilly
9 Spark
Point to your picture or hold up 1–9 fingers. No reading required!
Every mood is welcome.
TEACHER NOTES: Option B is optimized for WIDA Levels 1-3, English Learners, and students with reading difficulties. Minimal text with dominant visual iconography and single high-frequency words. Allow students to point directly to the screen or signal non-verbally with finger counts.
Our Group Agreement
"Why do we need rules?"
To make sure everyone feels safe.
Truths & Lies Cards Tier 2 Small Group • Icebreaker
Two Truths & A Lie
Print & Cut Sheet (4 Cards)
Write 2 real facts and 1 believable lie about yourself.
Read all three aloud to your group in any order.
Peers guess the lie, then reveal the truth and story!
Card 1 Name:
Statement A:
Statement B:
Statement C:
Secret Lie Check:
( ) A ( ) B ( ) C
Keep secret!
Card 2 Name:
Statement A:
Statement B:
Statement C:
Secret Lie Check:
( ) A ( ) B ( ) C
Keep secret!
Cut along dashed line
Card 3 Name:
Statement A:
Statement B:
Statement C:
Secret Lie Check:
( ) A ( ) B ( ) C
Keep secret!
Card 4 Name:
Statement A:
Statement B:
Statement C:
Secret Lie Check:
( ) A ( ) B ( ) C
Keep secret!
Two Truths & A Lie Game Sheet • Small Group Counseling
Group Agreement Activity Tier 2 Small Group • Session 1
Our Group Agreement
Building a Safe, Supportive, & Confidential Space
Name:
Date:
Why We Create Group Agreements
For our small group to be a place where everyone feels safe to be honest, share feelings, and try new skills, we decide together how we will treat each other.
Key Things to Think About:
• Confidentiality: What is said here stays here.
• Active Listening: One voice at a time; no talking over peers.
• Respect & Kindness: No put-downs or eye-rolling.
• Right to Pass: It is okay to take a moment before sharing.
Our 5 Agreed-Upon Group Rules
Discuss as a group and write your agreed rules below:
1
2
3
4
5
My Personal Commitment
"I agree to uphold these agreements to help make our group a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for everyone. I will honor confidentiality and respect both my own voice and the voices of my peers."
Student Signature
Counselor / Facilitator Signature
Feelings Checkin Worksheet Tier 2 Small Group • Quick SEL Check-In
My Internal Weather
How are you feeling walking into our circle today?
Name:
Date:
Directions: Look at the 9 weather moods below. Circle the number that best matches you right now. All weather is valid
1
Sunny Happy & Energized
[ Circle 1 ]
2
Partly Sunny Calm & Steady
[ Circle 2 ]
3
Rainbow Hopeful & Open
[ Circle 3 ]
4
Foggy Tired & Unfocused
[ Circle 4 ]
5
Gentle Rain Quiet & Sensitive
[ Circle 5 ]
6
Thunderstorm Stressed & Full
[ Circle 6 ]
7
Gusty Wind Rushed & Scattered
[ Circle 7 ]
8
Snowy Chill Guarded / Need Space
[ Circle 8 ]
9
Electric Spark Excited & Buzzing
[ Circle 9 ]
1. Why did you choose this weather number today? (Write a few words or a sentence):
2. What is one small thing that would help you feel supported or heard today?
Check here if you would like a quick 1-on-1 counselor check-in later today.
Optional & Confidential
Internal Weather Check-in • General Group Kick-off
