Meet the School Counselor Ideas

July 17, 2012 / 24 Comments

 

I recently received an email from a reader about finding ideas school counselors can use when visiting students at the beginning of the year.  Today, I am sharing three ideas I’ve used in my program.  I can’t show you the actual pictures in this post since the items are packed away at school, but I will do my very best to explain how these Meet the Counselor Activities are done.

 

Use A Circle Map

A Circle Map is one of eight Thinking Maps and is used for defining in context.  To use one, put a word inside the inner circle and write words or phrases to define or tell about that word in the outer circle.  You can also use pictures to help define the word.

Create a Circle Map to introduce yourself.  Draw your circle map on a large poster board.  In the middle, glue a picture of yourself and write your name. Around the picture in the outer circle, write words and find pictures of things that tell about you.  Some examples could include:

  • a picture of your child(ren) to show you are a mother or father
  • a picture of the mascot of your favorite team to show you are a fan
  • a character word that defines you such as caring, kind, compassionate
  • a picture showing your favorite hobby
  • a picture of your pet(s) to show you are a pet lover
  • a picture of musical notes if you are a singer
  • the words listener, helper, and friend to define your role as school counselor
Think about who you are and find words or pictures that define you and what you do as school counselor.
 
This can be an opener for your main lesson, or you can extend it by having the students create circle maps about themselves to share with you.  Your circle map can be used with all grade levels.

“A Counselor Is” Cards

You may have heard of the book Who is Your School Counselor by Lisa Miller and Connie Brown. It includes a story called “Who the School Counselor is NOT” and a BINGO game.  I used the bingo game one time.  The game didn’t stick for me, however the calling cards were perfect for helping my Kindergarten friends learn about what a school counselor does.  I have used them every year for the past six years.

There are five cards:

  1. Question Mark– This card stands for “problem solver.”  A school counselor helps you solve problems by assisting you with deciding what the problem is and what you can do about. Then you decide what to do.  I use this time to tell students that I will help them think of solutions to their problems, but which one they choose is up to them.
  2. Hand Cupped Ear– This card stands for “listener.”  A school counselor listens to your problems.  I use this time to tell students where my office is and that they can come see me to talk if they are feeling sad or upset about anything.
  3. Touching Hands– This card stands for “friend.”  A school counselor is your friend.  I use this time to tell students that I am their adult friend at school.  They will never be in trouble when they come to see me.  I am their friend and want to help them make things right.
  4. Alphabet/Math Problems/Pencil– This card stands for “helper.”  A school counselor helps you do your best in school.  I use this time to tell students how sad or angry boys and girls sometimes have difficulty in school.  I am there to help them work through their problems so they are ready to do their best work in class.
  5. Lips With Finger– This cards stands for “secret keeper.”  A school counselor keeps your secrets unless the secret will hurt you or someone else.  I use this time to give examples of which secrets I can keep and which secrets I have to tell.

I share these cards one at a time and explain what each one means.  This is another activity I use before the main lesson.  I always bring the cards back for the next lesson to review.  I was unable to find this product on the MAR*CO site, and Amazon is currently not selling it.  This leads me to believe it is no longer being sold. However, it wouldn’t be difficult at all to make your own set of cards with similar pictures to use this idea.  You can also use these cards with first or second graders.

Meet the Counselor Game

Create “Meet the Counselor” game cards to use with upper grade students.  This game is good to remind students about how to make appointments, what secrets you can and can’t keep, and any other facts you want to review with them.  For this game, use 4 x 6 index cards.  You can hand write the cards, or type everything, affix each question to the cards, and laminate them. Put “Meet the Counselor” on one side of each of the cards.  On the other side, put questions about the school counselor’s role as well as specific questions for your school. They can be true/false, open ended, multiple choice, or a combination. You’ll want to make sure to have enough questions for each student to have a turn.  Some example questions are:

  • If I tell the counselor I got into a big argument with my brother before school, he or she will:   a)  tell my parents  b) keep it confidential c) let my teacher know
  • I am in big trouble if I have to go see the school counselor! (true or false)
  • How do I make an appointment with the school counselor?
  • If my uncle hit me and left a bruise on my arm and I show my school counselor, he or she won’t tell anyone. (true or false)

Divide the class into two teams. You can decide how you want the teams to earn points.  I enjoy bringing a Nerf basketball and hoop set for points to make it extra fun.  First, I ask the student the question.  If he or she is unsure of the answer, he or she can ask the team for help. (This guarantees the team will get one point.)  Next, the student gets to shoot the ball for a bonus point for the team.  My little future NBA and WNBA stars love it!  We discuss at the beginning how to respond to a missed shot appropriately.  I don’t usually have tangible prizes for this game.  One team just ends up with the most points.

If you don’t wish to use the cards as a class game, they can be used for a whole class discussion as well.  Either way, use the questions to jump start discussions about important information your students need to know about the school counselor.  

This meet the counselor game is available in my TpT store.  It comes with 26 pre-printed game cards.  CLICK HERE to check it out!

You may also like these “Whooo’s” the School Counselor Posters to use with your younger students and The Meet the Counselor Files great for both lower and upper grades. 

I’ve recently added a Meet the Counselor Bundle which includes the game, posters, a self-referral lesson and my August Activity Pack which is dedicated to Meet the Counselor activities.

Stick around!  You can follow Savvy School Counselor with free email updates.  You can also follow my TpT Store to keep up with my latest products and freebies.  Additionally, I do giveaways through My Facebook Page with my new products.  Be sure to like Savvy School Counselor on Facebook and click to receive notifications so you don’t miss them!

 

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24 Comments

  • Sue

    July 17, 2012 at 2:14 pm Reply

    Thank you so much for this post! I’ve begun my search for ideas for my intro. lesson and I’m so glad you were reading my mind:) I usually read a picture book that is appropriate for all grade levels (something inspirational), but I’ve also done games and a bucket of objects that say a bit about me, etc. I really like the questions you used in your game – hmmm – has me thinking. Thanks again!

  • Julie

    July 24, 2012 at 9:27 am Reply

    Love this idea! I’m starting a new elementary position and am elbow deep in your posts trying to get ideas for my tool kit! I’d love to know what “inspirational” books other people use for the Meet/Counselor role explanation lesson.

  • Kirsten

    July 30, 2012 at 10:25 am Reply

    I actually have a fun PowerPoint that I use to tell them about myself. I insert personal pictures and copy/paste things from the internet to tell them about my interests (Kansas City Chiefs, “Twilight,” etc). They love it! I also include slides that tell them what we’ll be studying throughout the year, confidentiality, etc.

  • Laura Filtness

    July 31, 2012 at 4:14 pm Reply

    So we have 11 new teachers this year and Thursday (yes this Thursday) my principal agreed to let me have a few minutes to introduce myself tho the teachers. I am thrilled, but I really want to spend someone this time explaining to them my role. Old teachers or new, I always feel like the teachers aren’t quite sure what I do. So any suggestions?

    • Vanessa

      July 31, 2012 at 9:39 pm Reply

      Hi, Laura. You could make baggies with the School Counselor First Aid Kit items inside for each of them to make the discussion fun. As you talk about how you will work with their students, you can include any other duties you are responsible for at the school as well. You can also explain how they may refer students to you and about what your school counseling program entails.

  • Melanie S.

    August 29, 2012 at 4:11 pm Reply

    I love new ideas! I also use a cute one I found last year on ASCA Scene! I use Mrs. Potato Head to introduce myself.
    Procedure: Introduce myself by name and job title and introduce Mrs. Potato Head. “How many of you know Mrs. Potato Head?” Explain that I will use Mrs. P to help them learn about me and what my job is here at Deep River.

    Feet/shoes: You will see your School Counselor walk up & down the hallway visiting classes and talking to teachers.
    Hands/Arms: Your School Counselor has helping hands and hugs whenever you feel down.
    Ears: Your School Counselor is here to listen to your feelings/problems whenever you need her.
    Mouth(with a paper X on it): Your School Counselor does not repeat what you tell her unless you are being hurt or are in danger.
    Eyes: Your School Counselor’s job is to look out for her students and help them in anyway she can.
    Paper Book (taped to hand): Your School Counselor may read stories to you in class.
    Paper Phone (taped to other hand): Your School Counselor may talk with your parents/teachers on how to help you be the best you can be.
    LIterature choices depending on what you have and the grade level:
    Read It’s Hard To Be Five by Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell to Kindergarten
    Read Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis to 1st Grade or
    The Story of My Feelings by Laurie Berkner, listen to music CD.
    The kids LOVE Mrs. PH and want to know where she is the next time I come to their class.

  • Katie Brinkman

    June 9, 2013 at 4:22 pm Reply

    I love your “meet the counselor” game! Would you be able to list all of the questions you used for the game? Or will this be available on your TpT store soon?
    Thank you 🙂

    • Vanessa

      June 11, 2013 at 3:42 pm Reply

      Hi, Katie! Thank you. Yes, it will be available sometime in July when I release my Meet the Counselor products on TpT. Thanks for your interest!

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