Classroom Counseling Lessons

AUGUST - Introduction to the Counselor

In this first lesson, students will learn all about the role of a school counselor. We will be talking about ways school counselors can help students and how students can access Mrs. Hontz if they need someone to talk to during the school day.

SEPTEMBER - Growth Mindset & Goal Setting

We will spend time talking about various growth mindset concepts, including having perseverance to work through challenges and mistakes, embracing the "Power of Yet," self efficacy, resiliency, and time management. All concepts are scaffolded by grade level.

OCTOBER - Emotional Intelligence

November/December - emotion management

In October, Classroom Counseling lessons will be focused on building emotional intelligence. In the lower grades, we will work on understanding different emotions and how they make us feel. In the upper grades, we will add to that by talking about how our brains work with emotions and understanding the importance of managing stress. 

In November and December, we will further our focus on emotional intelligence by talking more about emotion management. In this lesson we help students learn about a variety of tools to calm down big emotions to help them learn the tools that work best for them in different situations and settings. 

January - 5th middle school transition

At the beginning of January, specific classroom lessons with 5th grade students will take place to help students understand courses, electives, and the overall transition process from elementary to middle school. 

january/february - kindness & empathy

In January, Classroom Counseling lessons will be focused on understanding various aspects of our own identities, strengths, and interests to help students be proud of who they are and understand the importance of respecting those that are different from them.

In February, we further our focus by discussing ways I can show kindness, empathy, and compassion to others. This will connect to Random Acts of Kindness Week in mid-February.

MARCH - conflict resolution

In March, we will discuss problem solving/conflict resolutions skills and strategies in classroom counseling. This is an important skill to discuss as we all experience conflict with other people! 

The concepts taught within this topic will vary by age/grade level, but will include the following: size of the problem, types of conflict, bullying prevention, helpful conflict resolution strategies. We will also connect skills/strategies being learned in Second Step.

April - test anxiety & Study skills

In April, 3rd-5th graders will receive an additional classroom counseling lesson about test anxiety and study skills. These lessons will take place ahead of STAAR testing. This lesson will include important concepts such as positive thinking, challenging negative thinking, coping skills, etc.

April/may - career awareness & exploration

In April and May, classroom counseling lessons will be all about career awareness and exploration. Lessons will vary based on grade level. 

Students in PK-1st grade will participate in Career Centers, which are play-based centers allowing exploration of various careers through play. These centers will change for 2nd-3rd and include more technical aspects as well as career games. Lessons for 4th and 5th grade students will include information helping students understand the importance of a connection between their interests and strengths with careers. These lessons will culminate in May with our Career Day event.