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For Helpers & Caregivers

Session Starters by Age

52 ten-minute session openers, sorted by age: little ones 3-6, kids 7-11, teens 12-17 and adults 18+.

$8.00
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  • PDF · 24 pages
  • US Letter
Also part of the Helper's Toolkit Bundle, together with What to Say Cards, Strengths-Based Words, Talk Without Talking, Sensory-Friendly Session Kit, Social Skills Group in 8 Weeks, Classroom Calm Plan, Clues, Not Labels, School Meeting Binder, Leave-Behind Handouts, New Helper's First Year, Running on Empty, and Helper's Heart Deck, for $35.00.

What it is

The first ten minutes of a session set the tone for the rest. These cards give you a ready opener for any age you see this week: one that helps the person arrive, shows you how today is going, and leads straight into the work you planned. Nothing to print ahead, nothing to set up.

What's included

  • 52 opener cards, 3 x 5 in (fits any index-card box), four per page with crop marks
  • 4 blank cards, one in each age color, for your own go-to openers
  • Card backs and a ready-to-print double-sided file (flip on long edge)
  • Two-page quick-find chart: every card by age set, style, what it needs, and whether it works on video
  • How to use the deck, with ready-made picks for a video session, someone who arrives wound up, someone who arrives quiet, and after a hard week
  • A helper guide: choice first, answering too, passing is okay, and what to do if something big comes up
  • "How do you want to start today?" choice page the person can point to
  • Opener log (first name or initials only) to track what helps each person arrive
  • Fold-up tuck box that holds the whole deck

Great for

Social workers, case managers and family support workersCounselors, therapists and skills workersMentors, youth workers and group leadersAnyone who starts a session with someone every week

Printing tips

Cards print at 3 x 5 in when you choose Actual size (100%). This is a digital file, so nothing will be shipped.

Terms of use

For personal, classroom, and counseling-room use. Please don't share or resell the file.

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