Counselor Clues Lesson Plan
Grade 1 • Classroom Push-In 15–20 Minutes
Counselor Clues Lesson Plan
Introductory School Counseling Lesson: "What Does a School Counselor Do?"
Learning Objective
Students will identify at least 3 ways a school counselor supports them and explain how to ask for help when needed.
ASCA Standards
M 1: Belief in development of whole self.
B-SS 2: Positive interpersonal & school connections.
Materials Needed
Bright mystery bag / tote, 6 mystery items, chime or bell, student activity sheets, and crayons.
Mystery Bag Inventory: 6 Essential Items & Meanings
Keep items hidden in the bag until reveal!
1
Feelings Tool
Emotions
Item: Pocket tissue pack, feelings mirror, or calming stress squishy.
Meaning: All feelings are okay. The counselor's office is a safe place to share tears, calm anger, or celebrate joy.
2
Problem Solver
Coping
Item: Large puzzle piece, magnifying glass, or giant adhesive bandage.
Meaning: Problems are just puzzles to solve together. The counselor helps find peaceful solutions when things get stuck.
3
Friendship Helper
Social
Item: Plush heart, teamwork wristband, or friendship dice.
Meaning: Counselors teach how to share, play fair, speak kindly, make new friends, and patch up playground arguments.
4
School Success
Learning
Item: Giant novelty pencil, lightbulb toy, or mini compass.
Meaning: We help your brain grow! Counselors support focus, goal setting, trying your hardest, and celebrating mistakes as learning.
5
Lunch Bunch Passport
Community
Item: Mini tin lunchbox, colorful placemat, or play sandwich.
Meaning: Seeing the counselor is fun! Explain "Lunch Bunch"—eating together in small groups, playing games, and building friendships.
6
Personal Connection
About Me
Item: Framed photo of counselor's pet, favorite childhood picture book, or running medal.
Meaning: Humanizes the counselor! Demonstrates warmth and builds an immediate safe relationship with first graders.
Counselor Pre-Lesson Checklist
✓ Pack all 6 objects into an opaque, decorated pillowcase or tote bag labeled "Mystery Bag".
✓ Arrange carpet seating in a horseshoe so all 1st graders have clear line of sight to items.
✓ Print "Counselor Helpers Activity Sheets" and deliver a counselor referral mailbox to the room.
Instructional Script & Facilitation
Step-by-Step 15–20 Minute Guide
Page 2 of 2
3 Mins
Part 1: The Mysterious Knock & Greeting
Hook & Engagement
Counselor Script:
"Good morning, first graders! My name is [Counselor Name], and I have one of the very best jobs in the whole school—I am your school counselor! But does anyone know what a school counselor does? To help us find out, I brought my top-secret Mystery Bag. Every clue inside tells a story about how I am here to help you shine!"
Action: Shake the bag gently to make a curiosity sound. Call on 1-2 students to guess what might be inside.
10 Mins
Part 2: Mystery Reveal & Interactive Script
Core Demonstration
Clue 1: The Tissue / Feelings Squeezy
Counselor: "Who can tell me a big feeling someone might have? If you ever feel sad, nervous about school, or angry, my office is a cozy spot to take deep breaths and talk."
Clue 2: The Puzzle / Bandage
Counselor: "Bandages help our knees when we scrape them. But what if our feelings get hurt or we have a tricky problem? We put our heads together to solve the puzzle!"
Clue 3: The Heart / Friend Cards
Counselor: "Show me a quiet heart with your hands! Have you ever had trouble sharing or making a friend on the playground? I help buddies practice kind words and teamwork."
Clue 4: The Giant Pencil / Lightbulb
Counselor: "I also help you do your best learning! If you ever feel stuck, worried about a test, or need help focusing, I share fun brain tricks so you can succeed."
4 Mins
Part 3: Lunch Bunch & Personal Connection
Connection & Invitation
Revealing Clues 5 & 6:
"Clue #5 is a mini lunchbox! Who likes lunch? Throughout the year, I host special Lunch Bunches. That means you and a few friends get to eat in my office, play games, and laugh together! And Clue #6 is something special about me... [Reveal photo of counselor's dog / favorite book / hobby]! School counselors are friendly people who love getting to know the real you."
3 Mins
Part 4: How to Ask for Help & Activity Sheet
Synthesis & Transfer
1. Ask Your Teacher "Mrs./Mr. ___, can I please ask to talk with the counselor?"
2. Counselor Note Box Drop a simple drawing or check-in slip into the classroom box.
3. Say Hello in Hall Give a wave and say "Can I visit you today?"
Check for Understanding:
"Thumbs up if counselors only see kids when they are in trouble! (Thumbs DOWN! Counselors help EVERYONE)."
Transition: Hand out the Activity Sheet for coloring & drawing.
Counselor Helpers Activity Sheet
First Grade Counseling • Mystery Bag Clues
Counselor Helpers Activity Sheet
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Teacher: ________________________
Part 1: Color The 4 Counselor Clues!
Color the stars as you explore each helper!
The Tissue & Squishy ★
Big Feelings Helper
When I feel sad, worried, mad, or super excited, my counselor gives me a safe space to talk and breathe.
Draw a happy or calm face:
The Puzzle & Bandage ★
Problem Solver
When something feels tricky or hard to fix, my counselor helps me find calm, fair solutions step by step.
Color the 2 puzzle pieces:
The Plush Heart ★
Friendship Champion
My counselor teaches us how to take turns, use kind words, make new buddies, and be a great classmate.
Color the friendship heart:
The Bright Lightbulb ★
Brain Booster
My counselor helps me do my best learning, set goals, stay focused, and remember that mistakes help us grow!
Color the bright lightbulb:
Part 2: Lunch Bunch & Me!
Draw or write one favorite thing you'd love to share or play at a Lunch Bunch with the counselor:
Draw or Write
Draw your favorite lunch food, game, or pet here!
3 Ways I Can Ask To See My School Counselor: Keep this paper to remember!
1. Tell My Teacher "May I see the counselor?"
2. Counselor Note Drop a slip in the note box
3. Say Hello Wave and ask in the hallway