Unit Plan 23 (Grade K Counselor): Solving Friend Problems with Words

Focus: Help students use words to solve common peer problems. The counselor presents situations such as two students wanting the same toy, someone cutting in line, or a friend saying something hurtful. Students practice simple scripts like “Please stop,” “I don’t like that,” “Can we take turns?” and “Let’s ask for help.”

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: School Counseling (Friendship Problems • Problem-Solving Words • Respectful Choices)

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

I. Introduction

This Kindergarten counseling lesson helps students understand that many friend problems can be solved with safe words, calm bodies, and adult help when needed. Students learn that small problems such as wanting the same toy, disagreeing about a game, cutting in line, or hearing hurtful words can feel upsetting, but students can practice using respectful words instead of grabbing, pushing, yelling, or walking away without solving the problem.

The counselor uses puppets, picture cards, role-play scripts, and simple problem-solving steps to help students name the problem and choose words that are safe, kind, and helpful. Students practice phrases such as “Please stop,” “I don’t like that,” “Can we take turns?” and “Let’s ask for help.” The goal is for students to begin using words and trusted adult support to solve peer problems respectfully.

Essential Questions

• What are common friend problems at school?
• How can students name a small problem?
• What words can students use when something feels unfair, hurtful, or frustrating?
• How can students stop, think, and choose a safe solution?
• When should students ask an adult for help with a friend problem?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify common small peer problems, such as wanting the same toy, not getting a turn, cutting in line, or disagreeing with a friend.
2. Practice simple problem-solving steps: stop, name the problem, think of choices, and try a safe solution.
3. Use respectful words to solve peer problems, such as “Please stop,” “I don’t like that,” “Can we take turns?” or “Can I have a turn when you are done?”
4. Recognize when adult help is needed to solve a problem safely.
5. Choose words, adult help, or agreed classroom strategies instead of hurting others or grabbing materials.
6. Sort problem-solving choices into safe/respectful and unsafe/not helpful examples.
7. (Optional Session) Apply friend problem-solving skills through puppet practice, picture sorting, role-play scripts, solution matching, or a reflection page.

Standards Alignment — Grade K (ASCA-based Custom)

• C:S4.Ka — Identify Small Problems
  • Recognize common small problems at school, such as not getting a turn, losing a toy, or disagreeing with a friend.
  • Example: A student says, “We both wanted the same crayon,” during a problem-solving discussion.
• C:S4.Kb — Use Simple Problem-Solving Steps
  • Practice simple steps such as stop, name the problem, think of choices, and try a safe solution.
  • Example: A student practices saying, “Can I have a turn when you are done?”
• C:S4.Kc — Solve Peer Problems Respectfully
  • Use words, adult help, or agreed classroom strategies to solve conflicts without hurting others.
  • Example: A student chooses to ask a teacher for help instead of grabbing a toy back.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name a friend problem.
• I can stop before I react.
• I can think of safe choices.
• I can use words to solve a problem.
• I can say, “Please stop.”
• I can say, “Can we take turns?”
• I can ask an adult for help if I need it.