When I came to this school last year, the counseling office was empty except for a desk, computer, and an empty filing cabinet. I am diligently working to create a comprehensive counseling program in alignment with ASCA standards, and in an effort to meet the extensive needs of my students. The pandemic exposed our students to traumas they would have otherwise avoided and prevented them from developing much-needed SEL skills such as self-management, relationship skills, self-awareness, responsible decision making, and social awareness. In an effort to address and assist in bolstering these current deficits, I have been doing classroom lessons, individual counseling, and am creating small groups to start in two weeks. These efforts are in alignment with NEPF standards for Counselors, specifically Standard 1:1 "the school counselor plans the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program"; Standard 2:1 & 3 "the school counselor delivers developmentally appropriate services and activities to support the academic progress of students. . . and to support the social/emotional development and well-being of students".
As I plan my lessons and activities to use with classes, small groups, and individuals, I find that I am lacking books and games to support and enrich lessons. Currently, I've been making do with what I can purchase on my own, and slowly creating the toolbox needed for a comprehensive school counseling department. The addition of these SEL picture books, games, and a color printer will propel this counseling department to be able to meet the diverse needs of my students immediately and give them the support they need to achieve academic gains in the classrooms.
About my class
When I came to this school last year, the counseling office was empty except for a desk, computer, and an empty filing cabinet. I am diligently working to create a comprehensive counseling program in alignment with ASCA standards, and in an effort to meet the extensive needs of my students. The pandemic exposed our students to traumas they would have otherwise avoided and prevented them from developing much-needed SEL skills such as self-management, relationship skills, self-awareness, responsible decision making, and social awareness. In an effort to address and assist in bolstering these current deficits, I have been doing classroom lessons, individual counseling, and am creating small groups to start in two weeks. These efforts are in alignment with NEPF standards for Counselors, specifically Standard 1:1 "the school counselor plans the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program"; Standard 2:1 & 3 "the school counselor delivers developmentally appropriate services and activities to support the academic progress of students. . . and to support the social/emotional development and well-being of students".
As I plan my lessons and activities to use with classes, small groups, and individuals, I find that I am lacking books and games to support and enrich lessons. Currently, I've been making do with what I can purchase on my own, and slowly creating the toolbox needed for a comprehensive school counseling department. The addition of these SEL picture books, games, and a color printer will propel this counseling department to be able to meet the diverse needs of my students immediately and give them the support they need to achieve academic gains in the classrooms.
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