The day wasn't as busy so it was last time, so I was able to ask a lot of questions. I was able to sit-in on classroom guidance for 3rd grade,1st and kindergarteners. I also viewed a small group for 2nd graders called hunter's amazing remote control (self control).
The classroom guidance was very different from last time I sat-in(last time I shadowed I watched a classroom guidance for 5th graders). Even though this was the same lesson topic, (problem solving) she approached it in a different way. For the younger grades, (3rd, and 1st) she introduced the lesson by asking the kids if they wanted to become a problem solving star. Of course, they wanted to and were very intrigued how they would become a star. Another thing that I noticed,is she gave a lot of examples with stories and asked a lot more questions. She also used pictures of an event like not sharing and had the kids think of ideas. She believes that even though they might not understand it completely, once they are older they will already have this as a foundation and can start to implement this in their daily life. It was interesting to watch how she modified the same lesson to successfully reach all the grade levels. For the kindergarteners this was above there understanding so she showed a video about the subject work first then play and printed out a coloring page that went along with the movie.
I was very excited to see another small group. It was the last day of Hunter's remote, a self control small group that teach them tools for controlling one self. Each session they talk about one remote button and then at the end the kids can tape it to their desk and be able to apply that to the real world.
This is what each button stood for:
- Channel Changer- filter out distractions
- Pause-stop, to think and relax to create a plan
- Fast Forward-look to at the repercussions of these actions will have in the future.
- Rewind- shifting focus from past failure to future gain
- Slow motion- slow down when managing stress
- Coach- problem solving
- Zapper- recognizing and rejecting negative thoughts/feelings
- Way to Go- using positive talk
It was very interesting to see how the kids were understanding the concept and I was excited when I heard about the stories where the kids were apply it to their everyday lives.
After the small group I had time to ask her questions about her job. She was very real with me, which I appreciated. Not getting into the program last year I was well aware of the challenging aspect of becoming a school counselor. She said that if I wanted to find a job, I would have to be ready to either move or work at a charter school. Another tip she gave me is always have candy and make it fun with the kids, making them look forward to your visits helps them wanting to come to you when they need help in the future.
She also suggested maybe getting another masters in Clinical Mental health that way I will have more of a chance to get into the schools.
I am thrilled I got this experience to shadow her and cant wait what amazing experiences are in my future.
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