The School Counseling staff at Blanchard Middle School, in an effort to get to know and see all students in their grade, teach four 45-minute blocks within the 6-day rotation. Class sizes are typically around 18 students. Trimesters are about 12 weeks, which allows for about 10 Social Emotional Academic Learning (SEAL) lessons. Exceptions in class size and content are made for students in band and orchestra.
A variety of topics are covered over the course of the three years that are connected socially, emotionally, and academically to the curriculum. In brief, the following general topics are covered through various lessons 6th grade. Topics may vary based on current needs related to time of year.
Transition to Middle School
Understanding the function and role of the school's counseling department
Exciting and challenging differences with Elementary School
Supporting the Transition
Adjusting to Middle School
Learning Styles
Auditory/Visual/Kinesthetic
Learning Style Traits
Study skills related to learning styles
Developing good academic and social habits as a student
Discovering a learning style and how to utilize it on a regular basis
How to become self-aware of learning modalities that work well for the individual
Growth Mindset
Fixed vs Growth
Positive mindset
Changing your mindset
Accepting challenges
Brain growth
Self-Advocacy
Recognizing personal strengths
Becoming a confident learner
Emotions
Recognizing, defining, understanding, managing, and accepting
Character Development
Perspective taking
Social filter
How you view yourself vs. how others view you
Strength in Character
Individual vs. Group values
Citizenship and being part of a community
We understand that children often learn in many different ways and the focus of this class is to develop habits and traits that will lead them to success as learners and community members here at Blanchard.