3 Back To School Counseling Lessons For 2020
The back to school season is upon us. This year, however, things are going to look a little different. These 3 back to school counseling lessons for 2020 are perfect for helping your students process their feelings COVID-19 pandemic and providing support as we move into the school year. The lessons can be done in person or virtually and will help you start your year off on the right foot!
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#1 - Do A Feelings Check-In
The COVID-19 pandemic has led everyone to experience a wide range of emotions. Stuck at home, many students have had no one to process these difficult emotions with. For this feelings check-in, give students objects that are different colors. You can use pom-poms, pieces of paper, or whatever the students have access to. Each color will represent a different emotion. For example, red for angry, blue for sad, green for happy, and so on. Then, ask the students questions that will help them reflect on their feelings around the pandemic, distance learning, etc. Students will respond by holding up the object that best corresponds with their emotion.
Here are some sample questions:
How did you feel when our school first switched to distance learning?
How did you feel in the middle of distance learning?
How did your feelings change about distance learning?
How did you feel when everything closed?
How did you feel when distance learning ended?
How did you feel when things started to re-open?
How did you feel when the plan for school in the fall was announced?
If time permits, ask students follow up questions about why they felt the way they did, or encourage them to reflect on how their feelings have changed throughout the course of the pandemic.
#2 - Introduce The Role Of The School Counselor
Making sure students know what you do and how you can help them will be crucial this year. Even if a “meet the counselor” lesson isn’t usually part of your back to school routine, consider it this year. Students are undergoing so much stress and change. Reminding them of your role can be a great way to remind them that support is there if and when they need it.
If you are looking for an engaging lesson that will help you explain your role, grab this Meet The Counselor Google Slides Game. It includes 30 questions that will help you explain your role. The game can be used while maintaining social distancing, or over video chat and the questions are all editable to best meet your needs.
#3 - Read The Book “First Day Jitters”
The book “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg is a classic back to school book that helps students realize that they aren’t alone in their worries. Coming back to school (or continuing distance learning) may cause an uptick in anxious students. This read aloud is a great way to remind kids that having the first day jitters is normal! Here are some follow up questions you can use with the book:
Do you think that teachers get nervous about the first day of school? Why or why not?
Did you feel nervous about the first day of school?
Did you feel more or less nervous than you normally do?
What are some things that help you when you are feeling nervous?
The beginning of this school year might look different this year than it has in the past. My hope is that these back to school counseling lessons will help you and your students feel supported as we enter into another great year.
