Lunch Bunch Anyone?
In addition to regular small groups, I began incorporating Lunch Bunch groups into my school counseling program during the 2010-11 school year. My goal was to connect with more students in a smaller group setting. Additionally, I wanted to address behavioral and emotional needs of students who needed more support outside of my regular classroom guidance lessons. I also wanted each grade level at my school to have several opportunities to participate. To do this, I created a schedule which would allow me to see two grade levels each week thus seeing each grade level every three weeks. This adds up to approximately 54 lunch bunches and LOTS of small group counseling opportunities nestled throughout the school year! Because I’ve worked at my school for eight years, I am aware of the most common needs teachers would like addressed during these sessions. I plan topics ahead of time and give the Lunch Bunch form to the grade level chairs to share with their teams during planning. Each teacher can send one student. If a teacher doesn’t have a student needing the topic, he or she will give the spot to another teacher to use. Additionally, there is a place on the form for the team to “override” my topic choice and submit their own in order to address a grade level issue or concern.
As state-wide testing time approaches, I have used Lunch Bunch Time to focus on test taking tips and strategies for grades 3-5. Some other Lunch Bunch topics include: anger management, telling the truth (integrity), good manners, self-confidence, staying on-task, and completing assignments to name a few. Reward Lunch Bunches are also held so teachers can acknowledge students who have been caught being good. I always share those names with the office and have them announced on Fridays with our weekly school-wide bucket fillers.
Stick around! I’ll be discussing Lunch Bunch in future blog posts. You are welcome to use this Lunch Bunch Form to schedule your lunch bunch groups. I punch holes in them and store them in a binder to document the groups I’ve held and the students who have attended.
I would love to hear how you facilitate lunch bunch. Connect with me!
11 Comments
Nola Willard
I wasn’t able to access the Lunch Bunch form. Would you care to send me a copy via email? For the 2012-2013 school year, I will be implementing lunch bunch meetings during the week. This helps provide me with some insight in getting started. Thanks!
Vanessa
Hi, Nola! I just emailed the form to you.
Highfunctioningmomism
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing! I am going to pass this along to my son’s school!
Satonya Perry
Your blogs are absolutely amazing! I am so delighted that you have taken the time to share excellent ideas and resources…you have “packaged” them to be adaptable and relevant to popular areas of interest. You have inspired me to step into the world of blogging (probably over sumer 2013). I am a new elementary counselor (teacher for 14 years) this year and your website is stored in my favorites on my desktop, laptop, and Ipad! :0)
Vanessa
Thank you so much, Satonya! I look forward to visiting your blog whenever you launch it, so be sure to let me know! I’m so glad you are enjoying Savvy School Counselor.
Sarah
Hi Vanessa,
I just stumbled upon your blog today and absolutely love it! I was looking for some inspiration and new ideas and I definitely found it on your blog! Question about lunch bunches…do you get patent permission for each student that attends a one time lunch bunch? I think seeing different kids is a great and was just wondering how you manage it. Thanks so much!
Sarah
Vanessa
Hi, Sarah! I do not get parent permission for lunch bunch groups since they usually only meet once. I only request parent permission for long term groups.
Welcome! I’m so glad you found Savvy School Counselor!
asha
Hi, I was not able to access the lunch bunch form.
Vanessa
I hope I emailed you back in July when you wrote this. I know that is what I planned to do. I’m just seeing that this post had not been approved yet. If I didn’t email you, PLEASE let me know!
Lacy
do you only see a lunch bunch group one time? and then choose new students for the next topic?
Vanessa
I typically do one. Longer running groups are not held during lunch. Yes, I try to see different students for the next topic, but always students who need the subject matter. That means some students could be repeat attendees.