In all of my group counseling plans, I create and stick to a routine for the duration of the group. It helps keep us focused and on track while we work together. I might have a different routine for anger group than worry group, but each group has their own familiar routine that students can grow to expect. Below you’ll find my elementary group counseling routine I stick to with K-2.
Elementary Group Counseling Routine
1- Tactile Feelings Check In
We do some sort of feelings check in that students can complete independently and silently while group members arrive. This sometimes looks like a feelings flip chart, sometimes it’s making feelings faces out of play dough, or sometimes it’s using a feelings scale. Anything that gives them time to think about how they’re feeling and use their hands!
2- Breathing Exercise
When everyone has arrived, we do a breathing exercise together. It’s something short, but just a small time for us to get focused together as a group.
3- Circle Check In
Next, we do our structured check in. There are a lot of options for this, and I keep it the same throughout the group for structure and consistency. Lately, my go-to has been sunshine, cloud, rainbow.
4- Instruction
Next, I do our group instruction on whatever the topic is. This is sometimes from a story and sometimes with visuals, but always short and sweet! I keep it focused on one basic skill or strategy at a time.
5- Practice
Then, students have time to practice the skill on their own, with a partner, or as a small group. We do things like matching puzzles, role plays, games, or cut and paste sorts depending on the topic.
6-Tactile Feelings Check Out
Before we go, students complete their feelings check out. If it’s age appropriate, they also set goals for using their newly learning skills between sessions!
