Small Groups

This week I started my spring semester of small group counseling. I have nine different small groups that run each week for 30 minutes each. The groups consist of 4-5 students and I have a small group, or two, for each grade level. We meet once a week for six weeks during their lunch periods. They come to my office and we focus on whatever group topic has been selected for each group. Some group topics consist of social skills, anger/emotion management, divorce, grief and loss, and self-esteem. We get to focus on these topics in a fun way, by either playing games or doing some sort of fun activity. We will work hard these next six weeks on trying to improve whatever it is we are in need of help for. The kids absolutely love coming and I have many kids who ask why they can't come when I go to pick up my groups. I wish I could take them all, but I somehow just can't fit all 800+ kids into the schedule each week! ;-)

Since this was our first week, we talked about confidentiality and what that means. I explained to the students that they may talk to anyone they like about themselves and their issues, but they cannot leave the room and tell everyone what other kids said in group. That is their private information they chose to share with the group, and not necessarily the whole school. They can also share with their families about the activities we work on or games we play, but not specifically what another student in the group did or said. This helps to ensure that everyone is comfortable and feels safe sharing with us while in group. Every student in the groups signs a "Confidentiality Agreement," after I explain what that means. I sign it, too!

Next week, we will play "The Ungame," which is a game that has no winners or losers, but just helps us to get to know more about each other. I play with them, so they can get to know more about me as well! They really love to play this game and get to answer questions about themselves. 

This week I was also in all 4th and 5th grade classrooms. In 4th grade we completed the same "Feelings" lesson I spoke about in last week's blog and in 5th grade we worked on completing our career path booklets. Next week I will be in PK, kinder, and 1st grade classrooms showing them my "Magic Book of Feelings". They absolutely LOVE that lesson because I do a very cool magic trick with my book. I am sure they'll come home and tell you about it. 

Next week I also will be back to teaching my hip hop class after school on Mondays! I am excited my foot is finally getting better and I can get back to dancing! As of right now I have 21 out of 25 slots filled for class, so if your child is interested in filling one of the final four slots, let me know! 

Have a great weekend!!