Support Network Slides Our School Safety Net
Who are the helpers in our building?
Locations
People
Support
What if...
You broke your arm...
Where would you go on our map?
You "broke" your feelings...
Where on our map can you find a helper?
Academic vs. Social-Emotional
Academic Helpers
Help you with learning, reading, math, and following school rules.
Teachers
Principals
Librarians
Social-Emotional Helpers
Help you with big feelings, friendship problems, and feeling safe.
School Counselors
School Social Workers
School Psychologists
School Helper Map Activity School Support Map
Who helps me navigate my school day?
Name:
Date:
Your Safety Network
A Safety Network is made of trusted adults who can help you solve problems. Some helpers support your learning (Academic), while others help with your feelings and safety (Social-Emotional).
1. Identify Your Helpers
Role Name of Person(s) Where can you find them? Classroom Teacher School Counselor Principal / Asst. Principal Another Trusted Adult (Coach, Nurse, etc.)
2. Visual Support Map
Sketch a simple map of our school. Mark the spots where you can find these helpers with a star.
Reflect:
If you have a "big feeling" or a "safety worry," which star on your map is the first place you would go?
Mapping Network Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Mapping Support Network
Lesson 1: Facilitation Guide & Teacher Notes
Objectives
• Identify key school staff members.
• Distinguish between academic and social-emotional support.
• Locate mental health resources within the school building.
Materials Needed
• Support Network Slides
• School Helper Map Worksheet
• Color markers or pencils
• A large school map (optional, for reference)
Instructional Steps
1
The Hook (5-10 mins)
Use the "Broken Arm vs. Broken Feelings" analogy from the slides. Ask students: "If you fall on the playground and scrape your knee, you know exactly where to go. But what if your heart feels heavy or you have a giant worry? Where do we go for that?"
2
Direct Instruction (10-15 mins)
Walk through the slides to define Academic vs. Social-Emotional support. Emphasize that while teachers help with both, some staff members (like Counselors) have the specific job of helping with the social-emotional side.
Key Discussion Point: Why might we need a separate person for feelings? (Confidentiality, specialized training, more time available for listening).
3
Guided Mapping (20-25 mins)
Distribute the School Helper Map worksheet. Guide the class in filling out the names of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and School Counselor.
Differentiation Tip
For students with limited mobility or who are new to the school, provide a pre-printed simplified floor plan that they can label instead of sketching from scratch.
4
Conclusion & Share (5 mins)
Have students share one "star" on their map. Ask: "How many people on your map did you know before today? How many are new?"
Counselor Facts Slides Demystifying the Counselor
Let's separate the myths from the facts about who your school counselor is and what they really do.
Fact or Myth?
"Seeing the counselor means you are in BIG trouble."
MYTH
FACT
The Counselor's Toolbox
Problem Solving
Helping you find ways to handle big feelings or worries.
Friendship Fixer
Helping groups of friends talk things out and be kind.
Student Advocate
Making sure every student feels safe and heard at school.
"Counselors are for EVERYONE , not just for 'problems'."
Counselor Truth Sorting Activity Counselor: Fact or Myth?
The TRUTH about who is in your corner.
Name:
Date:
Instructions
Read each statement about the school counselor below. Based on what we've learned, decide if the statement is a FACT (it is true) or a MYTH (it is NOT true). Write your answer in the box.
Statement Fact or Myth? 1. You only go to the counselor if you are in major trouble with the principal. 2. The counselor is there to help EVERY student in the school. 3. The counselor can help you if you are having a hard time with a friend. 4. If you see the counselor once, you have to see them every single day. 5. Counselors teach lessons to the whole class about being kind and staying safe. 6. Everything you say to a counselor is always a secret, even if you are in danger.
Counselor Connection
What is one reason YOU might want to talk to the school counselor this year?
Counselor Sorting Answer Key Answer Key
Counselor Truth Sorting
Lesson 2 Resource
Statement Correct Answer 1. You only go to the counselor if you are in major trouble with the principal. MYTH 2. The counselor is there to help EVERY student in the school. FACT 3. The counselor can help you if you are having a hard time with a friend. FACT 4. If you see the counselor once, you have to see them every single day. MYTH 5. Counselors teach lessons to the whole class about being kind and staying safe. FACT 6. Everything you say to a counselor is always a secret, even if you are in danger. MYTH*
Key Explanations for Students
Statement 1 (Trouble):
Remind students that counselors are not part of discipline. Their office is a safe space for support, not a place for punishment.
Statement 4 (Commitment):
Explain that counseling can be for a one-time problem, a few weeks, or longer, depending on what the student needs. It's flexible!
Statement 6 (Secrets):
*This statement bridges into Lesson 3. Explain that while counselors keep things private to be helpful, they must tell if someone is being hurt, hurting themselves, or hurting others. This is the Safety Rule .
Privacy Shield Slides The Privacy Shield
Understanding Confidentiality & The Safety Rule
What is Confidentiality?
It's a big word that means privacy.
"What you say in here, stays in here."
The counselor doesn't tell your teacher, your friends, or other adults about your private feelings or thoughts.
The Safety Rule
There are 3 times when the counselor MUST break the privacy shield to keep you safe:
1. Hurting Yourself
If you are thinking about hurting your body or ending your life.
2. Someone Hurting You
If someone is doing something that makes you feel unsafe or is hurting you.
3. Hurting Others
If you are planning to hurt someone else or put them in danger.
Keep or Tell Scenarios Worksheet Keep it or Tell?
The Privacy Shield vs. The Safety Rule
Name:
Date:
Keep it (Privacy)
If the student is NOT in danger, the counselor keeps it private.
Tell (Safety Rule)
If someone is being hurt or might be hurt, the counselor must tell.
1
Leo tells the counselor he is feeling very lonely at recess because his best friend moved away last week. He is crying a little bit.
KEEP IT
TELL
Why?
2
Maya tells the counselor that she has a plan to push another student down the stairs after school because she is angry at them.
KEEP IT
TELL
Why?
3
Sam whispers that an older kid in the neighborhood has been touching him in a way that makes him feel very uncomfortable and scared.
KEEP IT
TELL
Why?
Confidentiality Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
The Privacy Shield
Lesson 3: Facilitating Confidentiality Discussions
Objectives
• Define confidentiality in a school setting.
• Identify the 3 exceptions to the Safety Rule.
• Understand that breaking safety privacy is for protection, not punishment.
Key Concept
"We keep things private to help you feel safe talking, but we break that privacy if you are in danger so we can keep you safe."
Discussion Guide
1. Introducing the "Shield"
Use the slides to introduce the metaphor of the Privacy Shield. Ask: "Why might a student want their feelings kept private?" (Embarrassment, fear of judgment, wanting to solve it themselves).
2. The 3 Exceptions (Safety Rule)
Carefully walk through the 3 conditions: Hurting self, being hurt, or hurting others. Use child-friendly language:
Self: "If you tell me you want to stop living, I can't keep that a secret because I care about you too much to let that happen."
Others: "If you plan to hurt a classmate, I have to tell to make sure everyone stays safe."
Abuse: "If a grown-up is hurting your body, that is against the law and it is my job to help make it stop."
3. Scenario Practice
Distribute the Keep or Tell? worksheet. Have students work in pairs to discuss why they chose their answer.
Misconception Alert
Students often think "telling" means they are in trouble. Reinforce: "The counselor isn't 'tattling'—they are being a life-preserver."
How to Ask Slides How to Ask for Help
Mastering the Protocols of Support
The Silent Signal
Sometimes, saying "I need help" out loud in front of the whole class feels too scary or embarrassing.
Solution:
Use a "Help Slip" or a digital form. It's a quiet way to let the counselor know you need to talk.
REFERRAL SLIP
No one else has to know what's on it.
The "Exit Pass" Talk
The Right Time
During independent work time.
Right before or after recess/lunch.
While the teacher is teaching a new lesson.
What to Say:
"Ms. Miller, I have a private worry . Can I put a note in the counselor's box?"
"Mr. Lee, I have big feelings right now. May I go see the counselor?"
Help Request Practice Slips Counselor Connection Slips
Practice filling these out during Lesson 4 simulations.
Practice Sheet
Help Referral Slip
Name:
Teacher:
How are you feeling today?
Urgency Level:
Talk today
Talk this week
Help Referral Slip
Name:
Teacher:
How are you feeling today?
Urgency Level:
Talk today
Talk this week
Help Referral Slip
Name:
Teacher:
How are you feeling today?
Urgency Level:
Talk today
Talk this week
Help Referral Slip
Name:
Teacher:
How are you feeling today?
Urgency Level:
Talk today
Talk this week
Roleplay Scripts Teacher Resource Teacher Resource
Asking for Help: Roleplays
Lesson 4 Skills Practice
Students often know who to ask, but struggle with how to say it. These scripts provide low-stakes practice for communicating with teachers about needing mental health support.
1
Scenario: The Quiet Note
Best for students who feel too embarrassed to speak out loud.
Step A: Student fills out a Help Request Slip at their desk during work time.
Step B: Student walks up to the teacher's desk during a transition or independent work.
Step C (The Script):
"Ms. Teacher, I have a private note for the counselor. Is it okay if I put it in their box now, or should I wait until recess?"
2
Scenario: The "Big Feeling" Break
Best for urgent situations where a student feels overwhelmed right now.
Step A: Student raises their hand or signals to the teacher.
Step B: Teacher comes over to the student's desk to whisper.
Step C (The Script):
"Mr. Teacher, I'm having a really hard time focusing because of some big feelings. I think I need to talk to the counselor today. Can I go check if they are available?"
Tips for Success
Model first: You (the teacher) should act as the student first to show how to be quiet and respectful.
Normalize: Remind the class that asking for a counselor pass is just as normal as asking for a bathroom pass or a nurse pass.
Privacy check: Practice the "Teacher Whisper"—how teachers can respond to these requests without the whole class hearing.
Emotional Traffic Slides Your Feeling Dashboard
Recognizing the Signals for Support
Check Your Dashboard
Cars have dashboard lights to tell the driver when they need gas, oil, or a mechanic.
Your brain and body have signals too!
What the Lights Mean
Green
"I'm feeling okay. My problems are small and I can solve them myself or with a friend."
Keep going!
Yellow
"I'm feeling worried, frustrated, or sad. I need a break or a trusted adult to listen."
Caution: Check in.
Red
"I have a big problem or dangerous feelings. I need a counselor or helper RIGHT NOW."
Stop & Get Help.
Feeling Dashboard Checklist My Feeling Dashboard
Knowing when to use my safety network.
Name:
Date:
Green Light
I can handle this on my own.
Calm
Focused
Kind thoughts
Yellow Light
I need a break or a listener.
Worried
Sad/Crying
Frustrated
Red Light
I need a helper RIGHT NOW.
Scary thoughts
Feeling unsafe
Big emergency
My Internal Signals
1. When I am in the YELLOW zone, my body feels...
2. If I hit a RED light, the person I will ask for help is...
The Safety Net Pledge
"I know that I have a network of helpers at school. I know that my feelings are important. I know how to ask for help when my dashboard lights go off."
Student Signature
Signs for Support Teacher Guide Sequence Conclusion
Feeling Dashboard Signals
Lesson 5: Self-Monitoring & Sequence Wrap-Up
Objectives
• Connect emotions to a physical/internal dashboard.
• Identify personal "Yellow" and "Red" signals.
• Revisit the school support network as a solution.
Unit Review
L1: Who are the helpers?
L2: What is the counselor's job?
L3: When is it private?
L4: How do I ask for help?
Instructional Steps
1. Dashboard Metaphor (10 mins)
Use the slides to explain the Dashboard signals. Ask students: "Has anyone ever seen a light come on in a car? What happens if you ignore it?" Relate this to ignoring big feelings until they become "Red Light" emergencies.
2. Self-Monitoring Activity (20 mins)
Distribute the Feeling Dashboard Checklist . This is a personal reflection. Walk through the examples for Green, Yellow, and Red.
Teacher Note: Watch for students who have difficulty identifying body signals (e.g., butterflies in stomach, clenched fists, fast heart). Provide examples to prime their thinking.
3. The Safety Net Pledge (10 mins)
Conclude by having the class read the pledge on the bottom of their worksheet together. This builds a sense of community and shared language around mental health support.
4. Final Q&A (10 mins)
Ask: "If a friend hits a Red light, what can you do?" (Help them find a trusted adult, walk with them to the counselor's office).
Maintenance Tip
Post the Traffic Light symbols in your classroom. Use them during morning meetings to have students "check their dashboard" throughout the year.