The Counseling Clique

My school recently conducted a social/emotional survey for students. This survey's purpose was to identify the highest areas of concern regarding students social and emotional learning. After the results were assessed it was concluded that at my elementary school students coping skills ranked the lowest. This means that a students ability to make themselves feel happy when sad, or their ability to calm themselves when angry is lacking. Therefore, coping skills is the target for my large group lessons this semester! The first lesson that I will teach my students is the Circle of Control! In this lesson students stand in a circle, and when I list off different scenarios, students either move inside the circle to show that that scenario is withIN their control, or OUTside the circle to show that it is not in their control. Say the following scenarios: Grades Who my friends are My parents mood Sports scores My friends mood What I say After each scenario have students

As a school counselor, this quote has always spoken to me! More than ever students are feeling invisible and losing human connection. Take for instance the current numbers that 1 in 5 students don't have access to a school counselor. That is 8 million students! This is a staggering number, and truly in 2019 an unacceptable number. If the saying is, "It takes a village" then why are we constantly reducing the village. School counselors play a vital role in a students emotional, social, and academic success. It takes one person, and often times the school counselor is that one person. If your still unsure, read this article:  Why School Counselors Matter . Current school counselors, teachers, administrators, parents, and support staff have been advocating for more school counselors, and it's time that policy makers listen, because 8 million students need at least  one person ! Let me know what you think about our current school counselor situation in schools today.