Important Notes:
*Keep in mind these could be triggering questions for many students
*If student self-reports lower than a 5 on a sliding scale question, possible counselor referral needed
*If student has a difficult time (beyond appropriate shyness) answering many of these vulnerable questions, a possible counseling referral may be needed
*If a student shares any yellow or red flags with you let them know that you WILL touch base with the school counselor, but they can choose if they want to proceed with the counselor
“How are you taking care of yourself today?”
“What's the best thing that happened to you today?”
“What's giving you hope right now?”
“How would you like the experience to change you? How do you think it will?”
“What do you hope we will all learn or take away from this experience?”
“What does a normal day look like for you?”
“What are three things you are looking forward to next week? (give them an example i.e., taking a nap, going on a walk, snuggling with my dog, getting ice cream…) Note: if there is nothing, they are looking forward to may be an opportunity to refer to a counselor”
“What habit have you started or stopped during quarantine?”
“Who are three people you consider your safe people (another opportunity to give an example?)”
“Who are three people you can talk to on the phone, text, email since you may not be able to see them in person right now?”
“What are two things you do for fun right now?”
“Can you describe how you are feeling right now? What three feelings do you want to feel in the future?”
Maybe offer validation (Brene Brown-be vulnerable with them: “It’s okay to not be okay.” Response i.e., “phew wow thank you for sharing, that was brave”) (offer a non-judgmental stance)
You can do a body scan if they don't have the words (“where in your body do you feel what you’re feeling right now, back, stomach, neck…?”) – helpful information for counselor/school psych