Transform unmotivated students into engaged learners with this comprehensive 12-session small group counseling curriculum. This ready-to-use group addresses the root causes of low motivation through research-proven strategies targeting the skills that build autonomy, belonging, and competence. Perfect for school counselors in upper elementary and middle school.

What’s Included?

12 Small Group Counseling Sessions

12 detailed sessions with a scripted counselor guide and structured session format (check-in, warm-up, scaffolded activities, exit tickets, cool down) plus recap notes for teachers and parents.

Each session is approximately 30 minutes in length. There are suggestions for ways to shorten and extend each session.

1. First Session Welcome
2. Psychoeducation about Motivation
3. Goal Setting
4. Understanding Your Strengths
5. Problem Solving
6. Belonging
7. Self Advocacy
8. Mindset
9. Strategy Use
10. Purpose
11. Reflection
12. Termination

Counseling Map (PDF/Editable)

Planning document with a sample sequence and details for each session. Use in coordination with the skills checklists to plan a responsive counseling intervention.

Skills Checklists (PDF/Editable)

User-friendly skills checklists covering eight core domains that influence a student’s motivation. Use these checklists to determine which skills to target during the group or individual counseling.

Counselor Guide to Student Motivation

Quick guide to help you understand this research-based approach to improving student motivation through skill-building and mindset shifts.

Consent Form (PDF/Editable)

Editable form describing the group and requesting consent for the student to participate.

Pre/Post Surveys (PDF/editable)

Teacher, parent, and student surveys focused on skills that influence motivation.

PLUS exit tickets and skills checklists for comprehensive assessment.

Counselor Passes (PDF/Editable)

Simple passes that can be given to students before group sessions each week.

Parent & Teacher Communication: Recap Session Notes (PDF/Editable)

Each session includes a completed session recap note that can be sent to teachers and parents. There is an editable blank note so you can write your own.