Start the Year Right: Exciting Meet the Counselor Activities for Kids
Hey there, counselor friend!
There’s something exciting about that back-to-school buzz: fresh welcome bulletin boards, new faces eager to make friends, and a whole lot of opportunities to build meaningful connections with your students from day one. Starting the year with meet the counselor activities is such a powerful way for you to begin making an impact! It’s more than an introduction; it’s a chance to advocate for your role, build trust, and show students that your office is a safe space before they ever need it.
Hi, I’m Rachel Davis! I’m a former school counselor with over 8 years of experience in the classroom. I specialize in creating easy-to-implement strategies for busy school counselors, and I am the counselor and curriculum designer behind Bright Futures Counseling, a community designed to offer counselors the support they need to feel confident serving their students well.
Not sure where to start? I've got you covered! Let’s walk through some low-prep and easy-to-implement meet the counselor activities that will keep your students engaged and that you’ll feel good delivering.
Why Meet the Counselor Lessons Matter (Even If You’ve Been There for Years)
Whether you're a brand new school counselor (congratulations, by the way, this is such a huge accomplishment), new to your school, or the seasoned pro who knows every kid by name…
An intentional “hello” sets the tone for the whole year. Your meet the counselor lesson isn’t just a fun icebreaker or time filler for those first few weeks, it’s your chance to:
1. Explain what a school counselor does (and doesn’t do)
2. Let students know how they can access your support
3. Create familiarity so your first interaction isn’t during a meltdown
4. Build rapport with the classroom teachers so they know you are a valuable asset
Even returning students will benefit from a little refresher, and they will be so excited to see your familiar face!
3 Engaging Meet the Counselor Activities for the New School Year
Trust me when I say I completely understand how overwhelming the beginning of the school year can be! You’re likely setting up your office space, organizing your systems, and trying to tackle that daunting schedule.
These introductory lessons are not meant to be one more thing on your never-ending to-do list; instead, they are built to be low-prep, flexible, and fun for students of all ages.
1. Meet the Counselor Game Show
Oftentimes, students may have never heard of a school counselor and can be confused about the role a school counselor plays. I love using this Meet the School Counselor Game Show as my first class lesson of the school year! It is an engaging and interactive way to introduce yourself and explain what you do.
One of the best parts? This Meet the Counselor Game Show is a total crowd-pleaser, and there is absolutely no prep required if you grab a digital version (which students absolutely love)!
I suggest splitting your class into teams and playing a Jeopardy-style game filled with true/false questions or fun facts about your role. You can customize questions to address common myths (no, you’re not here to give detention), highlight your services, and get everyone laughing while they learn.
This game is perfect for:
- Grades 2 and up
- Digital-loving counselors who want an easy setup
- Advocating for your role in a playful way
2. Mission: Meet the Counselor (Escape Room Style)
Looking for an interactive class lesson? This Mission: Meet the Counselor escape room activity allows students work together to “unlock” facts about your role by completing challenges and solving puzzles. Each mission gives them a deeper understanding of what you do and how you help. It’s an interactive way to get your students learning and excited about your role, and can be done in a 30 minute session!
This activity is ideal for:
- Upper elementary and middle school students
- Classrooms that love teamwork and movement
- Counselors who enjoy creative flair and student engagement
3. Visual Intro for K–1st Grade (Mr. Potato Head Style)
Our youngest learners need visuals and simplicity. I love using props like Mr. Potato Head or photo booth signs with eyes, ears, hands, and a heart to demonstrate the core parts of our job.
Eyes — “I see what makes you special.”
Ears — “I listen when you need to talk.”
Heart — “I care about how you feel.”
Hands — “I help you solve problems.”
This is perfect for:
- Kindergarten and 1st grade
- Short attention spans and visual learners
- Building safety and comfort from day one
Bonus points if you let them “build” the counselor by adding each prop as you explain it!
Advocate While You Educate
These beginning-of-the-year lessons aren’t just about introducing yourself; they are a golden opportunity to advocate for your role. When students, staff, and parents understand the full scope of what you do, they’re more likely to use your services, refer students who need support, and fight for your position if budget talks ever arise.
Use this as your permission to go ahead and show off the magic of school counseling!
More Ways to Extend Your Impact
These simple meet the counselor activities are a great way to introduce yourself; however, your impact doesn’t have to stop there.
Here are a few additional ways you can highlight your role at the beginning of the year:
- Create a meet the counselor brochure or Google slides for families
- Set up a booth at open house or back to school night
- Drop your info in a school newsletter or website
- Add yourself to a campus scavenger hunt for new students
And don’t forget to explain how students can actually access your help:
- Where is your office located
- How to request a visit (bonus: use a student screener form!)
- When you’re available, especially if you split campuses or travel
Ready to Start the Year Strong?
Whether you love digital lessons, interactive games, or hands-on visuals, there’s a meet the counselor activity that can fit your style and leave a lasting impression on your students.
Feeling inspired but short on time? Grab one of my ready-to-use meet the counselor lessons here or join IMPACT to access every lesson, activity, and resource I’ve created, all in one place.
Join IMPACT: Your All-in-One Counseling Support System
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Inside IMPACT, you get access to hundreds of school counseling resources, monthly PD opportunities with PD certificates, newsletters, and the community you need to help you make the biggest impact at your school yet!
You’ve got this, counselor. I’m cheering you on from day one!