Which strategy would likely be most effective for a school counselor planning a lesson to help students transition from middle school to high school?

The most effective strategy for helping students transition from middle school to high school would be to relate the content of the lesson to students' prior experiences with change. This approach acknowledges that students have already faced various transitions in their lives, such as moving from elementary to middle school or adapting to new social dynamics. By connecting the lesson to these past experiences, the counselor can validate students' feelings, reduce anxiety about the upcoming change, and enhance their resilience.

Understanding and contextualizing their feelings about change can empower students to draw on their previous coping strategies, as they likely have already developed some skills in adapting to new situations. This strategy also fosters a greater sense of belonging and support as students realize that they are not alone in facing transition-related challenges.

While the other strategies, such as providing technical skills or using role-play, can also support the transition process, they may be less impactful if they don't first connect to students' emotional experiences. Encouraging students to seek help from older peers can be beneficial, but it is often more effective after establishing a solid understanding of their own feelings and experiences regarding change.