I am excited to team up with Scrapbook of a School Counselor for a Linky Party! Click on the logo below to join the party.
I am glad that we are discussing Lunch Bunch because it is one of the many areas in which I need improvement. I have somewhat started to organize these groups; however, I need to brainstorm with other counselors to get new/better ideas.
To me, Lunch Bunch is a time to build relationships with students. In school counseling, it is important to build rapport before the student ever needs individual counseling because we do not have the time that clinical counselors do. This program is a great way to connect with kids. It can also be a good way to identify kids that might need individual or group counseling.
I mostly talk and build relationships. However, I have some get to know you games that I sometimes pull out to use. My favorite game to use is "I Mustache You A Question" conversation game. I got this game on TeachersPayTeachers for free. Click on the button below for the link.
This is the part I struggle with. Right now, I am asking students to participate who are recommended by my teachers and/or principals. The students recommended might be struggling with self-esteem, making friends, or behavior. The extra attention will hopefully help these students. I am constantly looking for better ways to organize my groups.
Sometimes my Lunch Bunches are formal and sometimes they are very informal. With my younger students (3, 4, and 5 year olds), I often just go eat lunch with the students at their lunch tables because of the trouble of moving locations with young kids. I sometimes do this with my older students as well, but most of the time we go to my classroom or a special part of the cafeteria, depending on my building location.
Please understand that this is an area I am working to improve. I would love any feedback! Let me know about what you are doing in your Lunch Bunches! :)
Please understand that this is an area I am working to improve. I would love any feedback! Let me know about what you are doing in your Lunch Bunches! :)