Guidance Lessons
Embedded Files
Every year, as counselors, we are asked to determine our Counseling Goal for the whole school. Based on a lot of different data points, it was determined that the goal for Annie Purl Elementary School would be for the students to feel a connection with their peers.
So this year's theme for all of my guidance lessons is "Purl To Have The Kindest Students In All of GISD". To accomplish this goal, below are what we have covered this year during the in-class counseling lessons.
2025-2026 Classroom Lessons
January Lesson:
Self-Direct
January Lesson:
Self-Direct
In our counseling lessons, students are learning what it means to be self-directed—
taking ownership of their choices, actions, and reactions. A key concept we focus
on is the Circle of Control. Students learn to identify what they can control (their
effort, attitude, words, and choices) versus what they cannot control (other people’s
actions, unexpected changes, or outcomes).
By understanding their Circle of Control, students build skills in self-regulation,
problem-solving, and resilience—important tools for success both in and out of
school.
December Lesson:
Empathy
December Lesson:
Empathy
This month in the in-class counseling lessons, we are going to be learning about Empathy. Students will be hearing the story “A Little Spot of Empathy,” by Diane Alber. The students will be learning about the importance of showing Empathy to others. We are also talking about the importance of perspective taking.
November Lesson:
Integrity PK-2
November Lesson:
Integrity PK-2
This month in the in-class counseling lessons, we are going to be learning about Integrity. Pre-K through 2 grade will be listening to the story “Ruthie and the Not so Teeny Tiny Lie” by Laura Rankin, 3 -5 gradres will be listening to the story “The Empty Pot” by Demi. Both of these stories talk about the importance of telling the truth even when it’s hard.
November Lesson:
Integrity 3-5
November Lesson:
Integrity 3-5
This month in the in-class counseling lessons, we are going to be learning about Integrity. Pre-K through 2 grade will be listening to the story “Ruthie and the Not so Teeny Tiny Lie” by Laura Rankin, 3 -5 gradres will be listening to the story “The Empty Pot” by Demi. Both of these stories talk about the importance of telling the truth even when it’s hard.
September Lesson:
September Lesson:
Respect
Respect
This month in the in-class counseling lessons, we are going to be learning about respect. All grades will be listening to the book The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio.
Students will also be learning about the 30-second rule, which is: If a person can’t fix it in 30 seconds, we don’t say anything. Ex: A person’s shirt is on backward; they can fix that, so we can say something. A person’s haircut is not great; they can’t fix that in 30 seconds, so we don’t say anything.
August Lesson:
August Lesson:
School Counselor Connections
School Counselor Connections
Mrs. Medema introduced herself to all the classes in all the grade levels. She talked about her role as the school counselor and made sure students knew how to use the mood meter to get from "No Brain" to "Yes Brain". We identified strategies they could use to move from "No Brain" to "Yes Brain" as well as identify how to help friends who are in the "No Brain" or need help.
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