Advice Column Lesson Plan Vol. V | No. 1 THE DAILY ADVISOR January 17, 2026
Advice Columnists for a Day
Teacher's Instructional Guide & Facilitation Plan
The Mission
In this lesson, students step into the role of professional advice columnists. Beyond just "solving problems," they will learn to practice empathy —the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—while crafting constructive, actionable advice. This process develops critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills essential for social-emotional growth.
"To give advice is to walk a mile in another's shoes, then help them find the right path forward."
Target Audience
5th Grade Students
Duration
60 Minutes
Objective
Identify core issues in peer letters and craft considerate, constructive advice.
Required Press Kit
Advice Column Slides (Visual Presentation)
Dear Lenny Letters (Printed sets for groups)
Crafting Advice Worksheet (One per student or group)
Discussion Guide (For Teacher facilitation)
Production Schedule
10
Introduction & The Columnist's Code
Discuss the role of an advice columnist (e.g., Dear Abby).
Define Empathy : Feeling with someone, not just feeling bad for them.
Set the objective: Constructive advice that is helpful, not judgmental.
10
Reviewing the Correspondence
Distribute the "Dear Lenny" letters to small groups.
Groups read their assigned letter and discuss the "heart of the matter."
Students identify the specific emotions expressed by the writer.
20
Writing the Response
Groups use the Crafting Advice Worksheet to:
Summarize the conflict.
Validate the writer's feelings.
Brainstorm three possible solutions, choosing the best one to write back.
15
Editorial Meeting (Discussion)
Groups share their letter and their proposed solution.
Class critiques: Was the advice kind? Was it practical?
Use the Discussion Guide for deeper empathy prompts.
5
Closing the Desk
Recap key takeaways. Ask: "How can you use these 'columnist skills' the next time a friend comes to you with a problem?"
Crafting Advice Worksheet Columnist:
Publication Date:
The Daily Advisor
Official Response Worksheet
Crafting Your Advice
"Step into the shoes of your reader. Think before you ink."
1
Investigation: What is the main issue?
Summarize the problem described in the letter in 1-2 sentences. What is the conflict?
2
Empathy Check: How does the writer feel?
Identify at least two emotions the writer is experiencing. Why do they feel this way?
3
The Response: What advice would you give?
Provide a kind, constructive, and practical solution to help the person solve their issue.
Tip: A good columnist validates feelings before offering solutions! Start with: "I'm sorry you're going through this..." or "It sounds like you're feeling..."
Dear Lenny Letters The Daily Advisor
Incoming Correspondence Archive
FILE #402
Dear Lenny,
"I have a best friend named Sam. We usually do everything together. But lately, Sam has been hanging out with a new group of kids and hasn't been inviting me. When I see them laughing at lunch, I feel like I've been forgotten. I don't want to seem clingy, but I miss my friend. What should I do?"
— Left Out in Lansing
FILE #405
Dear Lenny,
"I'm really worried about my grades. I studied so hard for my math test, but I still got a C. My parents expect me to get A's, and I'm afraid to show them my paper. I feel like a failure even though I tried my best. How can I talk to them without feeling like I'm disappointing everyone?"
— Stressed Student
FILE #409
Dear Lenny,
"My little brother follows me everywhere! I can't even play video games or do my homework without him barging in. My parents say I should 'be the bigger person' and play with him, but I just want some peace and quiet. I'm starting to get really angry at him. How do I get my space without hurting his feelings?"
— Big Sis Seeking Solitude
The Daily Advisor
Incoming Correspondence Archive (Cont.)
FILE #412
Dear Lenny,
"I saw a group of kids picking on someone at recess yesterday. I wanted to say something, but I was scared they would start picking on me too. Now I feel terrible for just standing there and doing nothing. Is it too late to help? What should I do if it happens again?"
— Quiet Bystander
FILE #415
Dear Lenny,
"I made a mistake. I told a secret that my friend asked me to keep, and now everyone in class knows. My friend is really mad at me and won't talk to me. I've apologized a hundred times, but they say they don't trust me anymore. Can I ever fix this, or is the friendship over?"
— Sorry Secret-Spiller
Advice Column Presentation Slides Welcome to the Newsroom
Advice Columnists
for a Day
Developing Empathy & Constructive Communication
The Daily Advisor
What is an Advice Column?
"A section in a newspaper or magazine where people write in with personal problems, and a columnist offers suggestions on how to solve them."
Anonymous letters from readers
A response that is helpful and kind
Focused on common social problems
Think of a time someone gave you really good advice. What made it helpful?
The Secret Ingredient
EMPATHY
See It
Trying to understand the other person's perspective.
Feel It
Sharing the emotional weight of their situation.
Voice It
Showing them you understand before you solve.
Constructive vs. Critical
Critical
"That was a dumb thing to do."
"You're overreacting."
"Just deal with it yourself."
Constructive
"It sounds like you're hurt. Maybe try..."
"It’s okay to feel that way. I suggest..."
"Next time, you could try talking to..."
Your Assignment
Process
01
Read your "Dear Lenny" letter carefully.
02
Discuss the feelings and the core issue.
03
Draft a response that is empathetic & practical.
"Write as if you are speaking to a friend who truly needs help."
Advice Columnist Discussion Guide Editorial Discussion Guide
Advice Columnists for a Day | Facilitation Resource
The Facilitator's Goal
Use this guide during the "Group Discussion" phase of the lesson. The goal is to move beyond "fixing the problem" and focus on how students used empathy and constructive language to build their responses.
Sharing the Correspondence
Prompt groups to present their work:
"Read your 'Dear Lenny' letter aloud for the class."
"What did your group decide was the real problem? Sometimes the writer focuses on a symptom, but the problem is deeper."
"Read your response. What was the most important piece of advice you gave?"
The Empathy Audit
Ask the class to reflect on the responses they heard:
"Did the response validate the writer's feelings before jumping to a solution?"
"How did the group show they were 'walking in the writer's shoes'?"
"If you were the person who wrote that letter, how would this response make you feel?"
"What words or phrases made the advice sound kind rather than bossy?"
The Big Picture Questions
Q1.
Why is it important to offer 'constructive' advice instead of just 'telling someone what to do'? (Look for: ownership of the solution, respect for the person's feelings, building skills rather than just fixing a moment.)
Q2.
What makes advice 'bad' or 'unhelpful' even if the person giving it means well? (Look for: being judgmental, ignoring feelings, suggesting something impossible or dangerous.)
Q3.
When a friend comes to you with a problem in real life, do they always want advice? Or do they sometimes just want you to listen? How can you tell the difference?
Final Reflection
"Being a good advice columnist is about more than just having answers. It's about having a heart. We don't just solve problems; we support people."