Unit Plan 35 (Grade 2 Counselor): Look How I Have Grown

Focus: Invite students to reflect on growth in feelings, coping, friendship, problem-solving, safety, and learning habits. Students complete a “then and now” drawing or reflection page showing something they can do better than at the beginning of the year. The counselor helps students celebrate progress while recognizing that everyone is still growing.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: School Counseling (Self-Reflection • Growth Mindset • Goal Setting)

Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This Grade 2 counseling lesson helps students look back on the school year and notice how much they have grown. Students reflect on skills they have practiced in counseling, including naming feelings, noticing body clues, choosing coping tools, showing empathy, solving friend problems, respecting boundaries, asking for help, making safe choices, and using responsible learning habits.

The counselor emphasizes that growth does not mean students are finished learning. Growth means they can notice what is easier now, name what helped them improve, and choose one skill they want to keep practicing. Students complete a “then and now” drawing, reflection page, or growth map to celebrate progress and set a simple next step.

Essential Questions

• How have students grown in feelings, coping, friendship, safety, problem-solving, or learning habits?
• What is something students can do better now than at the beginning of the year?
• How do strengths and growth areas help students understand themselves?
• How does perseverance help students keep improving?
• What is one goal or action step students can carry forward?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify a feeling, need, or personal experience connected to their growth this year.
2. Name one strength, interest, or skill they have improved.
3. Identify one area where they are still growing.
4. Explain how effort, practice, helpful self-talk, support, or coping tools helped them improve.
5. Choose one simple goal related to learning, behavior, friendship, coping, safety, or responsibility.
6. Name one action step they can use to continue growing.
7. (Optional Session) Apply reflection and goal-setting skills through a growth map, class celebration circle, or “then and now” share.

Standards Alignment — Grade 2 (ASCA-based Custom)

• C:S1.2a — Identify Feelings, Needs, and Personal Experiences
  • Name feelings, describe simple needs, and connect emotions to school, home, friendship, or learning experiences.
  • Example: A student says, “I feel disappointed because my friend picked a different partner.”
• C:S1.2b — Recognize Strengths, Interests, and Areas for Growth
  • Identify personal strengths, interests, and skills they are working to improve.
  • Example: A student says, “I am good at helping others, and I am working on staying calm when I lose a game.”
• C:S5.2b — Use Perseverance and Growth Mindset
  • Keep trying when learning is difficult and use helpful self-talk, practice, or support.
  • Example: A student says, “This is hard, but I can try a different strategy.”
• C:S5.2c — Set and Work Toward a Simple Goal
  • Choose a realistic goal related to learning, behavior, friendship, coping, or responsibility and name one action step.
  • Example: A student says, “My goal is to use kind words when I feel frustrated. I will practice saying, ‘Can we take turns?’”

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name one way I have grown this year.
• I can name one strength or skill I use well.
• I can name one skill I am still practicing.
• I can explain how practice or support helped me improve.
• I can choose one goal and one action step for continued growth.