Championship Huddle Plan Where Champions Are Made
Championship Huddle Plan
Counselor Guide
An interactive, 30-minute school counselor lesson for 4th and 5th graders. This curriculum builds a foundation of belonging, teaches critical campus systems, and helps students identify their ultimate team of trusted adult supports.
X O X O • Playbook • O X O X
Target Audience Grades 4 - 5
Duration 30 Minutes
Core Theme Belonging & Support
Grouping Small Teams
Game Objectives
Build Connections: Establish immediate peer bonds and classroom team identity.Navigate Systems: Learn when and how to access critical school-wide resources.Identify Allies: Map out personal brackets of trusted adults for support.
Locker Room Setup
Print Student Playbook + Bracket for all.
Print & cut Champion Scenario Cards.
Set up 4 desks as "Team Stations".
Obtain a whistle/bell for transitions.
Pacing Game Plan
0-5 MIN • WARM-UP
5-15 MIN • PLAYBOOK
15-25 MIN • STATIONS
25-30 MIN • DEBRIEF
1 PRE-GAME WARM-UP: STAND UP, HUDDLE UP (5 MINUTES)
Action: Have all students stand in a large circle representing the "Team Huddle".
The Game: The counselor calls out a "Champion Quality" (e.g., "Huddle up if you love to cheer for your friends!" or "Huddle up if you are ready to make this year awesome!" ).
Movement: When a statement applies to them, students step into the center of the circle, high-five or fist-bump those around them, and return to the outer circle.
Counselor Connection: "Every single champion here is connected. Today we are learning how to use our locker room support systems so we never have to tackle a challenge alone."
Optional Connection: Read-Aloud Huddle
Recommended Books
"Our Class is a Family" (S. Olsen)
Discussion Prompt: How is our classroom like a team huddle? Who on our campus team helps you feel safe and ready to play your best?
"The Invisible Boy" (T. Ludwig)
Discussion Prompt: What are small ways we can invite a classmate into our huddle? How does checking in on others make us stronger teammates?
Championship Huddle • Counselor Guide Page 1 of 2
Counselor Guide • Sheet 2
2 THE CAMPUS SYSTEM PLAYBOOK & BRACKET DRAFT (10 MINUTES)
Introduce: Hand out the Champion Playbook Handout . Walk students through the 4 key school zones (Office, Counseling Office, Nurse Station, Classroom) and highlight how these form a network of care.
The Support Bracket: Show students the tournament bracket. Explain that in school, different situations match up with different supports. This bracket helps them classify where to direct their questions.
Modeling: Walk through a quick mock scenario: "You have a bad headache during math class." Which zone does this go to? Guide them to select the Nurse Station. Show how to track that match-up down the bracket pathway!
3 GAME DAY STATIONS: SCENARIO ROTATION (10 MINUTES)
Setup: Divide the classroom into 4 zones representing different athletic camps. Each station has a specific scenario task card (Friendship Hurdles, Lost Map, Academic Tackle, Overwhelmed Relay).
The Rotation: Teams of 4-5 students spend 2.5 minutes at each station.
STEP A: Read card together
STEP B: Discuss the Support Zone
STEP C: Log answer in Bracket
Transitions: Blow the whistle to signal "Time Out! Rotate!" Teams quickly move clockwise to the next camp.
4 POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE: REFLECTION (5 MINUTES)
The Debrief: Bring students back to the "Team Huddle" seating arrangement. Celebrate their strong teammate strategies.
Key Questions: "Why do champions rely on a team instead of trying to win on their own?" and "How does knowing our campus systems help us feel like we belong here?"
Closing Draft: Have students fill in their personal "Trusted Adult Roster" on the back of their playbook. Have them write names of actual teachers, administrators, staff, or family members.
Pro-Tips & Adaptations
For Social Support Pair students with high-empathy peer mentors during the card rotation. Encourage non-verbal hand gestures (high-five) to build belonging.
Pacing Safeguard If 10 minutes is too tight for 4 rotations, run a 2-station rotation (5 minutes each) where teams complete only two select challenges.
Championship Huddle • Counselor Guide Page 2 of 2
Champion Playbook Handout Playbook Volume 1 Where Champions Are Made
STUDENT PLAYBOOK
CLASSROOM EDITION
Champion Name:
Date:
Homeroom Team:
The Campus Support Playbook
Know your team! Here is how and when to contact your campus supports.
Classroom Teacher
Your Head Coach
Helpful for homework, classroom conflicts, lost school supplies, or feeling stuck on a lesson.
How to Contact: Raise your hand, check in at the start/end of class, or write a note.
School Counselor
Your Mental Coach
Helpful for big feelings, recess struggles, family worries, or when you need a quiet space to reset.
How to Contact: Fill out the counselor request form or ask your teacher.
School Nurse
Your Physical Trainer
Helpful for tummy aches, band-aids, medicine needs, ice packs, or when you feel physically unwell.
How to Contact: Ask your teacher for a hall pass before visiting.
Principal Team
Your General Managers
Helpful for safety reports, sharing great new school ideas, or celebrating awesome team milestones.
How to Contact: Visit the main office or say hello in the halls or cafeteria.
My Game Plan Reflection
Champions write down their plays. Answer the questions below to prepare for connection:
1. Who is one classmate you would like to get to know better this week?
2. What is one positive "team cheer" or encouraging statement you can tell yourself when school gets tough?
Where Champions Are Made • Student Handout Page 1 of 2
Playbook Volume 2 Where Champions Are Made
Tournament of Support
The Champion Support Bracket
Bracket Playbook: How to Complete
Read Scenarios 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the left side of the bracket.Match each scenario to its correct campus support helper from Page 1 (Nurse, Teacher, Counselor, or Principal).Write the correct helper's name in the matching blank Box in the middle column.Trace the lines to see how all four helpers join forces to form your ultimate, connected Championship Support Team!
X O X O
Scenario 1
Your stomach starts hurting during a major science test.
Scenario 2
You don't understand how to do question #4 on your assignment.
Champion Scenario Task Cards Print & Cut Task Cards • Sheet 1
Station Setup
Championship Challenge Stations
Cut along the dotted line in the center. Place cards at different team tables for students to rotate through and discuss.
STATION A
The Friendship Hurdle
CODE: HURDLE-10
O ──> X ──> O
Game Day Scenario:
"Your regular recess buddy is suddenly playing with a new group of friends. They didn't invite you to play with them today, and you are left sitting by yourself. Your feelings are hurt, and you feel like you don't belong."
Team Discussion Prompts:
Which Campus Support Zone can help you tackle this friendship hurdle?
What is one helpful "self-talk" reminder you can tell yourself in this moment?
What could you say to your friend tomorrow to express how you feel respectfully?
Cut Along Dotted Line
STATION B
The Academic Tackle
CODE: TACKLE-24
X ──> O ──> X
Game Day Scenario:
"Your teacher is explaining a brand-new long division strategy. Everyone else seems to understand, but your brain feels completely scrambled. You are starting to get super worried that you are failing the math playbook."
Team Discussion Prompts:
Who is your primary Head Coach for this classroom tackle?
When is the best time to run this play (ask for help) without interrupting instruction?
How does getting stuck on a problem actually make your "academic muscles" stronger?
Where Champions Are Made • Scenario Cards Page 1 of 2
Print & Cut Task Cards • Sheet 2
Station Setup
Championship Challenge Stations
Cut along the dotted line in the center. Place cards at different team tables for students to rotate through and discuss.
STATION C
The Overwhelmed Relay
CODE: RELAY-07
O ──> O ──> O
Game Day Scenario:
"It's Friday morning. You have an upcoming math test, and you had a big fight with your sibling at breakfast. Your chest feels tight, and you feel like crying right at your desk."
Sideline Support Staff Guide Kemp Intermediate West • Where Champions Are Made
Sideline Support Staff Guide
Staff Digital Playbook Championship Huddle
Dear Educators & Support Staff: This week, our school counseling program conducted the "Championship Huddle" lesson. Students explored our campus systems, practiced peer connection, and drafted their personal "Trusted Adult Roster." As their "Sideline Coaches," your daily connection is the ultimate factor in student belonging.
3 Classroom Connection Plays
1
Morning Huddle
Dedicate 2 minutes at the start of the day for a high-energy check-in. Have kids fist-bump neighbors or share a "team cheer" for the day.
Goal: Immediate Belonging
2
Roster Checks
Students are naming you as trusted adults! Verbally check in with kids on your roster so they know you are truly in their corner.
Goal: Visible Alliances
3
Recess Scouts
Notice students who stand near the perimeter during recess. Encourage inclusive games or prompt classmates to invite them in.
Goal: Minimise Silos
Campus Support Referral Playbook
A quick digital cheat-sheet for routing student needs to the right campus support zones:
Support Zone Best Suited For... Immediate Action Play School Counselor Social-emotional crises, chronic worry, peer mediation, behavioral dysregulation, grief, or major changes. Fill out counselor request form; call ext 8005 in urgent cases. School Nurse Physical symptoms, injuries, medication dispensing, visual checks, fatigue, or medical emergencies. Provide classroom nurse pass; escort students in immediate need. Principal Team Safety concerns, bullying/harassment reporting, chronic attendance, structural ideas, and major disciplinary actions. Contact front office for assistant principal or principal support.
Morning Circle Game-Day Questions
Use these simple connection prompts to keep the "Champions are Made Here" energy going strong in your homerooms:
Play #1: "The Assist" "How did someone on our classroom team help you complete a difficult play (task/assignment) yesterday?"
Play #2: "The Locker Room" "Who is one staff member outside of our classroom that always makes you feel like you're part of the team?"
Kemp Intermediate West • Sideline Support Staff Guide Page 1 of 1
Home Team Parent Handout Kemp Intermediate West • Theme: Champions are Made Here
Home Team Connection Handout
Family Digital Guide Interactive Playbook
Dear Families / Guardian Teams: As you know, our school theme this year is "Champions are Made Here" at Kemp Intermediate West. To kick off this year's game plan, our school counseling department just completed the "Championship Huddle" lesson. Students mapped out their school support zones and drafted their personal roster of trusted campus adults. This handout is designed as an action guide for you—the "Home Team Coach"—to support your child through school challenges and encourage them to build belonging for themselves and others.
Family Connection: Warm & Relatable Scripts for Parents
Use these simple, comforting scripts when school feels overwhelming or your child is struggling to go to school:
Play #1: When they resist going to school "I don't want to go to school today."
What to Say: "I hear you, and it is completely okay to feel tired, worried, or anxious about school. Let's think about who you trust there. Is there a teacher, counselor, or friend we can check in with first thing today to help you feel supported and make sure you have a good start to your day?"
Goal: Build Warm Trust & Safety
Play #2: When a challenge feels too hard "This is too hard. I can't do this."
What to Say: "It can feel so frustrating when things don't work out on the first try. Everyone makes mistakes and struggles when they are learning something new—it just means your brain is growing and getting stronger! Who is one helpful person at school we can ask to guide us?"
Goal: Encourage Growth Mindset
The Two-Way Connection Checklist
True school belonging goes both ways. Ask your child these simple, friendly questions to explore their experience:
1. Receiving Belonging (Inward)
What to Ask: "What made you feel happy or welcomed at school today? Who is one friend or school adult who made you feel glad to be there?"
2. Giving Belonging (Outward)
What to Ask: "How did you help someone else feel included today? Did you see anyone playing alone or looking like they needed a friend, and what did you do?"
The Home Playbook: Tips for a Successful School Year
Try these simple, actionable habits at home to keep connection running high throughout the year:
🗣️
The 5-Minute Check-In: Dedicate five minutes of quiet, screen-free time to chat about how they are doing.
👋
Locker Room Announcement Script Where Champions Are Made
Locker Room Announcements
PA System Scripts Weekly Broadcast
Speaker Guidelines: Use a high-energy, enthusiastic "Sports Announcer" voice! Pause at commas and emphasize words in bold. These quick 45-second scripts can be read by student leaders, the school counselor, or the administration team over morning announcements to keep connection running high!
MON
DAY 01
The Kickoff Huddle
"Good morning, Champions! Welcome to another spectacular week at school. Remember our theme: Where Champions Are Made! But did you know that no athlete wins a championship alone? It takes an entire team. Today, look around your classroom, say hello to someone new, and invite a classmate onto your bench. Let's kickoff our week by making sure everyone knows they belong in our locker room!"
TUE
DAY 02
The Hallway Assist
"Huddle up for today's teammate drill! In basketball, an assist is a pass that directly leads to a basket. It's just as important as scoring! Today in the hallway, the lunchroom, or during classroom activities, look for an opportunity to score an assist. Did someone drop their folder? Did someone look lonely at lunch? Make the pass, run the play, and assist your teammates today!"
WED
DAY 03
Your Roster Coaches
"Hey Champions, let's talk about coaches. Our campus is packed with world-class support coaches who are trained to help you succeed. Your teachers are your Head Coaches, the counselors are your Social-Emotional Coaches, the nurse is your Athletic Trainer, and the principal is our General Manager! If you ever get stuck, confused, or just need a safe space to reset, look at your roster and ask a coach."
THU
DAY 04
Tackling Big Stresses
"Time out, Champions! Even the strongest athletic stars feel overwhelmed sometimes. If your schedule feels too heavy, or you have a tough hurdle with a friend, don't try to power through it alone. Call a time-out and walk over to a trusted coach on campus. Requesting support is not a sign of weakness—it's the exact play that smart champions make to stay in the game!"
FRI
DAY 05
Championship Circle
"It's Friday, Champions! We made it to the final buzzer of the week! You've run great plays, built incredible connections, and supported your teammate roster perfectly. As we head into the weekend, take the spirit of belonging with you. Celebrate your wins, keep checking on your home team, and remember: this is Where Champions Are Made! Have an outstanding Friday, team!"
Champion Classroom Handout Kemp Intermediate West • Where Champions Are Made
Champion Classroom Playbook
Teacher Resource Huddles & Resets
In your classroom, every student is on the starting lineup. Use this guide to kick off your day with purposeful huddle questions, support dysregulated students with sports-themed tactical resets, and cultivate a sense of school belonging.
Pregame Warm-ups • Daily Bellringers
Spend 3-5 minutes running these quick connection drills to build belonging.
The Rookie Invite
"Think of a teammate (classmate) who was helpful or kind recently. What did they do, and how can you say thanks today?"
The Game Plan
"What is your number one goal for today? Identify one 'tackle' (obstacle) you might face and how you will run past it."
The Sideline Coach
"Identify one supportive adult on our school roster (teacher, nurse, counselor, principal). What makes them a great coach?"
Mental Reps
"Close your eyes and visualize yourself successfully completing a tough task today. What does that winning moment look like?"
Locker Room Resets • De-escalation
When a student is overwhelmed or dysregulated, try these tactical resets.
1
The Bench substitution (Change of Scenery)
Send the student on a low-stress "substitution" task to let their nervous system cool down. Give them a clipboard or folder to deliver to the counselor, or ask them to fill up a water bottle. Moving their body disrupts the stress cycle.
2
The Instant Replay (Curious Connection)
Avoid immediate lecturing. Instead, sit with them and ask simple, gentle questions: "Let's take a quick pause. What felt hard just now? What did you need? How can we make the next moment better?" This separates the behavior from the child.
3
The Coach's Corner (The Private Huddle)
Step away from the audience. Kneel or sit to get below eye level, lowering the power dynamic. Use a calm, whisper: "I notice that things feel really tough or overwhelming right now, and that is okay. I am here to help you, and we can work through this together. What do you need right now?"
Kemp Intermediate West • TEACHER GUIDE Page 1 of 2
Kemp Intermediate West • Where Champions Are Made
Champion Focus & Room Decor
Teacher Resource Mindfulness & Quotes
Championship Mindfulness
Guide the whole class or individual students through these centering drills before testing.
Free-Throw Breath
"Breathe in for 4 counts, visualizing bouncing a ball. Hold for 4. Exhale for 4, visualizing the ball gliding through the net."
Coaches Mental Fitness Handout Locker Room Edition Educator Mental Fitness
Kemp Intermediate West • Where Champions Are Made
Coaches Mental Fitness Playbook
Staff Resource Self-Care Guide
Dear School Educators & Staff: In athletics, the most effective head coaches aren't those who run themselves into exhaustion—they are the ones who deliberately protect their energy, focus, and physical recovery. You cannot coach effectively from an empty playbook. Use this guide to manage the intense demands of the school week, build personal stress boundaries, and keep your own mental stamina in peak condition.
The Weekly Mental Recovery Game Plan
MON
Pacing Boundaries: Identify your top three targets. Give yourself permission to say "not today" to low-priority tasks. Protect your prep periods from optional interruptions.
TUE
Tactical Subbing: Take a systematic 2-minute break. Step away from computer screens, put down papers, stretch your shoulders, or look out a window to reset cognitive overload.
WED
Mid-Week De-escalation: Practice square breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) during transition minutes to actively reset your parasympathetic nervous system.
THU
The Team Assist: Burnout thrives in silos. Connect with a trusted colleague for a quick 5-minute huddle. Share a laugh, run through a struggle, or check on their wellness.
FRI
Post-Game Off-Switch: When the final buzzer sounds, clear your desk, close your planner, and mentally leave campus obligations at the door to prioritize weekend recovery.
Coach Recovery Resets
Reset Play #1: Cognitive Reframing "I cannot control the entire school system, but I can control how I show up. I will focus my energy on what is within my field of influence."
Control the Field
Reset Play #2: Tactical Time-Outs Establish a physical sanctuary in your day. Commit to leaving your desk during your lunch period, even if it is only for 10 minutes of quiet.
Guarded Rest
Locker Room Wall Inspirations
Cut out these powerful visual reminders to post on your monitor, desk, or staff room wall:
"A legendary coach knows
"You cannot lead a strong team
Kemp Intermediate West • Coaches Mental Fitness Handout Page 1 of 1
Team Player Coloring Sheet Kemp Intermediate West School Counseling Activity
★ TEAM PLAYER
CHAMPION:
DATE:
Game Plan
WE ARE A TEAM!
Every champion has a team! Color in these ways to be a great teammate!
1. MY SCHOOL TEAM
WHO HELPS YOU AT SCHOOL?
Draw your trusted teacher, counselor, or friend inside this giant jersey!
MY HELPER'S NAME:
2. KINDNESS AWARD
COLOR THE TROPHY!
SUPER TEAMMATE AWARD
3. MY TEAM WORK
HOW TO BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
Color the stars for the team rules you can do today!
I CHEER FOR OTHERS Saying "Good job!" or "High-five!"
I LISTEN WITH CARE Waiting for my turn to talk nicely.
I SHARE AND HELP Taking turns and helping my friends.
★ MY TEAM PLAYER CHECK-IN
Color in the stars for how well you helped your team today!
COACH CODE: SOCIAL-SKILLS-01
PLAYBOOK OUTLINE
Champion Team Skills Handout Kemp Intermediate West Social Skills Playbook Handout
★ TEAM PLAYBOOK
CHAMPION NAME:
TODAY'S DATE:
MY CHAMPION TEAM SKILLS
Four simple plays to help every classmate feel like they belong!
PLAY 1
WE SHARE
Taking turns with toys, books, and colors.
Saying: "Here is a turn for you!" or "We can use this together!"
PLAY 2
WE LISTEN
Quiet body, looking eyes, and listening ears.
Showing: Looking at friends when they speak, and waiting your turn to share.
PLAY 3
WE CHEER
Using happy and kind words to lift others up.
Saying: "Good job!" or "You can do it!" to help our friends feel happy.
PLAY 4
WE HELP
Lending a hand when someone is sad or needs a helper.
Action: Helping clean up materials, or inviting a friend to sit with you.
★ TODAY'S TEAM CHALLENGE
Pick your favorite play above! Put a big checkmark or star in the box when you complete it!
CHALLENGE BOX
DONE!
KEMP PLAYBOOK HANDOUT SOCIAL SKILLS SERIES
Team Spirit Mandala Coloring Sheet Kemp Intermediate West Mindful Locker Room Series
★ INHALE • EXHALE ★
PLAYER NAME:
TEAM DATE:
TEAM SPIRIT MIND RESET
Color every word, shape, and star as you relax your muscles and focus!
LISTEN
SHARE
TRUST
CHEER
HELP
CARE
KIND
SMILE
PLAY 1 SHARE
PLAY 2 LISTEN
PLAY 3 HELP
PLAY 4 SMILE
MY BELONGING ANCHOR
I BELONG
Color this giant reminder to remember that you are a vital teammate!
MINDFULNESS OUTLINE SHEET KEMP PLAYBOOK TEAM
