Social Skills are a very important part of the the total guidance
program. The purpose of small social skills groups is to enhance children's
communication skills and to encourage social interaction. Children's social
relationships have a tremendous impact on their academic, behavioral,
and emotional functioning. The groups will meet once a week and are
also known as Friendship Clubs.
Lunch Bunch groups are designed to help increase children's confidence
and sense of well-being. For the first five weeks, lunch bunch groups
will consist of students who are new to Pleasant Union. They will
have lunch with me, watch a guidance video while eating, and discuss
any concerns that they might have. The purpose of this group is to
help in the adjustment of students who are new to our school and to
provide a sense of belonging. After the first five weeks, lunch bunch
participants will either be self-referred, parent referred or teacher
referred.
Many children have to go through the pain and anguish that accompanies the
divorce or separation of their parents. During this difficult time,it means
a lot for children to understand that they are not alone and they have
someone to talk with about their feelings. "Banana Splits" is a special
support group for children who wish to help each other cope with the changes
happening in their families.
With increasing numbers of children diagnosed each year with ADHD, teachers
are constantly seeking approaches to help these students stay focused and be
successful in school. The "Hunter" group utilizes a book by Lori Copeland,
called "Hunter and His Amazing Remote Control." The remote control is used
to teach the elements of self-control, self-esteem, self-instruction and
social skills. The focus of the group is on the student's strengths, rather
than weaknesses.
"The Cool Kids Club" is an anger control group that helps children learn to
stay "cool" in "hot" situations. We will do a lot of work on self-esteem in
this group as well.
Other groups that I do throughout the year on an as needed basis include
"Copers" (for children having difficulties dealing with grief) and a group on
nutrition and healthy lifestyles for kids who are overweight.
This year, I will also offer a group geared toward 3rd and 4th graders
on "Test Taking and Taking Charge of School." This group will specifically
target kids with test anxiety, focusing problems and organizational
difficulties.
There are several ways that students can be referred for small groups:
1. Parent referral (beginning of the year surveys, phone call or e-mail to me)
2. Teacher referral (parents will be notified)
3. Student referral (parents will be notified)
Please remember that I can not guarantee that everyone who is referred to a
group will actually be in one. I will specifically target the kids who need
it most (based on teacher recommendation).