 GUIDANCE GROUPS
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Banana Splits/Grief Support |
Club-Sib |
Friendship/Social Skills |
As a school counselor one of the key ways that I assist students is through small groups. As life happens, there are times that rock our world and our sense of security. During these times, kids often feel anxious and have difficuty being emotionally available to learn. Being a part of a small group enables students to express themselves more openly, without having to worryabout how others will view them while learning and practicing new skills in a safe environment. It has been my experience that when kids know there is a safe place and time allotted for them to talk about these things, they can be more focused during academic instruction. Groups are need-based usually meeting for 4-8 weekly 30 minute sessions. Students must have parent permission to participate in a
small group. Confidentiality is respected but I will contact parents if specific concerns arise.
I have included information about groups I have offered in the past. Of course I will offer additional groups as needs arrise. If you have specific concerns or 'issues' you are dealing with, please call, email or stop by my office.
PURPOSE OF SMALL GROUPS
• to provide a safe place to express feelings
• to validate feelings through sharing
• to help children in problem solving and coping skills
• to increase self esteem by realizing they are not the only ones with special needs
• to support parents and school staff in working with kids
• to increase communication among children, parents, and school
 BANANA SPLITS/ Grief Support Groups
Banana Splits groups are support groups for children whose families are coping with the effects of separation due to divorce.
Grief Support groups are support groups for children whose families are coping with the effects of a death in the family.
~Groups are offered as needed.
~Usually groups are offered for students in grades 2 - 5.
~Some Kindergarten and 1st grade students may be included in this group, or may be seen individually as is needed. Group participation depends on the child's ablitly to discuss and maintain focus for a 30 minute period.
~Groups typically meet every week for about 30 minutes and usually includes their lunch period. I have found that when kids feel they are missing out on academic instruction or recess it can add more stress.
~Activities teach children of divorce or children who have experienced the death of a family member how to help themselves and each other. By creating a supportive community, small groups aim is to counteract the day-to-day impact of divorce and death on young children.
 CLUB-SIBClub-Sib is for kids who have siblings with special needs. The group meetings have been in the morning before school once or twice per month. We ususally have a snack breakfast, work on a craft activity, and 'chat' about issues they may be experiencing.
 FRIENDSHIP/SOCIAL SKILLS
Friendship/Social Skills groups help kids develop and practice social skills. In the past, we have met during lunch periods and have included a few (3-4) students from a class with the same lunch schedule. This is a wonderful way to learn and practice social skills with a group of kids who really care! As we 'do lunch', we talk informally about things that are going on in their social groups. The girls groups ususally like to talk and role play and the guy groups like to talk as we play games. I love meeting with these groups!!!!
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