I have been doing lessons the first few weeks of school on "Getting to Know the Counselor", but the lesson I have been doing in 5th grade so far is my favorite. To introduce myself as the new school counselor, I first show the students a powerpoint so that they can get to know a few things about me. Throughout the powerpoint I ask the students about some of their favorite things and interests, so I can get to know them to! This is a great way to break the ice with the students and a great way to help the students begin to feel a little more comfortable with me.
Next I ask for volunteers to come to the front of the room and put on various pieces of a costume. Each volunteer puts on a piece of the costume, and reads a script when it's their turn that describes an aspect of my job. The students love it, and it is a really interesting a different way to introduce the school counselor!
Next we discuss the com
ponenets of the guidance program and the word confidentiality. I share with the students ways that they can notify me that they would like to visit, and we discuss different things that a student may want to come to talk to the counselor about. We also review how to fill out the Need to See the Counselor forms, and where my office and mailbox are.
ponenets of the guidance program and the word confidentiality. I share with the students ways that they can notify me that they would like to visit, and we discuss different things that a student may want to come to talk to the counselor about. We also review how to fill out the Need to See the Counselor forms, and where my office and mailbox are.Lastly, we do an activity together called "Record of Me". In this activity, the students make records and list each track on the record as a detail about themselves. I have the students share their records at the end of class, and I bring a record that I made to share a little more about myself as well. We usually listen to the Primary Focus "Start Dreamin'" cd while we work on our records.
Any way that you introduce yourself to your students, it is important that the lesson cover the components of the guidance program, the process for contacting the counselor, and confidentiality. Sharing a little bit about yourself and encouraging students to share about themselves is a great relationship building activity for that first meeting as well. Here is a link to the lesson plan if you are ever interested in using it for yourself!
i love this lesson idea! so glad that i found your blog! i am a school counselor in MO and am thinking about starting something like this! :)
ReplyDeleteLiked your unique idea. I'm pursuing my Masters In School Counseling. I would surely use this idea for better understanding.
ReplyDeleteI would love a copy of the script with the clothing to describe your job. We have our first elementary counselor ever starting this Fall. dortman@rvcsd.org
ReplyDeleteDo you have a word or pdf document of the "need to see the counselor" form? My computer won't open publisher. Thanks! amyahenry@gmail.com
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ReplyDeletegreat idea! do you have a copy of the record of me worksheet?
ReplyDeleteNice Blog! Get to know your team activities can boost productivity and bring your team closer together. Most team-building activities elicit embarrassment rather than enthusiasm. Team activities help to improve strength, improve communication, team spirit among each other.
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