Compass Crew Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Compass Crew Lesson Guide
Grade Level: 2nd - 5th Grade | Duration: 30-45 Minutes
Meet the Counselor
Lesson Description
This introductory school counseling lesson helps students understand the role of their school counselor as a "guide and helper" for academics, friendships, and emotions. Students will explore confidentiality limits through interactive scenarios and learn exactly how they can schedule a visit.
Learning Objectives
Students will identify at least three ways a school counselor can support them.
Students will explain the meaning of confidentiality and its safety limits.
Students will demonstrate how to request a visit with the counselor.
Materials Checklist
Compass Crew Slides
Care Compass Anchor Chart
Counselor Connection Sheet
Counselor Clues Cards
Family Brochure
ASCA Mindset: M 1. Belief in development of whole self; M 3. Sense of belonging in the school environment.
Lesson Flow & Pacing Guide
0-5 Min
Part 1: The Hook — Who Is the Counselor?
Begin by displaying Slide 1 of the Compass Crew Slides . Introduce yourself by name. Display a toolbox, a compass, or an anchor (or point to them on the slides/anchor chart). Ask: "What do these tools do? How are they like a school counselor?" Draw the connection that a counselor is a helper who guides you through school and assists when you are feeling lost.
5-20 Min
Part 2: Main Instruction — The Three Pillars of Support
Use Slides 2-4 and the Care Compass Anchor Chart to explain the three main areas where you support students:
Academic Support: Helping with organization, study skills, focusing, and setting goals.Social/Emotional Support: Managing big emotions, dealing with friendship issues, and solving problems.Future Support (Career): Exploring interests, cool jobs, and thinking about future dreams.
20-30 Min
Part 3: The Confidentiality Lock & Safety Exceptions
Use Slide 5. Introduce the concept of Confidentiality as a special "lock" where secrets stay safe with you unless one of the 3 Safety Exceptions is met. Use the physical gesture of locking your heart with a key. Emphasize that your primary job is to keep everyone safe.
Meet Your School Counselor Lesson Bundle Page 1 of 2
Teacher Guide
Facilitation Script & Common Questions
Section 2: Interactive Application
30-40 Min
Part 4: Classroom Activity & Sorting Scenarios
Distribute the Counselor Connection Worksheet or hold up the Counselor Clues Matching Cards . Conduct a quick whole-class sort. Read out scenario cards (e.g., "I'm feeling super nervous about a spelling test" vs. "I dropped my pencil under my desk" ). Have students give a thumbs-up if it's a "Counselor Connection" or cross their arms for a "Classroom/Friend Fix." Have students complete their own sheets individually.
40-45 Min
Part 5: How to Request a Visit & Closing
Show students Slide 6 and pass around the "Request a Visit" paper slip options. Explain the school's specific protocol (e.g., placing a note in the counselor box, asking the classroom teacher first, or having an adult help email). Wrap up with a brief reflection: "What is one big feeling that is always okay to bring to the counselor's room?"
Counselor Script: Explaining Confidentiality
"Confidentiality is a big word that means: What you say in my office, stays in my office. It is like a safe box with a heavy lock. I won't go run and tell your classmates, your teacher, or your family what we talk about because I want you to feel totally safe here."
"But there are THREE special keys that unlock that safe box. These are my Safety Rules. I must break the lock if:"
Someone is hurting you.
You want to hurt yourself.
You want to hurt someone else.
"If any of these three things happen, my primary job is to keep you and everyone else safe, so I will get help from other adults. Otherwise, the box stays locked!"
Common Student Misconceptions
❌ Misconception: "Am I in trouble?"
Talking Point: School counselors are not principals or discipline officers. Going to the counselor's room is a helpful tool, never a punishment. Reassure them that coming to see you means they are being brave and taking care of their brain!
❌ Misconception: "Will you tell my mom?"
Talking Point: Address boundaries early. Clarify that while you love talking to parents, general day-to-day counseling stays private unless there's a safety concern. Encourage students to share their feelings at home!
Meet Your School Counselor Lesson Bundle Page 2 of 2
Care Compass Anchor Chart Your Safe Space
THE CARE COMPASS
What Does Your School Counselor Do?
Academic
Supporting your brain & learning
Set learning goals
Stay organized
Solve test anxiety
Focus in class
Emotions
Supporting your heart & feelings
Navigate friendships
Manage big anger/sadness
Calm worry bubbles
Share happy news
Future
Supporting your dreams & growth
Discover talents
Explore fun careers
Practice teamwork
Think big dreams
The Confidentiality Rule
What you talk about in the counselor's room stays private! It's our special safe box.
Exception 1
Someone is hurting you
Exception 2
You want to hurt yourself
Exception 3
You want to hurt someone
How do I ask to visit?
It is simple! Follow these safe crew rules:
Step 1 Ask Teacher
Step 2 Write a Note
Step 3 Wait to Visit
Your counselor is glad you are here! You belong at our school.
Compass Crew Slides Compass Crew
Elementary Counselor Presentation
Meet Your School Counselor!
Welcome! Let's explore how we can work together to make this school year your best adventure yet.
Hello, I am your Counselor: _______________________
Let's Begin!
What is a School Counselor?
Introduction
Think of me as your school's "Compass Guide" !
Just like a compass helps hikers find their way when they feel lost, a school counselor helps students find their way through big feelings, tricky problems, and hard classroom work.
I am a safe helper for EVERY single student in our building!
We are a Team!
I work with you, your teachers, and your family to make sure you feel happy, safe, and ready to learn.
Compass Crew Slide Deck Slide 2 of 6
How Can I Support You?
Three Pillars
Academic
Helping you organize work, stay focused, set high goals, and tackle tough tests with calm breathing.
Your Brain Support
Emotions
Helping you navigate friendship fights, calm down giant feelings, and talk through tough days.
Your Heart Support
Future
Exploring exciting hobbies, identifying your hidden talents, and discovering cool career options.
Your Dream Support
Compass Crew Slide Deck Slide 3 of 6
Let's Play: Counselor Clues!
Interactive Class Activity
Let's decide together! Thumbs up if you should see the School Counselor for this clue. Fold your arms if you can solve it yourself or with a Teacher !
Scenario A
"I dropped my sharp red pencil under the shelf, and I can't reach it."
Answer: Teacher / Self Fix!
Scenario B
"My body feels super shaky and scared when I think about walking into school."
Answer: Counselor Connection!
Scenario C
"I'm arguing with my best friend at recess, and we don't know how to stop fighting."
Answer: Counselor Connection!
Compass Crew Slide Deck Slide 4 of 6
The Confidentiality Lock
My Promise to You
What stays in my office, stays in my office!
I want you to feel totally safe sharing your feelings and secrets. My door is open, and my lock is tight!
The Safety Rule
Counselor Connection Worksheet Student Activity
Counselor Connection
Meet Your Counselor
Name:
Date:
1 Counselor Connection or Class Fix?
Color the bubble TEAL if it is a Counselor Connection (something the counselor can help you with). Color the bubble YELLOW if it is a Classroom Fix (something you or your teacher can solve).
"I am feeling super nervous about a spelling test and my stomach hurts."
Color Bubble
"My pencil tip broke while I was copying spelling words from the board."
Color Bubble
"I am arguing with my best friend at recess and we don't know how to stop."
Color Bubble
"I forgot where my lunchbox is and recess is about to start."
Color Bubble
2 My Feelings Explorer Map
Think about a time you felt a really big emotion (happy, sad, nervous, excited, or angry). What was happening? How did you help your body calm down?
I Felt:
Because:
3 My Safe Harbor Drawing
Draw yourself sharing a feeling or talking with the counselor in their safe workspace.
Draw your safe workspace here (no writing in this box)
Meet Your School Counselor Lesson Bundle | Student Worksheet Page 1 of 1
Care Compass Family Brochure Take-Home Information
Family Connection Guide
Partners in Your Child's Success & Well-Being
Home & School
Dear Families,
Welcome to a brand-new school year! As your child's school counselor , my goal is to support their social, emotional, and academic development. I work closely with teachers, administrators, and you to ensure that every student has the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive. Please review this guide to learn more about our services!
Comprehensive Counseling Services
For Your Child
Classroom Lessons: Building skills in friendship, emotion management, and safety.Small Groups: Focused support for changing families, social skills, and anxiety.Short-Term Individual Support: Goal-setting and immediate emotional resolution.
For Families
Resource Connections: Community services, food assistance, or mental health referrals.Behavior Support: Collaborative strategies to help bridge support from home to school.School Navigation: Explaining testing support, 504 plans, and student advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is school-based counseling the same as long-term therapy?
No. School counseling is short-term, solution-focused, and academic-centered. We address barriers to learning. For intensive or clinical needs, I can provide a comprehensive list of local family counseling referrals.
How can my child meet with you?
Students can request a visit themselves through their classroom teachers, or parents and teachers can submit a counselor referral if they notice changes in behavior, mood, or focus.
Contact Your Counselor
Please reach out anytime with questions, worries, or collaboration ideas!
_________________________
_________________________
Meet Your School Counselor Lesson Bundle | Family Connection Guide Page 1 of 2
Classroom Materials
Request a Visit Slips
Cut along the dotted lines and place in a safe workspace box for student use.
Counselor Note Keep in Safe Box
Name:
Teacher:
My feeling is:
😊 Happy / Excited
😢 Sad / Hurt
😠 Angry / Mad
😰 Worried / Scared
Note: This box is checked daily. If you are in immediate danger or need help right away, please tell a teacher immediately.
Counselor Clues Matching Cards Classroom Game
Counselor Clues Sorting Cards
Cut out the 8 cards below. Have students sort them into "Counselor Connection" or "Classroom Fix"!
Activity Pack
Scenario Clue 1 Clue Card
"Your heart and stomach feel really heavy and tight every morning when it's time to get on the school bus."
Where does it go? Counselor Connection
Scenario Clue 2 Clue Card
"You dropped your green marker on the floor, and it rolled all the way under the teacher's heavy desk."
Where does it go? Classroom Fix
Scenario Clue 3 Clue Card
"You and your friends are arguing over whose turn it is to slide, and everyone is yelling at recess."
Where does it go? Classroom Fix
Scenario Clue 4 Clue Card
"You are experiencing a very big sad feeling about a major change at home, and you find it hard to focus on your schoolwork."
Where does it go? Counselor Connection
Scenario Clue 5 Clue Card
"Your spelling workbook page is torn, and you need a small piece of tape to fix it before turning it in."
Where does it go? Classroom Fix
Scenario Clue 6 Clue Card
"You want to share some really happy and exciting news about your brand new pet dog with a safe helper at school."
Where does it go? Counselor Connection
Meet Your School Counselor Lesson Bundle | Interactive Sorting Cards Page 1 of 1
