TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ORGANIZING & FINE TUNING Your Elementary School Counseling and Guidance Program

SCHEDULING Tips and Tricks

 Have set day(s) you’ll be at each school. Inform faculty.  Schedule classroom presentations for the entire school year. Electronic calendars are a plus. ORGANIZE YOUR YEAR! Set Your Schedule

SCHEDULING TIPS  Schedule similar grades together. Keep the pattern for each school. (K-2 grades first week, 3-4 second week, 5-6 third week)  Block out times for individual and group counseling Make a list of OPEN times   Get teacher input!  Be flexible.

PROVIDE A SCHEDULE Print on bright colored card stock

MAKE REFERENCE CARDS

CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS Tips and Tricks

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  K-2: minutes, usually sit on the rug, WELCOME SONG

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  3-6: 30 minutes, PowerPoint presentation (helps me), use a NAME TENT Hi Teachers: Please fold each paper like the example provided and print each student’s first name in LARGE, BOLD letters, then place the name tent on the student’s desk when I come in for monthly presentations. THANK YOU! Elise (It’s nice to be able to use their names.)

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  Teach an Attention Cue: clap pattern, chimes, train whistle etc.

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  Incorporate share with partner techniques, role-plays, group and class activities SEE NEXT SLIDE

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  Begin with a quick review of previous months lesson SEE NEXT SLIDE

REFUSAL SKILLS REVIEW  What…, Where…, When…, Why…, How…, Do you…,???  “That’s …(stealing, lying, rude, cheating, gross, dangerous)  “If I do that….”  “Instead, why don’t we….”  “If you change your mind….”  Ask Questions  Name the Trouble l  Identify the Consequences  Suggest an Alternative  Leave the Door Open

CLASSROOM PRESENTATION  Leave poster as reminder of current lesson

MAKE CONNECTIONS Tips and Tricks

BE WHERE THE KIDS ARE  Be in the hallway during transitions and interact  Go out to recess and interact  Use name tents and welcome song  Create a Friendship team Kindness Can Manner’s Tip Announcements Posters, Puppet show, Skits etc.  Use the students’ name  High five, fist bump, Make eye contact and S M I L E!

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING Tips and Tricks

SCHEDULE FOR THE YEAR  Work with the teacher to find a time the student or group can meet on a regular basis: same day, same time (for me it is weekly)  Give an appointment slip to the teacher

RECORD VISITS

DATA

KEEP PARENTS INFORMED

USE ORGANIZED PROGRAMS  Splitz Club  Brain Gang  Friendship/Social Skills Groups  Grief Group  Overcoming Anxiety  Developing Empathy  Impulse Control

READY TO USE BEHAVIOR CHARTS  Tough Kid Tool Box  Smiley Face Chart  Self Monitoring Forms TEACHER BUY IN IS CRUCIAL!  Follow through to encourage teacher.

FINAL TIP Love what you do! Keep the student’s best interests in mind at all times. You are their advocate.

PARTICIPANT SHARE What tips and tricks have you learned to organize and fine tune your elementary school counseling and guidance program?