Helper Crew Guide Teacher & Counselor Guide
Team Problem Solvers
Introducing Your School Social Worker (Grades K-4)
SESSION 30-45 MIN
Core Learning Mission
Scholars will understand the role of the School Social Worker as a friendly support captain on their "Problem-Solving Team." They will identify appropriate times to seek support for big emotions, basic needs, and social challenges.
Included Materials
Interactive Slide Deck
Clue Finders Worksheet
Intro Poster & Referral Passes
Lesson Pacing & Steps
1
Warm-Up: The Puzzle Hook
5 MIN
Gather scholars in a circle. Show them a single puzzle piece. Ask: "Can we build a giant castle with only one piece? No, we need a whole crew of different pieces working together!" Introduce the Problem-Solving Team.
2
Story Introduction & Slides
15 MIN
Project the Team Solvers Slides . Share the story of the "Missing Puzzle Piece." Introduce yourself (the School Social Worker) as the team's prime "puzzle piece connector" who helps with feelings, friendships, and goals.
3
Sorting Activity: Clue Finders
15 MIN
Distribute the Clue Finders Worksheet . Have students match real school scenarios with the right teammate helper (Social Worker, Teacher, Nurse, Librarian). Read aloud for younger K-1.
4
Wrap-Up: The Referral Pass
5 MIN
Explain how students can reach you. Hang the poster near the classroom door and show them the "Problem Solver Passes." Give teachers a set of passes to keep in their designated check-in space.
Interactive Circle Script (K-2 Friendly)
"Hi friends! Tap your nose if you've ever tried to solve a giant problem all by yourself. It can feel pretty heavy, right? That's because we aren't meant to hold big feelings or solve every puzzle alone!"
"In our school, we have a special group of people called the Problem-Solving Team . And my job as your Social Worker is to be a helper coach. If you are sad, worried, need clothes, or just need a quiet spot to help your heart settle down, you can invite me to help you solve that puzzle!"
Cohesive Counselor Introduction Suite Page 1 of 1
Team Solvers Slides Meet the Team
Grades K-4 Counseling
Team Problem Solvers!
Let's work together to make school and home feel safe, happy, and strong.
Use your arrows to move forward
Step 1: The Crew What is the Team?
What is a Problem-Solving Team?
Just like sports players or puzzle solvers, we work together to solve tricky situations!
My Teammates
Friends & Teachers
My Feelings
Big & Small Emotions
Every piece counts!
Step 2: Meet Your Helper My Special Role
What Does a School Social Worker Do?
Think of me as your Team Support Captain!
Feelings Coach
I help you understand and calm down big feelings like worry, anger, or sadness.
Friendship Expert
I help classmates talk out disagreements and build awesome, kind friendships.
Home-to-School Link
I help make sure you have everything you need to learn (like food, jackets, or tools).
I am always on your team!
Step 3: Story Time Interactive Story
Leo and the Heavy Backpack 🎒
Leo walked into school with a heavy heart. His head was filled with worries about a big test, his stomach hurt because he forgot his breakfast, and he was angry about a disagreement on the school bus.
Discussion Question: Does Leo have to carry this heavy backpack of problems all on his own? Who can help him?
How to Help Leo?
We can help Leo share his heavy pack with a counselor or a trusted team member!
Let's solve it together!
Step 4: Scenario Game Thumbs Up or Down?
Is This a Job for the Social Worker?
Give a Thumbs Up 👍 for YES or Thumbs Down 👎 for NO!
😢
"I have a big feeling of sadness that won't go away."
THUMBS UP! 👍
✏️
"I lost my pencil and I need a new one to draw."
ASK TEACHER! 👎
🤝
"My friends and I are having a major recess argument."
THUMBS UP! 👍
You are all amazing detectives!
Final Step: Check-In How to Reach Me
How to Ask for a Helper!
If you want to chat or solve a problem, you can use our class Problem Solver Pass !
Ask your teacher if you can fill out a pass
Drop it in my mailbox outside my office
I will come invite you to solve puzzles together!
Remember:
"No problem is too big or too small to solve as a team!"
Thank you, Team Solvers!
Clue Finders Worksheet Student Activity Book
The Problem Solver Puzzle
We can solve big and small worries when we work together!
Name:
Date:
Activity 1: Color My Puzzle Crew!
Color this special problem-solving puzzle. Notice how the different pieces connect to make a strong picture! Just like this puzzle, you have helpers at school who connect to support you.
MY FEELINGS 💛
MY TEACHER 🍎
SOCIAL WORKER 🤝
MY FAMILY 🏠
Get creative! Color the background and border with your favorite pencils.
Activity 2: Help Leo Share His Feelings!
Remember Leo and his heavy backpack of worries? In the box below, draw or write one helper tool or safe person you want in your school team.
Unit: Team Problem Solvers Page 1 of 2
Student Activity Book
Who Can Help?
Solve the school mysteries by picking the perfect teammate helper!
Name:
Match the Team Helper
Read each challenge below. In the empty box, write the letter of the School Teammate who is the best specialist to help solve this puzzle!
A Teacher
B Nurse
C Librarian
D Social Worker
A / B / C / D
Challenge 1
"Your head is spinning and your stomach is starting to hurt. You think you might have a slight fever."
A / B / C / D
Challenge 2
"You are having a very hard time focusing on your math assignment because you feel overwhelmed and sad."
A / B / C / D
Challenge 3
"You want to check out an incredible new book about space exploration and learning the stars."
A / B / C / D
Challenge 4
"You are trying to learn a brand-new spelling pattern during morning phonics work."
Unit: Team Problem Solvers Page 2 of 2
Problem Solver Pass School Community Resource
WE ARE A PROBLEM-SOLVING TEAM!
Meet Your School Social Worker: Helping Hearts and Minds Work Together
Our Counselor / Social Worker
Name:
Room:
"Teachers or students can drop a referral pass outside my office door anytime!"
How I Can Help You
💚 Big Feelings: When sad, angry, or worried
🤝 Friendships: Sorting out playground disagreements
🎒 Basic Needs: Getting winter jackets or extra food
Cut Out Student Passes Below
Problem-Solver Pass My Team Helper Check-In
Name: Teacher:
My heart/mind feels:
😊 Happy 😐 Okay 😢 Heavy 😡 Mad
Check
Problem-Solver Pass My Team Helper Check-In
Name: Teacher:
My heart/mind feels:
😊 Happy 😐 Okay 😢 Heavy 😡 Mad
Check
Problem-Solver Pass My Team Helper Check-In
Name: Teacher:
My heart/mind feels:
😊 Happy 😐 Okay 😢 Heavy 😡 Mad
Check
Cohesive Counselor Introduction Suite Page 1 of 1