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School counseling activities for middle school

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  • a. Learn More: Counseling Today. I introduce commonly used lingo of middle school and let the kids write on "graffiti walls" about their thoughts about middle school. Ugly Sweater Positive Thinking Game from School Counseling is Magical. Read Time: 5 min | Counseling. 10. After everyone has rotated through all of the cards, the class comes back together to discuss each of the answers. As a part of that program, school counselors implement strategies and activities to help all students enhance their career development – the mindsets and behaviors students Here are some exciting, fresh ideas to inspire you with easy ways to celebrate National School Counseling Week. A sheet of paper is beautiful blank canvas. Four corners is a great movement-based way to do this. $21. Survey Small Group Counseling Needs and Identify Potential Group Members: The purpose of a needs assessment is to determine group topics that will benefit students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. Analyzing the role of the school counselor, Hoyt (1955) determined that school counselors typically spent more than 55% of their time in counseling and group activities with students. "Keep Your Cool" is an Anger Management Small Group Counseling Curriculum which is an ASCA-aligned counseling curriculum designed for middle school students aged 11-14. 1. Students really enjoy the ball throwing and catching aspect of the beach ball game, but can get wild at times. Feet – School Counselors use their feet to travel around campus, helping to solve problems. My Mouth is a Volcano Activity Book by: Julia Cook. Access Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) topics, holiday, and seasonal activities. - Middle School Readiness. With the help of Dr. Make little “people” for each student and put them in a circle on the board. Dec 5, 2016 · Holiday Faculty Activities from Carol Miller – The Middle School Counselor. As students grow, they learn more about themselves and their interests, which ultimately helps them identify their career path. 9. To start the lesson, I gave each student a copy of the Middle School Transition form I created for discussion. The engaging activities are a great and easy way to introduce and dive into the topic of kids self-control and impulse control. Distancing Idea: Have students write their names on sticky notes and put them on the whiteboard in a circle. 3. Gather the students in a circle and toss the beach ball to a random participant. Stress Busters Small-Group Sessions. However, the career development process is not limited to choosing a career. This allows counselors to establish long-lasting relationships with families throughout their students’ middle school education. 12. Mindful Melt Mindfulness Exercise from Counselor Keri. Add glitter and food coloring. I look for things that are fun---or at least feel quite different from "regular" school work---but that also teach skills or give me information about how a student is functioning. Peer support programs can enhance the Jun 10, 2021 · Self Regulation. Bucket Filler or Bucket Dipper Game: Cut Label and glue on bucket (or bag). Keri Powers, MA EdHD, MEd, NCC I am a mental health counselor turned school counselor, curriculum writer, and author helping educators and parents to spark social, emotional, and academic growth in kids all over the world! This school counseling blog will deliver fresh ideas to help you deliver your best school counseling STEP 1. Apr 10, 2023 · As we all know building self-esteem is an ongoing process, but with the right tools and resources, the School counsellor can help students feel confident and capable as they navigate the ups and downs of middle school. A fun-filled game plan to help boys of upper elementary and middle-school age build trust, respect, and peer connections, Building Champions covers the topics boys most want and need to become better friends, classmates, and citizens. us. k12. Holbrook@nv. She can be reached at barbara. The remaining 45% was spent working Mar 4, 2024 · Meet Counselor Keri. ). com Use these 3 worksheets activities to help students, grades 2-7, who are working on learning about their emotions, triggers for various emotions, and behavioral responses within your school based counseling session. Family transitions, including divorce and remarriage, are complex processes that impact children’s mental health, behavior, and academic outcomes. Jun 16, 2021 · Evaluating School Counseling Services. Sitsch + Diane S. There are 8 different activities, so I spread them out across 8 sessions. truluck@cobbk12. Explain the benefits of a school counseling program for For support, information and resources talk to a loveisrespect peer advocate, 24/7/365: Call 1-866-331-9474. Learn more: Edu Milestones. While completing a Where’s Waldo activity, it’s important to have a counseling plan in place. by Confident Counselors. Intervene and assist when crises or emergencies arise. Mar 12, 2015 · This lesson simply serves as a time to discuss all the feelings they have about transitioning from elementary to middle school. Hot-glue the cap onto the bottle. Divide the class into two teams. . Jun 14, 2017 · ASCA will hold office hours on June 14, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27 and July 1 and 2 for school counselors and others who need assistance in helping all students — including those who have contributors without a Social Security number and mixed-status families — complete the 2024 FAFSA. Chat at loveisrespect. High stakes state testing can generate a lot of anxiety for students and adults alike. Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Come up with a simple group name. Resolving conflicts between all actors in school life. National School Counseling Week is just around the corner, running from February 6-10th 2023 this year, so now is the time to start planning those celebratory activities. If you’re looking to incorporate more mindfulness exercises into your middle school counseling toolbox, start slowly and small! Give them space to explore how mindfulness can actually benefit them. The following timelines suggested for middle school counselors are intended to serve as a guide to assist in planning guidance, counseling, and advisement activities for the school year. Self regulation is a key skill for students (and adults). I then type all their thoughts into tagxedo and make cool art for the 5th grade hall. Works with: Groups, in-person, telehealth. Consulting with parents about their child. Let them know if you have a special Apr 8, 2015 · Lesson 1: You can see what I do for Lesson 1 here. (360) 966-7561 Ext. 11. This “Beach Ball” game is always a hit. School counseling programs promote school success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy and social/emotional development and college and career readiness. Beach Ball Questions. Bubble Breathing. It's easy for middle schoolers to get derailed by an argument, rescinded invitation, or ambiguous comment, but hard for them to connect the dots between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. EDUCATE- This is an excellent opportunity to educate all stakeholders about your role as a school counselor. Common Ground. Write a variety of icebreaker questions on different sections of a beach ball using a permanent marker. Before the last counseling session, preview what it will be like with the student. STEP 1. 2) Videos. Mar 14, 2019 · Test Anxiety: Activities and Ideas That Help. When you only say it verbally, many students will be surprised on the last day. The first two are for “in-person” counseling and the third game can be played on a laptop over Zoom for Teletherapy. Feb 3, 2024 · According to Counseling Today, Where’s Waldo is an age-appropriate group counseling activity. They may be looking for new career experiences and opportunities or even just advice on career decisions. To achieve maximum program effectiveness, ASCA recommends a student-to-school-counselor ratio of 250:1. Then, make a list of verbs with them. Mar 7, 2023 · 6. CBT Island Quest is a straightforward printable therapy game of discussion and prompts. Numerous hands-on and interactive experiences maintain group members’ interest and allow them to practice Middle school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self management and social skills. This bundle includes resources to help you all year! You'll get a combination of whole group lessons starting with introducing your role as the counselor all the way to helping students transition to the next grade plus everything in between! Dec 29, 2023 · As school counselors, we know the importance of taking a moment to recognize, celebrate, and advocate for our profession. Salaries typically start from $37,550 and go up to $98,190. Have them set SMART goals with your guidance. 14 Feb 1, 2022 · In 1961, President Kennedy said school children needed physical activity to thrive (JFK Library, as cited in New York Times, 2017) and in the past couple of decades we have learned more about the positive impact of movement on the brain and learning, yet children have become even more sedentary, probably because of their increasing use of technology. Jun 14, 2022 · 3. This bundle is a great way to address prevalent issues faced by middle schoolers using discussions, games, and various activities. Counseling Card Games. Helping students face personal problems. Jun 20, 2019 · Counseling Icebreakers: 10 Get to Know You Activities for Group Counseling. . We have compiled the ultimate list of self-esteem-building activities for middle schoolers. Game: The game that I use most with my students is The Talking, Feeling, and Doing Game. This group had six girls in it. Aug 2, 2021 · 1- Write Encouraging Messages With Chalk. Stress scale perception survey (pre-test) Discuss group norms. Help students make progress in the area of Social Emotional Learning. Browse resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. This game is so powerful at getting kids to open up when they have difficult things to talk about. Teacher/staff surveys to assess their perceptions of student needs 2. This FREE Social Emotional Learning Daily Check-In Journal Sample Pack is designed to not only teach your students SEL skills, but also helps you to check in on your students' social and emotional wellness. 8. This anger management small group counseling curriculum features engaging and interactive activities to help students manage anger, improve emotional regulation Virtual idea: Use Jamboard! Or a Google Slide. Keri Powers, MA EdHD, MEd, NCC I am a mental health counselor turned school counselor, curriculum writer, and author helping educators and parents to spark social, emotional, and academic growth in kids all over the world! This school counseling blog will deliver fresh ideas to help you deliver your best school counseling Nov 19, 2021 · Supporting the psychological, academic, and social development of students. 277 S Washington St Suite 390 Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 683-ASCA asca@schoolcounselor. Counselors are uniquely prepared to support students so they have the strategies to manage this anxiety and do the best they can. Dec 8, 2016 · WholeHearted School Counseling. What's Included: - Full Year Middle School Counselor Planner. Three kinds of surveys will help identify group topics: 1. School counselors work with all students, school staff, families and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. org. Coordinate and plan school-wide advisory goals and activities. This is a game where students travel around the room from card to card completing their answers for each card on an answer sheet. Of course if you already have a relationship with the student, you probably won’t need an ice breaker. Spread the word: A few months ago, I did a giveaway on Instagram for a “ Kindness is Always Cool ” t-shirt. It is an adaptation of an activity called ‘in the manner of the adverb. Middle School Small Group Counseling! These five resources include five, six-week, small group counseling lessons. This data helped me cater my transition activities to my students’ needs, feel more prepared to answer their questions, and gauge the Beach Ball for my “Beach Ball” Counseling Games. 00 $42. Assist students in thinking about and planning for life after high school. Goals: Learning or reviewing CBT concepts, practicing coping skills, building confidence. To play, the students just toss the ball to a peer and then the counselor (or school psych) reads the prompt or First Lunch Bunch Activity. Students can pick three adjectives that describe them as a group. A favorite outdoor activity for many kids is chalk! It’s so easy and gives them a chance to use their creativity. Great for morning meetings, journal writing, and school counseling interventions. If you have other creative ideas, I would love to hear them! School counseling discussion starters are a great way to begin group counseling activities. Imagine Yourself as a Superhero - The superpowers that kids wish they had can tell us a lot. Barbara Truluck is a school counselor at Palmer Middle School in Kennesaw, Ga. Goal Setting. Consulting with students, parents, teachers, and principals. As school counselors, we have a great opportunity to target these skills in the classroom, small groups, and in individual counseling. View Bundle. To better understand my students’ thoughts, feelings, questions, and worries about moving to middle school, my first step was to administer a pretest. Jan 31, 2016 · National School Counseling Week is upon us! What National School Counseling Week means and looks like is very different among school counselors nationwide. This can interfere with their functioning at school, but educators can use these eight counseling techniques to help kids navigate the highs and lows. The school counseling program provides education, prevention and intervention activities May 19, 2021 · Step 1: Administer the Middle School Transition Pretest. School Counselor. The suggested timelines are based on effective school counselor activities from across the state and national successful school counselor program Dec 12, 2019 · Then draw a triangle on top. While the latter is totally necessary, you may find it easier ASCA Position. This workbook helps students identify triggers, practice healthy calming strategies, and build vocabulary for expressing feelings in calm, “cool” ways. Maryann Holbrook. Tower to Empathy Game. Ask your students questions about respect, or ask them to finish sentences about respect, by going to one of four designated corners. They play an important role in promoting academic, social, and emotional development among students. The Empathy Board Game. Keep reading for ideas for self regulation counseling activities from 5 Confident Counselors. Being accepted by peers and fitting in is important for many middle school students. Ask them to complete the picture. For example, “I feel respected at school…”. Each girl puts one of her own safety pins and one of each of the other girls' pins, and puts them all on a string. In this activity, students are paired with one person and they have a given amount of time (3-5 minutes) to find at least 4 things they have in Jan 17, 2021 · The activities include things like sorting kid vs. Give each student their own dry erase marker. The other lessons and worksheet topics are for are specifically anger and calming strategies. It's a lifelong process of learning, exploring and growing. This activity goes with the book, How Full Is Your Bucket, by Tom Rath. These activities are designed to In my Emotional Self-Regulation Counseling Activities book I have several different lessons and worksheets. Kathleen Smith, a licensed professional counselor, we’ve created this guide to provide elementary, middle, and high school counselors with the tools needed to create support 6. Research dating to the 1950s indicates the school counseling role was much broader and much more clerical during that time. School Counselors support students with academic planning, social group counseling services to students n providing long-term counseling in schools to address psychological disorders n consulting with teachers to schedule and present school counseling curriculum lessons based on developmental needs and needs identified through data n covering classes when teachers are absent or to create teacher planning time Peer support programs include activities such as assistance in one-to-one and group settings, academic/educational help, new student aid and other diverse activities of an interpersonal helping nature. They are intended for students who are in individual school counseling sessions and can be extended for group counseling. Thorough lesson plan. Have pieces of paper ready and have students write down the feelings they feel as they go through the activity. Circle share: Stressors with transition to each grade. Text loveis to 22522 Follow loveisrespect on social media for information and updates to share with your friends and family. After your feelings check-in, start with a brief warm-up that is related to the student's goals. Unexpected Behaviors) Manners Mash-Up by: Arnold & The Rest of the Rowdies. Jan 31, 2019 · Initial individual counseling sessions usually need some kind of ice breaker in order to begin the process of establishing rapport between the counselor and student. WholeHearted School Counseling. In my Emotional Self-Regulation Counseling Activities book I have several different lessons and worksheets. Then draw lines to connect them as they go. There is a wide array of middle school counseling activities that pertain to friendships and obtaining positive relationships with peers. ’. of hair gel with some warm water and shook it up to "melt" it before adding it to my mind jar. A school counselor provides support and guidance to students within an educational setting. It reduces stress and helps alleviate anxiety and depression. Easily schedule your counseling sessions and classroom Nov 15, 2017 · Art Therapy on the Fly. You can turn this into a school counseling activity by having students use chalk to write encouraging messages. Invite speakers from your local community college, military recruiting and skilled trades. Read Time: 3 min | Class Lessons, Collaboration. , 2019; Shi & Brown, 2020) through designing, implementing and assessing school counseling programs (ASCA, 2019). Self Esteem Compliment Cards (free!) from One Stop Teacher Shop. Model school counselor advocacy competencies to promote school counseling program development and student success b. Whether it's spreading awareness in your community or hosting some fun events for students and staff at Description. The School Counselor Is In. Jenga. Senn. Wild is fun, however, and fun keeps kids happy and engaged. The more prepared they are, the more they will feel prepared to make the change. 00 Save $21. Although ratios vary across states, school districts and even grade levels, the growing SCHOOL COUNSELING MADE-EASY! Download hundreds of classroom guidance lesson plans (both PDF versions as well as digital lessons) that can be used for large group classes or individual counseling sessions. Do small group breakouts, partner activities, or roundtable discussions to give them a social opportunity in the lessons. School counselors contribute to the educational and academic outcomes of the school by enhancing student engagement and performance (Akos et al. It is helpful to have visuals. org Aug 15, 2022 · The Meet the Counselor Activity Pack also includes Meet the Counselor SCOOT. In a separate bottle, I mixed maybe 5-6 T. angrily, happily, nervously, sadly, etc. adult responsibilities, identifying supportive people, identifying calming strategies, and more. Welcome to the Tyee Counseling Center. I asked the counselors who entered to share their favorite or most effective school wide kindness initiatives. Facebook/loveisrespectpage. From talking about seeing the hidden beauty in ourselves, to how we are so special, to drawing our families, or how we are feeling, a sheet of paper has magical powers. Feb 22, 2022 · CBT Island Quest. ”. Each girl chooses her own color of bead, then puts beads of that color on as many safety pins as there are members of the group. Middle schoolers are super social, and they want to talk to each other! Rather than doing a counselor-only lecture, incorporate activities that allow them to talk to each other. May 5, 2018 · School Counseling Classroom Management Strategies. It was also a great activity during COVID times, as it allowed for social distancing because students can play outside or in your office. The form has three feeling faces, and the students chose the one face that best describes how they feel Kozlowski, Kelly A. Finish the Squiggle - Draw a squiggle on a piece of paper and make copies for everyone. The friendships established in middle school can have an impact on a preteen's values and decisions. A Year of School Counseling Resources. This activity is like a super-specific version of charades. You can have a calendar or punch card with the number of sessions left. Dec 21, 2020 · Click here to see all of the no-prep groups! These small group counseling tips for school counselors will help you plan for, implement, and assess your next school counseling small group. Together with the class, you’ll brainstorm a list of emotions in adverb form (ex. 7115. You can do this at your school’s entrance, on the playground, etc. , is an assistant professor in the Mental Health and School Counseling department at Bowling Green State University. What ever you do to get students ready, take your time, be patient, and find multiple opportunities to discuss it. Coordinating various school activities. Have the kids draw how others see them. School counselors deliver school counseling programs that enhance student growth in three domain areas: academic, career, and social/emotional development. October 3, 2017. Sep 26, 2023 · Whether they are individual or group counseling sessions, try these 15 activities to help the kids relax and manage their negative thoughts, impulses, and frustrations. Baking Up School Success Lesson – out of the book Puzzle Pieces – Classroom Guidance Connection by: Gwen M. Why I love it: There are so many reasons to love Jenga but it’s great for counseling skills as well. This is the perfect time to teach skills in the moment. Guests should speak for 10–15 minutes about their post-high school options. Tyee currently has 3 full-time school counselors who work with an alphabetical caseload distribution. Great for: Kids (11+), teens, college students, families, some adults. Option 2: Teach a lesson to a specific group of affected students in response to a tragic event. Help students slow down, express themselves calmly and show understanding to their Oct 31, 2018 · by Confident Counselors. There are 2 ways you can address grief in a class lesson: Option 1: Teach a preventative lesson to all students so if and when a tragic event happens, students feel prepared to handle it. Having a pre-determined, hook, instructional strategy, demonstration and practice activities will help you to anticipate problems and structure the lesson around the time you have. My Mouth is a Volcano by: Julia Cook. See full list on confidentcounselors. Have a countdown until the last session. Introduction. She is a former middle school counselor and was school counselor of the year in a southern state, as well as a recipient of the American Counseling Association’s Ross Trust scholarship. Learn More: Lesson Planet. Some administrators and teachers use this week to show appreciation to their school counselors for all of their hard work. With a few simple instructions, students can turn it into a work of art. See more ideas about art activities, school counseling, art therapy activities. Gingerbread Friends from Social Emotional Workshop. A Free Lesson on Gossip and Rumors (grades 4-6) Description. The person who catches the ball must answer the question that their right thumb lands on. A Glittery Gossip Lesson (Elementary, but can be adapted for Middle School) Gossip Activities, Worksheets, Lesson Plans and Printables (ES and MS resources) Gossip- Deal With It Resource Guide (ages 9-12) Rumors & Reputation- Grade 8 Lesson. Products. I then give students a coloring activity from one of my meet Aug 23, 2023 · 2. They also need to plan ahead and problem solve to choose just the right block to remove. Perspective Glasses - Another idea I spotted on Pinterest and adapted. For students working on regulating anger, a take-home anger workbook is a perfect summer counseling activity. School counseling programs use data and data disaggregation to understand student needs Jul 9, 2018 · Listed below are my must-have resources for all three levels: elementary, middle. Lesson 2: Middle school website scavenger hunt. Meet Counselor Keri. Set up a cozy location in your building that can hold several classes. One lesson is on Emotional Regulation. In addition to terminating counseling services and providing closure for students, the end of the school year is a critical time to evaluate the effectiveness of your school counseling program. School counselors are aware that students often communicate more readily to peers than adults. I think a simple activity where you come up with 3 to 4 positive phrased rules and a group name is perfect for your first meeting. The key to this activity is to use simple, clear communication and to listen intently to the directions. School counselors focus their skills, time, and energy on direct and indirect services to all students as well as program planning and school support. and high school. This Empathy themed Counseling activity is for Elementary or Middle School students who are working on understanding and May 26, 2022 · 2) SOCIAL SKILL CARD and BEACH BALL GAMES. However, if you and the student don’t know each other, there will likely TAKE ACTION: Create two or three feelings check-ins to keep things interesting and then use it at the start of every counseling session. Aug 23, 2023 · 2. The answers to these 10 frequently asked questions will help you feel confident and prepared for small group counseling. Individual Counseling Activities Over the years I've collected a lot of activities to use with kids in individual sessions. Many counselors are doing RAK week but adding their own creative The average salary for school counselors in the United States is around $60,510 per year. Career development is a journey that our students embark on at a very young age. Breathing and stretching exercises. Try using ping pong balls, wooden dice, spoons, fortune tellers, task cards, beach balls or other objects during your group counseling activities. The more you talk about it, the more familiar it will become. The research (CDC, 2020) demonstrates the Hosting a Career Café is an excellent way to get students thinking about education options after high school. A beautiful memento of their friendship group! May 21, 2018 · I hope this has given you some ideas. While this is absolutely lovely, the fact is that this week is much better spent getting the word out about your A document that details the goals and methods for therapy for an individual client. Before you “close up shop” for summer, administer a survey to your faculty. Maryann. 00. Students are always proud of their Feb 22, 2022 · Let them talk. Olivia shared that some of the school counseling offices in her district still have “Guidance Counselors” as the title Aug 6, 2020 - Explore Keri Powers, Counselor Keri's board "Art Activities for School Counseling", followed by 29,209 people on Pinterest. Spread the discussion about the transition to high school over a period of time. Use short, 5-minute or fewer activities to give them opportunities for success and to pique their interest. This mindfulness exercise introduces calming breathing to young children in a fun way. Again, students have to use self control in order to not knock over the tower. Check out this post for easy to implement feelings check-in activities. Students might feel frustrated during the activity! That’s okay. A counseling map gives you a guide of the skills that need to be taught Feb 21, 2024 · This set of educational resources includes impulse control activities & worksheets that will be sure to capture the attention of your middle school students. This is an activity that I use in a changing families group (divorce, separation, and other family changes). American School Counselor Association. Warm Ups. Counseling Maps are where a curriculum map meets a treatment plan. This list of videos can add additional weeks to your counseling group. I use the beach ball and card game version of my Social Skills Game frequently with my counseling students. 7. Oct 3, 2017 · 20 School-Wide Kindness Initiatives. Session 1. Sep 4, 2021 · Ears – Your School Counselor uses their ears to listen to your problems and concerns. Here are a few of the games that you can use below. A student has approached you for career development and guidance in order to reach a specific career goal. Eyes – School Counselors use their eyes to look out for students and to spot ways to fix problems. No strategy is more important than a thorough lesson plan for classroom management. Cut out 30 cards double sided and place in bucket (or bag). Advocate responsibly for school board policy and local, state and federal statutory requirements in students’ best interests c. Anger Workbook. Jan 29, 2020 · The first step is getting students thinking about their own beliefs and ideas about respect. Apr 16, 2019 · Middle School Mindfulness Activities. Use the first lunch group to set rules and build some group cohesion. wa. Everyone usually sees a different possibility within the same squiggle. In the Manner of the Emotion. The activities take students fewer than 30 minutes to complete, and they can submit them to me through Google Classroom. mt ke ga fv je zs ts dl in qf