Overview

This 30-minute counseling session template is designed for individualized or small-group settings (Grades 1-5), focusing on building coping skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and making better choices. It aligns with the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors Standards for Self-Management, Social Skills, and Mindset Development and incorporates Common Core connections supporting speaking & listening, and critical thinking at an age-appropriate level.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will be able to:

Identify one or two feelings they experience in challenging situations. (ASCA M 1, B-SMS 1)
Describe at least one coping strategy to use when upset or frustrated. (ASCA B-SMS 2)
Demonstrate basic problem-solving steps to make better choices. (ASCA B-SMS 4, B-SS 5)
Set a positive mindset goal for handling future challenges. (ASCA M 3)

Common Core State Standards Connections

Speaking & Listening:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations with peers and adults.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2 – Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text or experience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage effectively in discussion with diverse partners.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Paraphrase portions of text or student talk to clarify understanding.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Summarize points a speaker makes and explain how reasons support claims.

Materials

Printed session templates (see below)
Visual emotion cards or feelings chart
Calm-down tools (stress balls, breathing visuals)
Paper and crayons or markers

Counseling Session Template

1. Opening Script (3 min)

“Hi! Today, we’re going to learn ways to help our feelings when things don’t go our way. It’s okay to feel upset, but we will also learn how to calm down, solve problems, and make better choices to feel good again.”

2. Warm-Up Questions (5 min)

Engage the student(s) gently:

“Can you tell me a time when you felt upset or frustrated?”
“What do you usually do when you feel that way?”
“Do you know any ways to help yourself feel better when you’re sad or mad?”

Note: Show feelings cards to help identify emotions.

3. Main Discussion with Guided Questions (12 min)

Focus Area	Guided Questions	Teacher Cues
Recognizing Feelings	"What are some feelings you’ve had today?”	Use feelings chart to name emotions.
Coping Strategies	“What are some ways to calm down when upset?”	Introduce 3-4 simple strategies below.
Problem-Solving Steps	“What could you do if a friend is upset with you?”	Break steps down: stop, think, choose.
Making Better Choices	“How do you know if a choice is good for you?”	Discuss thinking about feelings and others.

4. Simple Coping Strategies (5 min)

Model and practice each:

Deep Breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, out for 4 seconds.
Counting to Ten: Slow count to calm your body.
Positive Self-Talk: Say, “I can handle this.”
Take a Break: Step away for 1-2 minutes to cool down.

Ask students, “Which one sounds easiest for you to try?” and encourage a quick practice.

5. Closing Question (3 min)

“To end our time, tell me one thing you will try to do when you feel upset or have a problem. How will that help you?”

Encourage students to share and affirm their effort.

6. Backup Plan for Non-Talkers

Use a feelings/emotion wheel or cards for non-verbal students to point to their emotion.
Provide paper and crayons for drawing how they feel.
Use simple yes/no or thumbs up/down questions to gauge understanding.
Use “draw your choice” activity to illustrate coping strategies or solutions.

7. Small Group Version Modifications

Begin with a “feelings check-in” where each student shares with the group or uses cards.
Facilitate paired role-play practicing calming down and problem-solving.
Use a group “choices chart” — list good/better choices physically on a poster.
End with a group cheer reinforcing mindset: “We can handle it!”

Alignment with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors

M 1: Belief in development of whole self, including self-respect.
M 3: Sense of belonging in the school environment.
B-SMS 1: Demonstrate ability to assume responsibility.
B-SMS 2: Demonstrate self-control and self-discipline.
B-SMS 4: Demonstrate ability to resist peer pressure and negotiate conflict.
B-SS 5: Use effective communication skills to understand and express feelings.

Visual Counseling Template Preview (Printable Version)

Section	What to Say/Do	Notes
Opening Script	“Today we are learning how to help our feelings.”	Warm, inviting tone
Warm-Up Questions	“When do you feel upset?” “What do you do then?”	Use emotion cards
Main Discussion	Guided questions + model problem-solving steps	Encourage student participation
Coping Strategies	Practice breathing, counting, positive talk	Engage kinesthetically
Closing Question	“What will you try next time?”	Validate and encourage
Backup Plan	Use drawing or gestures for non-talkers	Respect comfort level
Small Group Version	Pair role-play + group discussion	Foster peer empathy and skills

This concise, kid-friendly template makes counseling sessions easy to conduct and helps elementary students build vital social-emotional skills with evidence-based strategies aligned to both ASCA and Common Core standards—perfect for supporting students with diverse needs including those with IEP counseling goals.

Teachers and counselors can customize the “backup plan” and “small group version” as needed to best fit their students’ emotional and communication strengths.

End of plan

Coping & Choices

Teaching Instructions