Walk in a Counselor’s Shoes, Counselor Introduction Lesson

Classroom Counseling Lessons

Introduce students to the roles and responsibilities of the School Counselor in a fun and interactive way! This counselor introduction lesson and activity teaches students which jobs are the best fit for the School Counselor and which jobs are better if left to other staff members at school.

Students are challenged to put themselves in other people’s shoes to see who would be the best fit to solve the different problems. This is the perfect counselor introduction lesson for grades 3-5.

I like to start every meet the counselor lesson by welcoming everyone to my class and establishing my purpose for being in their classroom. I break the ice by asking students, “What do you think a School Counselor does?” as a conversation starter. It’s interesting hearing what students think the school counselor does.

If you are working with younger students, you will no doubt crack up at some of the answers. One time a student thought I was the school canceler.

She was legit annoyed when she found out I couldn’t cancel school on a whim.

Keeping the Conversation Going

To continue the flow of conversation, I pass out the cootie catchers and conversation cubes.

I like to give students free time to play with these items and work with their partners as they answer the questions and decide what is it they think a School Counselor does.

After students have had time to chat, I call on group members to see how their initial answer to the question, “what is it you think a school counselor does” may have changed.

After our discussion, I collect the items back and use the posters to clarify and cover my main roles and responsibilities.

Teaching the Counselor’s Roles and Responsibilities

I ask students to put themselves in the shoes of a School Counselor.  What kind of jobs and/or problems at school would be a good fit for the School Counselor? I have students turn to a partner and discuss.

Next, I ask students to walk in the shoes of various people around campus. What jobs do they think would be the best fit for each of them? Students walk in the shoes of the nurse, principal, librarian, custodian, front desk secretary, etc. discussing what situations are best solved with the help of each of those people. I ask students what types of jobs would be a good fit for the nurse? In what situations at school would the nurse be most helpful? Turn to a partner and discuss.

I continue this line of questioning to include all people and positions around campus. We use the poster to help guide the conversation. I keep an expo marker handy and add any jobs students mention that have been left off. I laminate the poster so that it can be easily cleaned and reused in future counselor introduction lessons.

Situation Sort Game

At school, there are many people that can help students when various problems arise. The best person to help changes depending on the situation.

By playing the situation sort game, you can have students put themselves in someone else’s shoes to decide who is the best person for the job. Have students ask themselves, is this a job for the school counselor or is someone else at school better for the job?

To play, place the situation cards, face down, in a pile. One at a time, students come up, pick a card, read the statement out loud, and answer the question. If it’s a good fit for the school counselor, they can put the card into the counselor container.

If it is not, using a whiteboard or expo marker, students can write who they think would be best for the job on the back of the card. Then, students can slide the card into the “not a good fit” box. Discuss answers with the class and kindly help and guide students who are struggling.

This game will help students recognize and establish boundaries and limitations for time spent with the School Counselor. Students will learn what types of situations should be brought to the School Counselor and which situations are better left to other heroes at your school.

Activity Sheets

I wrap up the lesson by having students complete the activity sheets.

After students complete the activity sheets, I pass out copies of the posters for teachers to hang in their classroom.

Briefly explain to students how to use the referral sheets. Ask the teacher to establish a place where the referral sheets can live in their classroom. Make sure it is a spot students can easily access.

Counselor Referral Sheets

It is important to explain my system of how they can get these forms back to me. The forms stay on a clipboard that I keep with me. So, when students randomly find me in the hallway, I can have them fill one a referral sheet.

I also have these forms available in the front office. Students know they can rely on the wonderful receptionists at the front desk for a form. She puts completed forms in a safe and confidential spot for me to pick up. If a student marks that it is urgent, she can radio me and alert me quickly.

When students understand your responsibilities and expectations, say goodbye and that you will see them next time!

Meet the Counselor Journey

Good luck in your journey of having your students walk in someone else’s shoes.

As a result, teaching this fun counseling introduction lesson will help students gain an understanding of your roles and responsibilities!

Download your own copy of this meet the counselor resource.

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Best of luck next school year!