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Counseling & TherapyGroup Counseling Techniques
Social Skills Groups

Social Skills Groups

Discover a curated collection of free resources focused on group counseling techniques for social skills development. Ideal for educators, students, and parents, this page offers activities, step-by-step guides, and practical lessons designed to enhance communication, empathy, and collaboration. Engage with real-world scenarios and hands-on strategies to build stronger interpersonal connections in any group setting.

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Community Resources

Community Resources

Social Skills Group Adventure

This group counseling session focuses on enhancing social skills through engaging activities and a video component. The session is designed to help students develop confidence in social interactions, improve communication skills, and understand the importance of active listening. By using Game-Based Learning strategies, the session aims to make learning social skills fun and interactive, encouraging students to apply these skills in real-life situations.

Tier 2
2/25

Iana Aguilera

E

CA Instructor

Social Skills Group Counseling Series

A series of six lessons designed for 6th-8th graders to enhance social skills in a group counseling setting. Each lesson focuses on different aspects of social interaction, including communication, empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, friendship building, and self-awareness, with a duration of 30 minutes per session.

Tier 2
2/25
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Britton Smith

q

TX Counselor

Chill Out: Mastering Cool-Down Strategies

This lesson is designed for 8th grade boys to learn and practice effective coping strategies to manage stress and emotions. By mastering these cool-down techniques, students will be better equipped to handle challenging situations both in and out of school. The lesson will be conducted in one 45-minute session, focusing on group activities and discussions to engage students and reinforce learning.

Tier 2
3/17

Kristen Williams

E

CA Psychologist

Cool Down, Calm Down

This lesson focuses on teaching 8th graders effective conflict resolution strategies when they are feeling angry. It's crucial for students to learn how to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully, especially during adolescence when emotions can run high. This individual-focused session will provide personalized strategies to help students navigate conflicts constructively. The session will last for 30 minutes.

Tier 3
4/7

Emily McClure

Counselor

Finding Your Calm

In this 45-minute Tier 2 group session, new 9th grade students explore and practice coping skills to manage severe anxiety. This lesson empowers them with practical strategies and peer support to build emotional resilience in their new school environment.

Tier 2
5/7

QA Queen

h

NY Instructor

Cool Down Corner

This lesson focuses on teaching 3rd to 5th graders strategies for managing anger in healthy and constructive ways. Through active learning strategies including group activities and discussions, students will gain practical tools to control their emotions and communicate effectively.

Tier 1
2/25
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Heidi Kiacz

V

MI Counselor

Calm Down Countdown

A small group session designed to teach students a simple countdown technique for calming down when emotions run high. Students will practice using this method in various scenarios, helping them develop emotional regulation skills essential for social and academic success. Designed for 1st-grade students, the session lasts 30 minutes and is classified under Tier 2: Group support.

Tier 2
3/3
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Shaina Thomas

a

NC Counselor

Chill Out: Mastering the Art of Emotional Regulation

This lesson is designed for 10th grade students to practice regulating emotions and learn strategies for deescalating panic attacks. In just 20 minutes, students will gain valuable skills to manage stress and anxiety, which are crucial for their mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
4/1
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Molly Mulhern

h

NY Instructor

Solving Social Puzzles: Mastering Interpersonal Solutions

In this engaging 30-minute session designed for a small group of 8th graders, students will practice identifying and generating solutions for interpersonal issues, focusing on why certain solutions are effective. This lesson is crucial for students who struggle with managing social stress, especially around disagreements. With a focus on visual aids and reading comprehension, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and meet IEP goals by proposing solutions in challenging situations.

Tier 2
3/31
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Molly Mulhern

h

NY Instructor

Cool Down Techniques

This lesson introduces middle schoolers to techniques for managing anger, such as deep breathing, visualization, counting, journaling, listening to music, physical activity, and art expression. Students will engage in activities to practice these techniques in real scenarios, helping them develop emotional regulation skills crucial for their social and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25
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Kayle Jordan

a

NC Counselor

Chill Out: Mastering the Art of Emotional Regulation

This lesson is designed for 9th grade students to practice regulating emotions and learn strategies for deescalating panic attacks. In just 20 minutes, students will gain valuable skills to manage stress and anxiety, which are crucial for their mental well-being and academic success.

Tier 1
3/31
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Bryce Bjork

h

NY Instructor

Calm Down Techniques

In this small group session, students will learn and practice various techniques to calm down when feeling overwhelmed, helping them build self-regulation skills. These strategies are essential for managing in-class disruptions and personal stress.

Tier 2
4/4

michelle

S

MA Parent

Solving Social Puzzles: Mastering Interpersonal Solutions

In this engaging 45-minute session for a small group of 8th graders, students will practice identifying and generating solutions for interpersonal issues. This lesson is crucial as it empowers students to navigate social challenges effectively, enhancing their problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. The session will include visual aids and a reading passage tailored to a 5th-grade level to support comprehension and engagement.

Tier 2
3/31
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Molly Mulhern

h

NY Instructor

Catch Your Calm

In this 30-minute session, 7th graders will learn practical coping skills to manage stress and emotions. Students will explore and practice techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and creative outlets to build a personal coping toolbox.

Tier 1
5/7

QA Individual

h

NY Counselor

Chill Out: Finding Calm

This lesson is designed to teach 2nd graders effective strategies for calming down when they feel upset or overwhelmed. It's important because it equips young students with emotional regulation skills that are crucial for their social-emotional development. The lesson will be conducted in one 30-minute session and is suitable for a Tier 1 classroom setting.

Tier 1
3/27

Mo Test

h

NY Counselor

Finding Calm in Chaos

This lesson is designed for a visually impaired student experiencing low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Over four 20-minute sessions, the student will learn and apply positive coping skills such as 'stop and think' strategies, 'I statements', anxiety coping skills, and grounding techniques. This lesson aims to empower the student to manage overwhelming scenarios and build resilience.

Tier 3
4/14

Sara Andrea Mendoza

E

CA Psychologist

Cool Down: Anger Management for 2nd Graders

This lesson aims to help 2nd-grade students manage their anger effectively. Students will learn to identify their feelings and use strategies to calm down through collaborative and game-based activities. This is crucial in developing their social-emotional skills and fostering a positive classroom environment.

Tier 1
2/25

Gabriela Gonzalez

q

TX Counselor

Coping Skills Carnival

In this engaging 45-minute session for 4th graders, students will rotate through various stations to learn and practice different coping skills. This lesson is crucial for helping students manage stress and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.

Tier 1
4/16
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Mayra Mendoza Saenz

q

TX Counselor

Mind Games: Unmasking Thoughts

In this engaging lesson, high school students in a therapeutic classroom will explore various cognitive distortions and learn techniques to challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts. This lesson is crucial for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering students to make informed choices about their moods and behaviors. The session will last 35 minutes and is designed as a Tier 2 group lesson.

Tier 2
4/2
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Kimberly MacDonald

S

MA Counselor, Social Worker

Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson aims to help 7th graders develop coping skills for managing anxiety through an interactive and supportive approach. Given the significant impact of anxiety on students' well-being and academic performance, this lesson is crucial for helping them navigate their emotions in a healthy way.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ting Gao

h

NY Behavior Interventionist

Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson aims to help 7th graders develop coping skills for managing anxiety through an interactive and supportive approach. Given the significant impact of anxiety on students' well-being and academic performance, this lesson is crucial for helping them navigate their emotions in a healthy way.

Tier 1
2/25
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Bryce Bjork

h

NY Instructor

Counselor Meet and Greet Bingo

This lesson involves an interactive bingo game designed to help students learn interesting facts about their counselor while also sharing about themselves. This session fosters a friendly and approachable image of the counselor, helping students feel more comfortable seeking guidance and support. By engaging in this activity, students will develop communication skills and build a sense of community within the classroom.

Tier 1
2/25
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Robert Conceison

S

MA Counselor

Quick Calm: 20-Minute Anger Discussion

This brief, one-on-one lesson is designed to help a middle school student quickly identify and discuss their anger triggers and responses. Through focused discussion and reflection, the student will gain insights into their emotional patterns and explore immediate strategies for managing anger. This lesson is important as it provides a quick yet effective opportunity for self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Tier 3
3/28
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Tyshonne McSwain

a

NC Social Worker

Calm Down, Power Up!

This series of 10 counseling sessions for 1st-grade students focuses on implementing self-regulation strategies to manage frustration and negative emotions. Each session builds on the previous one, reinforcing emotional intelligence and social skills, helping students navigate their feelings and interactions more effectively. Designed for a Tier 1 classroom setting, each session lasts 30 minutes.

Tier 1
4/6

Kimberly Clark

E

CA Psychologist

Conquering Social Anxiety

This 5-session lesson plan for 7th graders focuses on understanding and managing social anxiety. Through group activities, discussions, and reflections, students will learn strategies to cope with social anxiety, fostering a supportive environment. Each session lasts 30 minutes, providing targeted support to help students build confidence and improve their social interactions.

Tier 2
4/16
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christiansena

S

MA Counselor

Can We Solve It Together?

Students engage in group problem-solving activities, learning to communicate effectively and work cooperatively to reach a solution, essential for social cohesion. This lesson is designed for a 3rd grade group and focuses on developing social awareness and teamwork skills through interactive challenges. The session is 45 minutes long and is classified as Tier 2: Group support to help students enhance their collaborative abilities.

Tier 2
2/27
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Jill Chisholm

S

MA Social Worker

Chill Skills

This small group session introduces students to a variety of anger management strategies, helping them develop a personalized plan. Perfect for those needing extra support.

Tier 2
3/4
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Brittney Bullard

a

NC Social Worker

Grief Counseling Simulation

This lesson involves a simulation-based activity where students role-play as grief counselors and clients. Through this exercise, students will learn effective communication and empathy skills, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence. The lesson includes feedback sessions to help students reflect on their performance and improve their skills, making it a valuable experience for personal and professional development.

Tier 1
2/25
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Stephanie Cordero

q

TX Counselor

Coping Skills Workshop

This lesson focuses on helping 7th-grade students develop emotional regulation skills through identifying triggers and practicing coping strategies. It is designed to support students, including those with anxiety, in managing their emotions effectively. By engaging in discussions, activities, and watching a video, students will learn to identify their feelings, think about coping skills, and practice these skills in a supportive environment.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ting Gao

h

NY Behavior Interventionist

Chill Out: Mastering Calm

This lesson introduces third-grade students to effective calm down strategies, helping them manage emotions and stress. It's crucial for developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills, especially for students needing accommodations.

Tier 1
4/23
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Aubrey Ybarra

q

TX Special Education Teacher

Social Skills in Action

This lesson focuses on developing social skills through an experiential learning activity. Students will engage in a role-playing exercise to practice effective communication, empathy, and teamwork. This lesson is important as it helps students build essential interpersonal skills that are crucial for their personal and academic success.

Tier 1
2/25

Iana Aguilera

E

CA Instructor

Navigating Social Anxiety

This 8-session plan helps 10th-grade students understand social anxiety and explore effective coping strategies through personal reflection and self-guided activities. Each session focuses on different aspects of social anxiety, allowing students to develop personalized coping strategies and apply them in real-life situations. This approach promotes mental well-being and resilience by equipping students with the knowledge and tools to handle social situations more confidently.

Tier 1
2/25

Brytnee Peacock

E

CA Psychologist

Mastering Anger: Better Coping Techniques

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of anger and learn healthier ways to manage it through discussion and hands-on activities. This lesson is essential for helping students develop emotional intelligence and resilience, which can improve their interactions and overall well-being.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ting Gao

h

NY Behavior Interventionist

What If You're the Bully?

Help students who may be exhibiting bullying behavior reflect on their actions and find healthier ways to interact. This lesson is crucial for personal development and behavior change, targeting 6th-grade students in a 25-minute session. It focuses on self-awareness and developing empathy to foster positive behavior changes.

Tier 1
4/28
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Jenna Beebe

S

MA Counselor

Calm Down Corner

This lesson introduces the concept of a 'Calm Down Corner' in the classroom, a dedicated space where students can practice emotional regulation techniques to help them manage stress and anxiety. Students will watch a video on controlled breathing, practice the technique, engage in an art activity to create posters or emotion cards, and discuss when and how to use the Calm Down Corner.

Tier 1
2/25

Monesha Hornbeak

j

OK Math, Language Arts

Navigating Friendships and Social Dynamics

In this interactive lesson, students will explore strategies for building healthy relationships and coping with social anxiety or conflict. Through group discussions and role-playing, they will practice effective communication, conflict resolution, and how to handle bullying or exclusion. Additionally, the lesson will provide tips on cultivating self-confidence in social settings.

Tier 1
2/25
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Bryce Bjork

h

NY Instructor

Calm in a Storm

Help a small group of students find calmness in chaotic situations through mindfulness techniques. This lesson aims to provide tools for emotional regulation during stressful times, specifically designed for a 6th-grade group over a 10-session period. This lesson is important as it equips students with valuable skills for managing stress and emotions, promoting overall well-being.

Tier 2
3/25
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Kristen O'Brien

S

MA Counselor

Anger Thermometer Workshop

Introduce students to the concept of anger management techniques using the anger thermometer. Activities include watching a short video, creating personal anger thermometers, and practicing coping skills through role-play.

Tier 1
2/25
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Ting Gao

h

NY Behavior Interventionist

Calm Down, Power Up

This lesson focuses on strategies for individual students to calm down when overwhelmed, which is essential for personal emotional regulation. Designed for 6th-grade students, this 30-minute session will empower them with techniques to manage their emotions effectively, enhancing their ability to focus and learn.

Tier 3
3/28
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Katie Webster

Behavior Interventionist

What Would You Do?

Engage students in scenario-based discussions to practice emotional regulation in hypothetical challenging situations. This lesson is important as it helps students develop critical emotional regulation skills, which are essential for managing stress and making thoughtful decisions. Designed for 9th-grade students, this lesson is intended to be completed in a single 25-minute session and is classified as Tier 3: Individual support.

Tier 3
3/28
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Alissa Wright

Counselor

Calm and Confident

This lesson aims to introduce second graders to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help them manage anxiety. Through a combination of game-based learning, experiential activities, and discussion, students will learn to identify anxious thoughts and practice calming strategies. This lesson is important as it equips young students with tools to manage their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Tier 1
2/25

Stacie Browne-Gallagher

h

NY Counselor, Psychologist, General Education Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Social Worker, Behavior Interventionist, School Administrator

Mind Over Mood

This lesson introduces 6th graders to the basics of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework, focusing on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and resilience, helping students manage their emotions and reactions in everyday situations. The lesson is designed for a single 15-minute session and includes engaging activities and a game to reinforce learning.

Tier 1
5/7
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Thomas Nikiper

S

MA Counselor

Calm and Refocus

A quick, focused lesson to help a 4th-grade student calm down and for the class to regain focus. This plan uses experiential learning strategies to address emotional upheaval and promote self-regulation.

Tier 3
2/25
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Ting Gao

h

NY Behavior Interventionist