Unit Plan 18 (Grade K Counselor): Safe Choices at School
Review Kindergarten safe and responsible choices with school setting picture sorts, trusted adults, help-seeking, and safe/unsafe practice.
Focus: Review safe and responsible choices in common school settings such as the classroom, hallway, playground, cafeteria, and bathroom. The counselor uses picture cards and asks students to identify whether each choice is safe or unsafe. Students practice naming what they should do and which adult can help if they notice something unsafe.
Grade Level: K
Subject Area: School Counseling (Safety • Responsible Choices • Trusted Adults)
Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This Kindergarten counseling lesson helps students recognize safe and responsible choices in everyday school settings. Students review what safe choices look like in the classroom, hallway, playground, cafeteria, bathroom, and other shared spaces. They learn that safe choices help everyone learn, play, move, and participate without hurting themselves or others.
The counselor uses picture cards, puppet examples, sorting mats, and familiar school scenarios to help students decide whether a choice is safe or unsafe. Students practice naming what they should do instead and identifying trusted adults who can help when something feels unsafe. The goal is for students to understand that safety is part of being responsible, respectful, and ready for school.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to make a safe choice at school?
- What safe choices can students make in the classroom, hallway, playground, cafeteria, and bathroom?
- How can students tell if something is unsafe?
- Who are trusted adults students can ask for help?
- How do listening and following directions help keep everyone safe?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify safe and unsafe choices in common school settings.
- Name safe and responsible choices for the classroom, hallway, playground, cafeteria, and bathroom.
- Explain that safe choices help protect bodies, feelings, learning, and shared spaces.
- Identify trusted adults at school who can help when something feels unsafe.
- Practice help-seeking phrases such as “I need help,” “Something feels unsafe,” or “Can you help me?”
- Demonstrate school-ready behaviors such as listening, watching, following directions, and participating during a guidance activity.
- (Optional Session) Apply safe-choice thinking through picture sorting, puppet practice, trusted adult matching, two-step directions, school-space scenarios, or a safe-choice reflection page.
Standards Alignment — Grade K (ASCA-based Custom)
- C:S6.Kc — Make Safe and Responsible Choices
- Recognize safe, respectful choices in common school situations.
- Example: A student chooses walking feet in the hallway or tells an adult about an unsafe situation.
- C:S6.Ka — Identify Trusted Adults
- Name trusted adults at school and understand when to go to them for help.
- Example: A student identifies the teacher, counselor, nurse, or principal as someone who can help.
- C:S5.Ka — Practice Listening and Following Directions
- Demonstrate school-ready behaviors such as listening, watching, following directions, and participating.
- Example: A student follows a two-step direction during a classroom guidance activity.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name safe choices at school.
- I can tell if a choice is safe or unsafe.
- I can use walking feet in the hallway.
- I can keep my hands and feet safe.
- I can listen and follow directions.
- I can name a trusted adult.
- I can tell an adult if something feels unsafe.