Role of the Counselor
True or False
The school counselor's main job is to give student's consequences when they break school rules.
False! Ms. Turkish (principal/head of lower school) handles discipline.
True or False:
The counselor only helps with problems that happen at school, not at home or outside of school.
False! If something happens outside of school that is making it hard to focus or feel happy, I'm here to help!
True or False?
A teacher has to request a student to be seen by the counselor.
False! Students are always allowed to ask a teacher to see me.
Myth or Fact?
Seeing the counselor means there's something "wrong" with you.
Myth! Everyone faces challenges and seeing the counselor is a healthy way to help work through problems.
What is RALP's mascot's name?
AND
What is one way a 3rd grader can show what "We are RALP" means?
Pat the Patriot
What is one major difference between your classroom teacher and the school counselor?
You and a friend are stuck on an argument and cannot agree on a solution. How can the counselor help?
Have a safe space for you to talk it out, actively listen to the problem, help come up with a compromise, etc.
Name two other adults at school the counselor might team up with to support a student.
Teachers, Ms. Turkish, Ms. A, DDS, special teachers, etc.
You wake up with a stomachache and runny nose so when you get to school you go see the counselor.
Myth! Nurse Laura is there to help if you are feeling sick. I help with feelings and thoughts!
Name two different settings or ways you might work with the school counselor.
Scenario:
Maya feels left out at recess every day but is scared to ask a to join a group to play with. What can the counselor work on with Maya to help her?
Practice what she can say to a group, do a lunch group to help introduce Maya to other friends, help build confidence, etc.
Who does the counselor work with?
A. Only students who ask
B. Only teachers
C. Students, families, teachers, and schoo staff
C. Students, families, teachers, and schoo staff
Myth or Fact?
You can go see the counselor to share good news and when you are feeling happy and excited.
Fact! I love to hear good news and help with all emotions not just when you're feeling sad, angry, or upset.
Complete the sentence:
The school counselor is a safe adult who helps students develop skills for...
Name two coping strategies you can use when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Deep breathing, box breathing, coloring, taking a break, positive self-talk, etc
Why might a counselor talk with a student parent's or family?
To work as a team to support the student both at home and school.
The counselor will tell other people what we talk about.
Myth! I will only tell someone else what we talk about if:
You give me permission
You are unsafe
Someone else is unsafe