Small Group Counseling

Small group counseling is an area in my program that I feel needs some adjusting and fine tuning.  I don't feel that my efforts have been as successful as I would like.  I have been looking at other counseling blogs, Pinterest, and asking other counselors about how they run their small groups and if they are successful.  The good thing is that I am doing what other counselors are doing (validation is always a good thing).  The bad thing is that I don't feel that it is working...for me.

I am the only counselor in a K-5 elementary school with about 350 students. I see groups once a week for 6-8 weeks.  Once a week just does not seem sufficient for little guys.  The time in between is too long for them to really grasp what I am trying to teach them.  Plus, I am lucky if I get to them for each session, so it could be two weeks before I see them again. Ugh!  Talk about not feeling effective!

While sitting in training last week, the assistant principal and I were tossing around the idea of seeing groups consecutively for a shorter duration.  For example, every day for a week or two.  I LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!  I can give some intense time and hopefully see better and faster results.  Now, I am not sure exactly how this will look or if it will be logistically possible, but I am sure going to give it a try!

I am also going to push into classrooms to intervene early to reduce the number of students requiring small group support.  Whew, things will be changing, but I'm up for the challenge.  Bring it on!

Organization Revisited

Now that school is out and I am thoroughly enjoying my summer, it is time to reflect on the year.  This is the time that I look at my counseling program to tweak before the next school year.  I will be adding to the documents that I already have on the following link all summer so check back periodically.  Happy summer! 

TpT Store

A Little Treasure

I love the dollar section at Target!  I found these thought cloud sticky notes and just knew I could put them to good use.  I work with several students who have a difficult time sharing their thoughts out loud.  I was working with one such student today and decided to break out the thought clouds.  It worked!  I got more out of using the thought clouds for 5 minutes than I have gotten out of him all year! Something about writing on these little pieces of paper seemed to make him less vulnerable and more willing to share. Who knew that such a small thing could make such a big difference!  I am already thinking about all the possible uses!  I highly recommend this Target dollar aisle treasure!

Data Continued

I am currently looking at AIMSweb for behavior.  There is data tracking, action planning and interventions embedded in this program.  Is anyone using this program?  I want to hear the practicality and benefits of the program.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Data, Data, Data!

Data drives most of our decisions in education. When I was a classroom teacher, it was easy to gather data about student progress.  I am finding data collection as a school counselor more challenging.  I see students at various times for varying lengths of time. I teach students strategies to use in the classroom and everyday life.  Then they go back to class.

How do I know that what I have taught them is being transferred and is effective?  I meet with teachers during scheduled monthly meetings, quickly in the hallway in between students or classes, via email and phone.  All of the communication is wonderful but I still have no hard evidence that what I am doing is "working."  I don't want to teach students random things that they are never using.  I NEED solid proof.  Pre and post evaluations are great but I want more regular data along the way.

So...my wheels have begun to turn.  How do I collect data without making the teachers more overwhelmed by filling out cumbersome date sheets (they have enough on their plates, as is).  I also become overwhelmed thinking how I will manage all of this data.  I am currently seeing approximately 85 students in groups or individually on a regular basis.  This does not include the responsive services I provide (when a student is in crisis or needs immediate attention), the classroom lessons I teach, the meetings I attend, the phone calls I make, the fires I put out,  the emails I send, the paperwork I complete, and the list goes on and on........

The thought of gathering and managing data makes my stomach turn over a bit.  But I am determined to figure something out!  Stay tuned as I muster through this time consuming, yet very important data collection process.  If anyone has anything they love, please share!  I love seeing what other awesome counselors are doing!

To be continued..................

Bystanders - How to UnMake A Bully, Volume 2

This is a great video about the roles that Bystanders playing in bullying situations.  I plan to use this video when talking to my 4th graders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElD19h0evHs&feature=share

Organization Part 2: Counseling Notebook

I have added and changed some of the following forms.  Please visit my TpT store to see the new and revised forms.

There are days/weeks that I feel like I am juggling a million things as a school counselor.  I have been looking for a system that will help me balance all of the facets of the job.  Below are some things I am currently using to help with this task.  I am constantly tweaking the organizational things that I use, but these things have helped me tremendously. 

I just started using a Counseling Notebook to help me keep everything handy and organized. 

Inside:

Lesson Plans:  I wanted to have a place where I could see my whole week's worth of lessons for Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, and Classroom Guidance.  This is what I have come up with.

This has been one of the best things I have done!  I type on mine and print it after I have planned for the

week.  Scroll to the bottom of this post for the documents.

This is an ongoing list of students I see throughout the day.  I jot them down because I get very busy but then can go back and make more detailed notes if needed.

This is the log that I currently use.

I keep track of any communication I have with Parents/Guardians. 

I have ABC tabs that I keep these sheets in for quick and easy access.

This is the form from my district that I am currently using but will probably tweak it.

I am also planning on adding a more detailed notes page for students who I see more frequently or need more notes on.  I am working on this and will post it when I am finished with it.

If you are interested in copies of any or all of my forms (some have been updated), please visit my TpT store.

Do you have a Counseling Notebook?  If so, how do you organize it?