SCHOOL COUNSELING " Helping children to become all that they are capable of being."

1. SCHOOL COUNSELING "Helping children to become all that they are capable of being." Frances Blue

2. “Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies and expanding opportunities. To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during childhood, a time of rapid growth and change. Children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement.

3. What Is Classroom Counseling? Classroom counseling lessons are taught in the regular classroom setting to all students in each grade level throughout the school year to help students gain an awareness of self, others, and the world around them. The focus of classroom guidance and counseling are to foster students’ academic, social, emotional and career development through a planned series of guidance activities. Specific topics are addressed in different grade levels.

4. Topics • understanding self and others; • coping strategies, relaxation, and stress management; • peer relationships and effective social skills; • personal safety awareness; • career awareness and the world of work; • substance abuse awareness education; • multicultural awareness • communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and study skills.

5. What Is Group Counseling? Group counseling is offered to provide additional services to children with common needs or concerns. Groups meet for a 6-8 for 30 minutes each time. Group size is usually between 3-6 children.

6. If you have any questions or requests, feel free to contact Mrs. Blue Types of Groups Offered Include • Friendship Skills • Military Support • Anger Management Skills • Interpersonal Concerns, • Academic Development • Social Skills • Self-Image and Self-Confidence • Family Issues such as Separation, Divorce, Grief and Loss

7. What Is Individual Counseling? The school counselor works with individual students to help them better understand their concerns and problems, to better understand themselves and others, and to work toward positive educational, personal, and social development.

8. Who Do Elementary School Counselors Help... • Boys and Girls • Parents/Caregivers • Classroom Teachers • Other Educators • Administrators

9. Elementary Counselors Help Boys and Girls • Individually and in groups with their concerns, plans, goals, and achievements. • Understand themselves and others to strengthen cooperation and interactions. • Establish and maintain healthy relationships with others • Learn decision making and interpersonal skills. • Learn a shared language at school to communicate w/ educators and each other. • Gain optimum benefit from their school experience.

10. Elementary CounselorsHelp Parents • Learn about their child's growth and development. • Individually, to appreciate their child's abilities, limitations, and progress in school. • Encourage a home atmosphere for emotional security and personal growth. • Increase knowledge and skills by sharing information.

11. Elementary CounselorsHelp Classroom Teachers The licensed school counselor consults with teachers to evaluate behaviors and individual needs of students, to assist in enhancing the total development of the students and to implement interventions to enhance student success.

12. Elementary CounselorsHelp Other Educators The licensed school counselor is an educational consultant who is available to meet with other educators who have questions or concerns about students.  All educators collaborating to provide the most effective learning atmosphere schools can offer.

13. Elementary CounselorsHelp Administrators School climate Behavioral management plans School-wide needs assessments Student data and results Student referrals

14. Counselors Work to Promote Growth In • Understanding of self and confidence in daily interactions. • Positive attitudes toward self, family and community • Communication skills in relationships with peers, family, neighbors, and school staff • Motivation for success in school and community activities. • Decision making skills involving exploration of alternatives and realization of consequences • Career awareness for future planning • Emotionally healthy school learning climate • Cooperation between home and school. • Community resource programs for students, family and school personnel.

15. Whyelementary school counselors? 1. Elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.

16. Whyelementary school counselors? 2. Elementary school counselors are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve school success.

17. Whyelementary school counselors? 3.Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century.

18. Elementary School years set the tone Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children can achieve academic success.

19. The professional elementary school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state licensure in school counseling. Maintaining licensure includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Frances Blue, School Counselor