Angela Bender, MA, NCC, LLPC
abender@otsegops.org  

 Click here to learn more about Mrs. Bender 

  What does an elementary school counselor do?

~ Helps ALL children

~ Teaches classroom guidance lessons dealing with understanding

    of self and others, communication skills, decision making skills,

    conflict resolution skills, and career exploration

                    ~Works with children individually and in small groups

                    ~ Assists with crisis intervention

                    ~ Coordinates Conflict Manager Program

                    ~ Organizes annual Career Fair

                    ~ Assists with Kindergarten screenings 

How does a student get to see the counselor?

            ~ the student may ask to go to the counselor’s office or

                fill out a special kid’s referral form    

            ~ the teacher or principal can send him or her

            ~ Mom, Dad or another care provider can request counseling services

            ~ a school friend may invite him or her for a special visit

  

What might a student talk about while in the counseling office?

~ feelings about him/herself

~ difficulty in making or getting along with friends

~ a family problem

~ a school problem

~ a fear or worry

~ a physical concern

    ~ use puppets to help express feelings and problems

    ~ talk about feelings

    ~ work on a plan to reach a goal

    ~ read stories that help students learn and understand more about themselves

    ~ go to a safe place to calm down when feeling upset

    ~ play games to learn ways to relate to others