I visited each first grade classroom to introduce myself to students and review my role as a School Counselor. This lesson emphasizes that my job is about helping them; and I can help through classroom lessons, small groups, individual counseling, and consulting with parents and teachers. Students learned how to contact me if they need assistance. We read the book The Magic Coloring Book of Feelings by Robert Bowman and discussed the difference between pleasant and unpleasant feelings. To end the lesson, students completed a check-in activity to assess for understanding of feelings and demonstrating current emotions. 

ASCA Behavior: B-SS 3- Positive relationships with adults to support success

October is anti-bullying month. During this lesson, students reviewed what bullying is and isn't using the MOOO acronym. Often times students refer to all perceived negative behaviors as bullying and it is very important that they understand the difference between someone being mean and bullying. Students watched a video read-aloud of the book Monty the Manatee by Natalie Pritchard and identified the different behaviors observed in the book. At the end of the lesson, students watched a video to encourage them to become an upstander and completed a drawing activity. It is important for students to understand that they can be a part of the solution to bullying at Marvin Elementary. 

ASCA Behavior: B-SS 2: Positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with students who are similar to and different from them

During our third classroom lesson of the year, students were introduced to the idea of small vs. big problems. We read Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal by Jeanie Franz Ransom where students get a first hand look into Mrs. McNeal's classroom of piglets who constantly tattle on each other; creating an air of frustration and distrust. This story helps young students determine when to talk to each other to problem solve, and when to loop in a grown-up. To conclude the lesson, students completed an activity where they were asked to either draw or write an example of when you would report a big deal, and when you would not "squeal a little deal."