First Huddle Facilitator Guide
Session 1 of 6 Tier 2/3 Small Group Counseling
First Huddle Facilitator Guide
Total Time 35–40 Min
Group Profile 3 Boys · Grade 7
Reading Level ~2nd Grade (Audio-First)
Tone / Approach Low-Stakes, Relational, Active
Materials Needed Visual Choice Cards, Stress Ball
Developmental Note: 7th-grade boys reading below grade level often have their guard up about school tasks. Keep everything spoken, physical, and visual. Avoid handouts with heavy text or worksheets that feel like classroom tests.
PHASE 1 Arrival & Visual Battery Check-In
5–7 Mins
Action
Welcome each student by name with a low-key fist bump or nod. Show the Battery Level Meter (Empty 🪫 / Half 🔋 / 100% ⚡) on the board or desk.
Counselor Script:
"Welcome guys. This room isn't class—there are no tests, no grades, and no wrong answers. To start, point to or tell me where your battery is at today from 1 to 5: 1 is running on empty, 5 is fully charged and ready. What’s your number today?"
PHASE 2 Setting the Frame & Confidentiality
8–10 Mins
The 3 "Locker Room" Agreements:
1. What Stays Here Stories and feelings said here stay here. We don't talk about it in the hallway.
2. Pass Privilege If you aren't ready to share a question, say "Pass" and we keep moving.
3. Real Respect No clowning or roasting each other for being honest in this circle.
Confidentiality & The 3 Safety Exceptions Script:
"What you say to me stays private between us. The only time I ever have to tell another adult to get extra help is if: 1) Someone is hurting you, 2) You plan to hurt yourself, or 3) You plan to hurt someone else. My number one job is keeping you safe. Does that make sense to everyone?"
First Huddle Counselor Guide · Session 1 Framework Page 1 of 2
First Huddle Facilitator Guide | Activity, Wrap-Up & Notes
Part 2 of 2
PHASE 3 Warm-Up Activity: Stand / Sit "Would You Rather"
15 Mins
How to Run It (Zero Reading Stress): Read the two choices out loud. Students vote instantly by Standing Up for Option A or Staying Seated for Option B. No writing or decoding required. After each choice, invite a 10-second explanation ("Why'd you pick that?").
Choice Cards Prompt Bank (Read Aloud):
Round 1: Powers
🅰️ Stand: Have Super Speed
🅱️ Sit: Be Invisible Anytime
Round 2: Sports & Gear
🅰️ Stand: Unlimited Fresh Kicks
🅱️ Sit: VIP Front-Row Game Tickets
Round 3: Gaming & Free Time
🅰️ Stand: Best Player in Any Video Game
🅱️ Sit: Pro Athlete in Real Life
Round 4: Food Showdown
🅰️ Stand: Hot Wings Every Day
🅱️ Sit: Stuffed Crust Pizza Every Day
Quick Group Debrief (1-2 Min): "Notice how we all picked different things, but nobody got clowned for their choice? That's exactly how this group operates. We have each other's backs."
PHASE 4 Checkout & Preview
5 Mins
1-Word Exit
Toss a soft foam/stress ball to each student. When they catch it, they give one word describing how they feel about the group or their day (e.g., "Good," "Chill," "Tired," "Ready").
Preview
"Next week we’re doing a 5-minute team challenge and talking about handling pressure when things get loud. See you guys next Wednesday at this same time!"
Counselor Post-Session Observation Tracker Fill out immediately after group departs
Student 1: _____________
Participation: [ ] High [ ] Mod [ ] Guarded
Notes: ___________________________
Student 2: _____________
Participation: [ ] High [ ] Mod [ ] Guarded
Notes: ___________________________
Student 3: _____________
Participation: [ ] High [ ] Mod [ ] Guarded
Notes: ___________________________
First Huddle Counselor Guide · Session 1 Framework Page 2 of 2