Counseling Roadmap Guide Counseling Session Roadmap
4th Grade One-to-One Curriculum (Jan - Nov 2026)
Teacher Resource
Session Frequency
Weekly sessions (30 mins). Total of ~33 sessions excluding summer break (June 15 – Aug 28).
Thematic Approach
Integrated animal-based art activities to support IEP objectives in emotional literacy and social skills.
Phase / Dates Thematic Focus Primary Objective Phase 1: Foundation Jan 23 – Feb 27 The Emotion Zoo Identifying and naming "Big 3" emotions (Sad, Frustrated, Anxious) using animal archetypes.IEP Obj 1 Phase 2: Advocacy Mar 6 – Apr 24 The Help Signal Recognizing when tasks are overwhelming and practicing specific scripts for asking for assistance.IEP Obj 3 Phase 3: Connection May 1 – Jun 12 The Social Safari Mapping the "School Habitat" and identifying 3 key peers or staff to strengthen bonds with.IEP Obj 2 Summer Break: June 15 – August 28 Phase 4: Regulation Sep 4 – Oct 23 Calm Creatures Building a "Regulation Portfolio" of 5 independent coping strategies (breathing, drawing, break cards).IEP Obj 4 Phase 5: Mastery Oct 30 – Nov 23 Independence Island Generalizing skills across environments and completing the final art reflection project.ALL OBJS
30-Minute Session Flow
0-5m
Check-In & Animal Mood Meter
Identify current emotion using the "Feeling Wildlife" visual.
5-20m
Thematic Art Activity
Skill-building focus (drawing, mapping, or roleplaying with scripts).
20-30m
Reflection & Goal Setting
Discussion on how to use the skill in the classroom this week.
IEP Objective Progress Tracker
Student: __________________________ Session Year: 2026
1. Identifying Emotions (Obj 1)
Target: 3/5 Opportunities
Opp 1
Opp 2
Opp 3
Opp 4
Opp 5
2. Social Connectedness (Obj 2)
Target: 3/4 Opportunities
Way 1
Way 2
Way 3
Practice
3. Self-Advocacy / Asking Help (Obj 3)
Target: 3/5 Opportunities
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Task 4
Task 5
4. Calming Strategies (Obj 4)
Target: 3/5 Opportunities
Opp 1
Opp 2
Opp 3
Opp 4
Opp 5
Clinical Observation Notes Friendship Feed Sheet Friendship Feed Sheet
Heart and Habitat Counseling • Session 6
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Quality Seeds
Write 4 qualities next to the seeds that make someone a great companion.
Quality #1:
Quality #2:
Quality #3:
Quality #4:
My Friendship Goal
One way I will be a good friend today is:
Part 2: Feeding the Friendship
Sketch and write 3 things you can do this week to "feed" a friendship.
Feeding Action #1:
Feeding Action #2:
Feeding Action #3:
Friendship Garden Slides Friendship Garden
How to plant and grow great connections
Session 6
30 Minutes
The Two Big Pieces
1. The Seeds
The QUALITIES we look for in a friend. (Kindness, Honesty, Humor)
2. The Feed
The ACTIONS we take to keep it growing. (Listening, Sharing, Inviting)
What do Good Seeds look like?
Trustworthy
They keep their word and protect your secrets like a vault.
Encouraging
They cheer for your wins and help you feel better when you're down.
Authentic
They are real with you and don't try to be someone else.
Flexible
They can compromise on games and go with the flow.
Shared Joy
They like seeing you happy and don't get jealous of your success.
Brave
They stand up for you if someone is being unkind.
How do we "Feed" the Friendship?
Even the best seeds won't grow if they aren't fed. Actions are the nutrients that make friendships strong.
Deep Listening
Stopping what you're doing to hear what they have to say.
Repairing Mistakes
Saying "I'm sorry" and asking how to fix it when things go wrong.
Small Gestures
Checking in with a hello, a high-five, or a quick note.
Your Garden Design
Open your Friendship Feed Sheet .
15m
Create Time
5m
Share Back
Friendship Care Guide Friendship Care Guide
Counselor Facilitation Resource • Lesson 6
Session Objective
The student will differentiate between qualities (internal traits) and actions (external behaviors) in friendship and identify three actionable ways to maintain current peer connections.
Session Structure (30m)
Check-in / Intro 5m
Concept (Seeds vs Feed) 5m
Activity: Feed Sheet 15m
Closing Reflection 5m
Discussion Prompts
Part 1: The Seeds (Qualities)
"If you were going to plant a 'Best Friend Forest,' what kind of people would you want in it? What makes a person feel like a 'good seed' rather than a 'weedy' one?"
Part 2: The Feed (Actions)
"Friendships are like plants; if we stop 'feeding' them with actions, they dry up. What 'water' or 'food' does your friendship need this week?"
Clinical Guidance
Social Reciprocity: If the student only lists things others should do, prompt them to consider their role as the "gardener" who provides the feed.
Actionable Goals: Help the student choose specific actions (e.g., "Ask someone to play at recess") over vague ones like "be nice."
Session Data & Observations
Qualities Identified:
Action Plan:
Engagement Level:
1
2
3
4
5
Emotion Animal Sketches Space Refined The Emotion Zoo
Field Guide to My Feelings
Name: _______________________
Date: ________________________
1
The Heavy Whale
Emotion: Sadness
"When I feel sad, my body feels heavy like it's deep underwater. I move slowly and want to be quiet."
Look for:
• Heavy Body / Low Energy
• Frowning or Fidgeting
• Wanting to be Alone
Sketch your Heavy Whale here:
What does it look like in its habitat? Is it swimming at the bottom or floating near the top?
Unit 1: Animal Emotions Page 1: Sadness
The Emotion Zoo
Student: _______________________
2
The Pacing Panther
Emotion: Frustration
"When I'm frustrated, my heart beats fast. I feel like I need to move or growl. Everything feels tight."
Look for:
• Tight Fists / Clenched Jaw
• Hot Face / Fast Heartbeat
• Heavy or Sharp Breathing
Sketch your Pacing Panther here:
Is your panther pacing or prowling? Use bold lines to show the energy of your frustration.
Unit 1: Animal Emotions Page 2: Frustration
The Emotion Zoo
Student: _______________________
3
The Fluttering Bird
Emotion: Anxiety
"Anxiety feels like wings flapping in my stomach. My thoughts fly around too fast to catch."
Look for:
• Shaky Hands / Bouncing Legs
• Racing or "What If" Thoughts
• Fidgeting or Biting Nails
Sketch your Fluttering Bird here:
Is your bird flying in a storm or trapped in a cage? Use light, quick lines to show the flutter.
Unit 1: Animal Emotions Page 3: Anxiety
Field Notes
Reflecting on My Personal Zoo
1. Today, I feel most like the __________________________ because:
My "Quiet" Emotion
Which animal feels the most hidden or hard for others to see? Why?
My "Loud" Emotion
Which animal is the hardest to ignore or makes the most noise inside?
The Explorer's Creed:
In our zoo, there are no "bad" animals. Every animal is just a signal from your heart. When a Whale is heavy, it might need comfort. When a Panther is pacing, it might need a break. We listen to the animals so we know what we need!
End of Field Guide • Lesson 1
Social Habitat Map My Social Habitat
Mapping my school network
Student: __________________
Date: ____________________
Today's Safari Goal:
Animals thrive when they are part of a strong community. Today, we are going to identify 3 ways you can grow your school network to feel more connected!
Center ME
Friends & Peers
Teachers & Staff
Clubs & Activities
Safe Spots
Draw lines to connect yourself to the people and places in your habitat!
3 Ways to Grow My Habitat:
1
Connection Strategy:
2
New Peer or Staff to Talk To:
3
Activity I Could Join:
Helpful Signal Scripts The Help Signal
Knowing when to howl for help
IDENTIFYING THE NEED & ASKING
Even the strongest wolves in the pack need help sometimes. Knowing when you need help and how to ask for it is a superpower.
Step 1: Spotting the Struggle
Circle the signals that tell you "I need help right now":
I feel stuck
Out of time
Face feels hot
Mind is foggy
Want to cry
Don't know step 1
Step 2: Your Help Scripts
Practice saying these or writing them on your "Break Card":
To a Teacher:
"I'm feeling stuck on this task. Can you help me find the first step?"
When Overwhelmed:
"I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. May I have 2 minutes to use my calm breathing?"
To a Peer:
"I didn't quite catch the directions. What are we supposed to do?"
Step 3: The Success Sketch
Imagine you are working on a hard math problem or an art project. You feel frustrated (the Pacing Panther). Draw what it looks like when you use your Help Signal .
Panel 1: The Struggle
Show the "signals" that you need help
Panel 2: The Ask
Show yourself using a "Help Script"
Calm Creature Toolkit The Calm Creature Toolkit
My Personal Regulation Menu
IEP GOAL #4
"Even a storm has a center where everything is quiet. When you feel overwhelmed, use these tools to find your quiet center."
My Top Strategies
Swan Breathing
Raise your arms like wings as you breathe in... Lower them slowly as you breathe out.
Independent Body Tool
The 2-Minute Sketch
Focus on your pen moving on paper. Draw swirls or your favorite animal for 2 minutes.
Art Based Focus Tool
Using My Break Card
Hand your teacher the card with the turtle on it to signal you need 5 minutes of quiet time.
Signal Space Tool
Adult Check-In
Walk to your trusted adult's room to say hi and reset your energy.
Connection Support Tool
My "Right Now" Plan:
When I feel overwhelmed (like the Fluttering Bird), the first thing I will do is...
Then, I will use my __________________________ strategy.
I can do this!
