The School Counselor’s Small Group Guide (includes digital Student Journal)

Description

Each small group session is aligned with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success and gives counselors a complete framework to confidently lead engaging student discussions and activities. Whether you are a school counselor looking for time-saving counseling resources or an educator teaching specific SEL skills in the classroom, this workbook provides flexible lessons that can be adapted for different ages, student needs, and available time.

Inside each lesson, counselors and educators will find:

• Counselor Introduction: Background information explaining the SEL concepts and skills taught in each session
• Ice Breaker Activities: Engaging ways to build connections and create a positive small group environment
• Inspirational Quotes: Thought-provoking messages to encourage student reflection and discussion
• Age-Appropriate Book Recommendations: A bibliography of children’s books that support each social emotional learning topic
• Discussion Questions: Guided questions that encourage self-awareness, empathy, communication, and deeper thinking
• Hands-On Activities: Interactive exercises that allow students to practice and apply new skills
• Reproducible Student Journal Pages: Reflection activities that extend learning beyond the counseling group session

Students will explore important SEL skills through engaging lessons focused on:

• Developing empathy and understanding others
• Learning to be authentic and recognize personal strengths
• Creating meaningful intentions and goals
• Showing compassion and kindness toward others
• Understanding the importance of serving others
• Practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk
• Identifying and expressing emotions in healthy ways
• Reflecting on personal growth and lessons learned

Bonus Learning Features Include:

✓ ASCA-aligned small group counseling lessons
✓ Ready-to-use activities requiring minimal preparation
✓ Reproducible journal pages for student reflection
✓ Children’s literature connections for deeper learning
✓ Flexible lesson formats that can be shortened or expanded
✓ Practical tools for elementary school counseling programs
✓ SEL strategies that support emotional regulation, relationships, and personal growth

Who Will Benefit from This Book?

Elementary school counselors will appreciate the time-saving, structured format that makes planning and facilitating small groups easier.
School counseling programs can use these lessons to support student wellness, character development, and social emotional growth.
Teachers and educators can adapt the activities to teach specific SEL skills in classrooms, advisory groups, and enrichment programs.
School social workers, mental health professionals, and youth leaders will find engaging activities to help children develop emotional intelligence and positive relationships.

Whether you are starting a new small group, looking for fresh SEL activities, or building a comprehensive school counseling curriculum, The School Counselor’s Small Group Guide provides the tools needed to help students understand themselves, connect with others, and develop skills that support lifelong success.

Purchase the School Counselor Guide and get the digital Student Journal for FREE  This downloadable kid’s journal has fun getting to know you games, creative activities, and space to doodle, color, journal or let go of worries. Designed to help upper elementary age kids develop self-confidence and meaningful friendships, it can be used as a stand alone journal as well as a perfect companion to The School Counselor’s Small Group Guide.