Counseling Lesson Plan 1 Gangs and Fairness

School Counselor(s): Ms. Bridgette, Mrs. Carla, Mrs. Zilah

Date: July 1, 2015

Activity: Gang and Peer Pressure

Character Trait Focus: Fairness

Grade(s): 6th, 7th, 8th

Learning Objective: Students will understand the devastating consequences of gang affiliation,

peer pressure and fairness to someone’s individuality.

Materials: Anticipation Handout, Gang Power Point, Discussion Questions, Gang Violence

Video, Blueford Series Novel, Extension Handout and website.

Procedure: Students will complete and anticipation guide then whole group discussion.

Students will view a video on gang violence. Students will then view a gang power point then

discussion its contents. Finally students will close with whole group discussion on their future

awareness on the dangers of gang affiliation, not succumbing to peer pressure and fairness to

someone’s right as an individual. Extension handout from the Conroe Police Department along

with the website will be handed to students as they exit the classroom for later more personal

reflection.

Anticipation Handout: Students will strongly agree, agree or disagree with a series of

questions concerning their knowledge and beliefs of gangs

Video Link: Students will watch a video from YouTube on how gangs affect the individual,

families, neighborhoods and community’s.

Power Point: Students will view a power point on the statistic and facts about gang affiliation,

incarceration, deaths and how they destroy communities.

Take Away:

Students will receive a copy of a novel that dramatizes gang life and its consequences.

Brothers in Arms by Paul Langdon, published in 2004.

Martin Luna is in deep trouble. Just months ago, a horrible tragedy took his little brother, and

now it threatens to take him too. On one side are his desperate mother, a friendly teacher at

Bluford High, and a pretty girl named Vicky. On the other are his old neighborhood friends and

a hunger for revenge.

Extension Activity: http://police.conroeisd.net/Docs/MasterGang.pdf

Counseling Lesson Plan 2 Citizenship

School Counselor(s): Ms. Bridgette, Mrs. Carla, Mrs. Zilah

Date: July 1, 2015

Activity: Appreciating Diversity

Character Trait Focus: Citizenship

Grade(s): 6th, 7th, 8th

Learning Objective: Students will understand diversity and the appreciation of others cultures,

traditions and beliefs.

Materials: Anticipation Handout, Diversity Power Point, Discussion Questions, Uncovering

Diversity in America Video, Novel, Extension Handout.

Procedure: Students will complete and anticipation guide then whole group discussion.

Students will view a video on diversity in America. Students will then view a power point on

appreciation of diversity in others, then discussion its contents. Finally students will close with

whole group discussion on their future awareness of diversity within their families,

neighborhoods, community and the Nation. Students will discuss how citizenship correlates

diversity in others. Extension handout from The National Trust of Historical Preservation along

with the website will be handed to students as they exit the classroom for later more personal

reflection.

Anticipation Handout: Students will strongly agree, agree or disagree with a series of

questions concerning their knowledge and beliefs of diversity in their community and the

nation.

Video Link: Students will watch a video from YouTube on how diversity of culture affect the

individual, families, neighborhoods and community’s.

Power Point: Students will view a power point on the statistic and facts concerning diversity,

immigration, diverse cultures and traditions and how our communities are melting pots of

diversity.

Take Away:

Students will receive a copy of a novel that depicts the life of an immigrant girl

By Pam Munoz Ryan, published in 2000. Set in post-Revolutionary Mexico and in California

during the time of the Great Depression, it examines the plight of the Mexican farm workers as

they struggle to adapt and survive in the United States.

Extension Activity: http://www.preservationnation.org/forum/library/public-

articles/fostering-appreciation-for-cultural-diversity.html

Counseling Lesson Plan 3 Responsibility

School Counselor(s): Carla Vaughn ,Bree Moncur, Zilah Scheiner

Date: June 30, 2015

Activity: Group activity/Video Clip/Book

Character Trait Focus: Responsibility

Grade(s): 3rd - 5th

Learning Objective: Students will understand the importance of being accountable for their decisions and

actions by being responsible and by doing so, others will more readily trust and depend on them.

Materials: Dollar Bill Handout (see attached), video clip (Kenny the Shark – Watching Carl), books: Betsy

Who Cried Wolf, Gail Carson; The Paper Boy, Dav Pilkey; bookmarks about responsibility (see attached)

Procedure: Counselor will ask students what they think responsibility means. Once there has been a brief

discussion, the first part of the activity will be passed out – dollar bill hand out. All of us know how to spend

money. Do we all need money? What do we use money for? (Briefly discuss needs and wants.) When I hold

this dollar bill in my hand it doesn’t block my vision of the things around me. I can see my family, friends,

people who might need help, and I can see work that needs to be done. The problem comes when I hold money

so close to me (hold dollar in front of your eyes) and that’s all I can see or care about. If I love money too

much, that can lead to trouble. I might begin to make foolish and selfish purchases, thinking only of myself

instead of making responsible choices and thinking about the needs of others. Having money is not a problem.

But if I love money too much- and hold it too close-it becomes a problem. What are some good and responsible

things we can do with money?

Discussion Questions:

How would you demonstrate responsibility if…

1. You broke the wheel off your brother's new skateboard?

2. Your friend asks you to play and you haven't finished your homework?

3. You're playing a really fun game at your friend's house and it's time to go home?

4. You promised your mom or dad you would clean your room but you just don't feel like it?

5. It is time to go to bed and you just remembered that your book report is due tomorrow?

6. You agreed to take care of your neighbor's dog while she is away, but now a friend has invited you to a

sleep over?

7. Your mom is not feeling well and could really use some extra help around the house?

8. You forgot to bring

Video Link: Kenny the Shark – Watching Karl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_GjR3Vh-YE

Description: Kat and Kenny babysit for Karl, but Kat finds out about responsibility when Karl runs away.

Books:

Horton Hatches the Egg, Dr. Seuss; ISBN: 978-0394800776; Responsibility; grades 3-5

The book centers on Horton, an African elephant, who is convinced by Mayzie, an irresponsible bird, to sit on

her egg while she takes a short "break", which turns into her permanent relocation to Palm Beach. Horton

suffers many trials keeping his word and is finally placed in a traveling circus. However, despite his hardships

and Mayzie's clear intent not to return, Horton refuses to leave the nest because he insists on keeping his word.

The traveling circus ends up visiting near Mayzie's new Palm Beach residence just as the egg is due to hatch

and demands that Horton return it, without offering him a reward. However, when the egg hatches, the creature

that emerges is an "elephant-bird", a cross between Horton and Mayzie, and Horton and the baby are returned

happily to the jungle, rewarding Horton for his persistence, while Mayzie is punished for her irresponsibility,

ending up with nothing.

Betsy Who Cried Wolf, Gail Carson; ISBN: 978-0064436403; Responsibility; grades 3-5

Betsy just became a shepherd and takes her new job very seriously. One day, a hungry wolf decides to trick

Betsy. The wolf reveals himself to the shepherd. When Betsy calls to warn the villagers of the wolf, he

disappears back into the woods. The villagers think Betsy lied and get mad at her. The next day, the wolf plays

the same trick and gets the same result. On the third day, the wolf charges towards the herd of sheep. Betsy

calls for the villagers, but no one comes. Right before the wolf can attack the sheep, Betsy accidentally knocks

over her lunch pail. The wolf stops his pursuit of the sheep to share Betsy's lunch. The wolf learns to be

friendly and responsible and he and Betsy become friends. They end up shepherding the herd together.

Extension Activity:

Read one of the books listed and discuss who was responsible and irresponsible in the book. Discuss what

made them that way and how they could have made better choices.

Take Away:

Students will get a bookmark. (see attached)

Victoria Walker Elementary

The United States of America

Victoria Walker Elementary

I Promise To

The United States of America

Bookmarks for Responsibility

“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.”

~Helen Keller

“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.”

~Helen Keller

“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.”

~Helen Keller

“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.”

~Helen Keller

“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today even though it may be hard.”

~Helen Keller

Counseling Lesson Plan 4 Trustworthiness/Honesty

School Counselor(s): Carla Vaughn ,Bree Moncur, Zilah Scheiner

Date: July 1, 2015

Activity: Group activity/Video Clip/Book

Character Trait Focus: Trustworthiness

Grade(s): 3rd - 5th

Learning Objective: Students will understand the importance of being honest and depend on them.

Materials: Ball of yarn, books: Betsy Who Cried Wolf, Gail Carson; The Paper Boy, Dav Pilkey; bookmarks

about responsibility (see attached)

Procedure/Activity:

Oh, What A Tangled Web We Weave!

Arrange ahead of time to have your child or another student help you with this demonstration. Secretly ask the

child to give false answers to each question that you ask. This will begin after he/she has taken a seat in a

chair front of the class. Have your child come up and take a seat in a chair in front of the class. Next, ask your

seated child a simple question such as, "Why didn't you get your homework done for today?" As she answers

with a lie, such as the dog ate my homework, wrap a long string of yarn around her once. Then ask a follow-up

question based on her reply, such as "How did the dog get your homework?” As she makes up another

answer, wrap the yarn around her again. Continue to ask follow-up questions until she is entangled in a web of

yarn. After the class has observed the situation, explain that you asked this person to make up answers to all

your questions (to lie).

Discuss the following with the class:

1. Ask them if they can see what telling lies can do to someone. Emphasize how one lie usually leads to

another and how quickly we can become trapped and embarrassed by lies.

2. Ask them what will be experienced by the person who always tells the truth (not having to remember

what your last lie was or how to cover it up, peace of mind, and feeling good about oneself.)

3. Ask the students to tell about a time when they were caught in a lie and had to tell another lie in order

to cover it up.

4. Ask why it is important for us to always tell the truth (trust, respect, because it's the right thing to do.)

Discussion Questions:

1. The cashier only charges you for two candy bars when you really bought three.

2. You find a $10 bill in the hallway at school or in the sofa seat cushion at home.

3. A friend asks if he can copy your answers during a test.

4. You promised your mom or dad you would clean your room, but you watched TV instead.

5. You borrowed your friend's skateboard and lost it.

6. At the store, you see one of your friends put something in her pocket without paying for it.

7. You think no one will notice if you take two cookies from the tray when the sign says "One cookie per

person."

8. The rule states that you must be 8 years old to play. Who will know that you're only 7 years old?

Video Link: Kenny the Shark – Watching Karl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStIruJyYxc

Description: Kenny is constantly stealing food from the neighbors, and Kat makes him promise not to eat any

food that isn't his.

Books:

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire, Gordon Korman; ISBN: 978-0152009885; Honesty; grades 3-5

Zoe, an imaginative third grader who likes to make up stories, thinks that she has to make things up to be

interesting. When something exciting really does happen to her - like an eagle nesting in her backyard - no one

wants to believe her. A good friend and an eagle convince her that she does not have to lie to be special.

Summer Wheels, Eve Bunting; ISBN: 9780152009885; Honesty; grades 3-5

This is a story about a Bicycle Man who lets neighborhood kids sign out a bike for free each day as long as they

bring them back by 4:00. They are also responsible for fixing anything that breaks. The two main boys,

Lawrence and Brady, love riding the bikes and are careful to follow the rules. One day a new kid shows up,

writes down a fake name, and does not return the bike. Lawrence is very upset and decides to hunt the kid down

for fear of not being able to ride bikes anymore. The Bicycle Man teaches all three of the boys a lesson about

honesty and freedom.

Extension Activity:

Read one of the books listed and discuss who made the characters not trustworthy or honest. Discuss what

made them that way and how they could have made better choices.

Counseling Lesson Plan 5 for Caring

School Counselor(s): Ms. Bridgette, Mrs. Carla, Mrs. Zilah

Date: July 1, 2015

Activity: Anxiety

Character Trait Focus: Caring for Self

Grade(s): K-5th

Learning Objective: Students will understand the importance of self-care and how to reduce anxiety.

Materials:

1. 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by GoZen video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxbdx-SeOOo

2. Yoga For Kids Complete Fitness - The Various Asanas For Kids Complete Fitness video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2YQgUc5uQM

3. Handout for parents and students with the links to the 2 videos listed above in order to allow the parents and

students to continue the breathing and exercise techniques at home.

Procedure:

1. Students will practice yoga techniques such as Pranayama breathing which helps focus on the breath being

taken and lets the mind rest and let go of negative thoughts. Deep breathing increases oxygen levels in the blood

supply, which helps remove toxins from the body. Meditation can accompany the Pranayama breathing

techniques. The ability to clear one’s mind of all thoughts is a skill that takes time. Meditation starts by simply

taking the time to focus on your breath. Meditation gives your mind a chance to slow down and teaches your

body to relax. In addition, with a regular meditation practice, you will begin to notice patterns in your thinking.

The things that trigger anxiety, panic, and fear will become apparent to the member. Once this happens, they

can learn to change the patterns by recognizing the triggers.

The teacher will share the YouTube video: 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by GoZen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxbdx-SeOOo

2. The will now learn about and practice asanas poses. Physically, asanas help release the

tension that anxiety creates, allowing the body to feel recharged and healthier. Asanas also

teaches the member to be patient and let go of things. Just like finding your balance and mastering a pose,

acceptance takes time and patience.

The teacher will share the YouTube video: Yoga For Kids Complete Fitness - The Various Asanas For Kids

Complete Fitness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2YQgUc5uQM skip to 2 minutes: 39 seconds into the video to begin

activity

Video Links:

1. Students will watch a video from YouTube on how to take deep breathes to reduce anxiety and using these

breathing techniques to begin meditation.

4-7-8 Breathing Exercise by GoZen video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxbdx-SeOOo

2. Students will also learn asana yoga poses to help reduce anxiety using the YouTube instructional video as a

guide to practicing the yoga poses.

Yoga For Kids Complete Fitness - The Various Asanas For Kids Complete Fitness video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2YQgUc5uQM

Take Away Activity:

Handout for parents and students with the links to the 2 videos listed above in order to allow the parents and

students to continue the breathing and exercise techniques at home.

Extension Activity:

Students are encouraged to incorporate these yoga techniques on a weekly basis especially when dealing with

anxiety.

Counseling Lesson Plan 6 for Respect

School Counselor(s): Ms. Bridgette, Mrs. Carla, Mrs. Zilah

Date: July 1, 2015

Activity: Personal Space

Character Trait Focus: Respect

Grade(s): K-5th

Learning Objective: Students will understand the importance of how important personal space is to their own

development and growth.

Materials:

1. Personal Space Social Skill video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi-ElhQQwkU

2. “My Bubble” Activity Sheet courtesy of plantlovegrow.com

http://www.plantlovegrow.com/uploads/3/2/0/2/3202858/bubble1.pdf

3. Bubble bottle for each student

Procedure: The teacher will use the idea of a bubble as a way to discuss and understand personal space and

boundaries. It is important for children to understand how important personal space is to their own development

and growth. Personal space helps protects individuals from the energy we automatically pick up from each other

and allows us to deal with our own emotions without being overwhelmed by outside information. Since

boundaries and personal space can be challenging concepts for many especially younger children, use the

bubble as a visual to explain.

Activities:

1. Discuss what boundaries and personal space are. What is the appropriate amount of space? What is

acceptable and what is not?

2. Watch the Personal Space Social Skill video and discuss.

3. Each student will have a bottle of bubbles. The class will make bubbles together and observe and discuss the

physical aspects of the bubbles. Discuss how small and fragile they are and what and object inside might feel

like. Protected and safe? Even though the bubble is invisible it is always there and should be respected.

4. Students will complete and discuss the “My Bubble” activity sheet.

5. As an extension activity, students will be encouraged to create a 30 second video discussing personal space

and what they have learned about the importance of respecting each other’s bubbles.

Anticipation Handout:

Courtesy of plantlovegrow.com students will receive the “My Bubble” Activity Sheet that discusses:

What it feels like in my bubble

What I say when I feel someone is not respecting my space

How I respect my bubble space

How I respect other’s bubbles

What I like about my bubble

Why we all need our bubbles

http://www.plantlovegrow.com/uploads/3/2/0/2/3202858/bubble1.pdf

Video Link: Students will watch a video from YouTube titled: Personal Space Social Skill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi-ElhQQwkU

Take Away:

Students can take the bubble home and share what they learned with their loved ones and friends.

Extension Activity:

Students will be encouraged to record a brief 30 second video discussing the importance of personal space.