Buford Academy Counseling Information

School Counseling at Buford Academy

Why do we need Elementary School Counselors? What Does a School Counselor Do?

"The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success." (www.schoolcounselor.org)

Classroom Lessons

All students will receive developmentally appropriate classroom lessons. Lessons aim to build knowledge, skills, and attitudes across five areas of research-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies: Self Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making (CASEL). Counselors spend a week in each grade at a time visiting all classrooms and cycle through each grade level for the entire school year. Some of the topics covered include character education, bullying prevention, empathy, conflict resolution, emotion regulation, self-confidence, and communication.

Small Group

Students who may need additional support may be referred for a small group. Parents, teachers or school wide data may suggest a student would benefit from these skills based groups. Parent permission will be required for students to participate. Small groups usually meet weekly for 30 minutes 6-8 weeks. Topics covered in small groups may include: making and keeping friends, organization skills, changing families, and social skills.

Individual

School counselors are trained to work with all students and may provide short term one on one interventions if data indicates there is a need. We do not provide long term counseling but can be instrumental in offering support with referrals. Topics covered during individual counseling vary based on the need, but may include: conflict resolution, anger management, academic skill improvement (ie: organization skills, goal setting), coping with death, and managing crisis situations.