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Health & Guidance

Health & Guidance

The focus of the Primary School Guidance program is to facilitate the learning process for students. Time is spent in consultation with the adults who are in the most contact with the students, addressing issues which may interfere with a students learning process. An example would be a child who is experiencing teasing, and cannot get that out of their mind during class time. To help the child learn coping skills, I may work with the teacher, do a class lesson on teasing or talk with the child (or all three). The course of action is determined by consultations with the teacher and/or the student. Many times the parent has brought the issue to our attention and becomes involved in this process. It is important for parents to be a part of this process for they are the child's greatest resource.

Class lessons are provided on topics such as: empathy, impulse control, anger management and getting along with each other. Kindergarten and first grade have set curriculums. Any teacher can request a topic based on the needs of the class at any time during the year. These class lessons are an efficient and effective way to address issues from a particular child, like teasing, that may actually affect many of his/her classmates.
Small group counseling is another vehicle to address needs our students have. Social skills and family change are areas that lend themselves to this format. Children spend 6-8 weekly sessions coming together with the counselor to share and learn coping skills in these areas. "New kids" get a special time to come together to share feelings and thoughts.