Websites school counselors have found beneficial:
DESE: School Counselor K-12 Curriculum
http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/guidance-counseling/curriculum
DESE: Resources & Links:
http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling/resources-and-links
MSCA Crisis Manual
http://moschoolcounselor.org/files/2014/07/MSCA-Crisis-Manual-2017.pdf
Missouri Connections
https://mocis.intocareers.org/materials/portal/home.html
Interactive Assessments - Common Sense Education
https://assessments.commonsensemedia.org/Unit%20Assessment%20PDF%2010%2024.pdf
Individual, Small Group, Classroom Ideas - Elementary School Counseling
http://www.elementaryschoolcounseling.org/
Ideas of how to integrate technology into the classroom:
DESE: School Counselor K-12 Curriculum
http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/guidance-counseling/curriculum
DESE: Resources & Links:
http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling/resources-and-links
MSCA Crisis Manual
http://moschoolcounselor.org/files/2014/07/MSCA-Crisis-Manual-2017.pdf
Missouri Connections
https://mocis.intocareers.org/materials/portal/home.html
Interactive Assessments - Common Sense Education
https://assessments.commonsensemedia.org/Unit%20Assessment%20PDF%2010%2024.pdf
Individual, Small Group, Classroom Ideas - Elementary School Counseling
http://www.elementaryschoolcounseling.org/
Ideas of how to integrate technology into the classroom:
- Blogging. Teachers and counselors have been known to use journals as means for students to write what has been learned in class. Instead of using paper and pencil, turn to the internet and use a blog format to capture the reflections.
- Class blog. Some counselors already use blogs to post upcoming scholarship information, test taking strategies, and other items to help student learning. However, blogs can also be used to drive outside-of-the class discussion which is especially useful when in class time is limited to a few minutes a week.
- Commercials and advertising. We have college representatives, military recruiters, etc come to schools throughout the year to promote their path. One school counselor in San Francisco took a direction of promoting the school counseling role with a unique twist. She created several short commercial type videos covering topics such as character trait of the month and graduation requirements. These videos were played by teachers at the beginning of the day during announcements as well as on the televisions in the cafeteria and open areas.
- “Email” Pals. Just like the old fashion method of pen pals but in a quicker pace. One school counselor used email to connect at risk students with outside mentors. She established a big-brother-big-sister type of system with a college group and had her students become email pals. Another school counselor used email as a way to keep transfer students connected with their prior school.
- Internet Search. Before a new unit or lesson, search the internet to see if you can locate any supplemental materials. Sometimes we get comfortable with the materials we use, however, there may be more current pictures, videos, etc that can connect with students. Some teachers have found using museum webpages with virtual tours an exciting way to supplement lessons.
- Movies or Vines. Role playing is something that most school counselors incorporate into their curriculum. Some teachers are taking it a step further and having students create a short movie or vine.
- Podcast. There are thousands of podcasts available on the internet. You can download and play various podcasts related to career and job searches, college planning, or study skills just to name a few. You could even have students create their own podcast on a specific topic.
- PowerPoint and the Internet. Everyone has guidance lessons for each particular topic and grade level. One school counselor in Ohio has started putting her high school lessons in PowerPoint format and then uploading them to her link on the school webpage. This way a student can refer back and parents can access the information. She has found it beneficial when discussing graduation requirements, careers, and scholarships.
- PowerPoint templates. Counselors can create review games based on famous television shows, including “Family Feud,” “Jeopardy!” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Templates for these games are available online to download and revise.
- Publish students’ work. Students can use technology to create short films on topics such as stress management or friendships. Students can also create online collages covering subjects such as tobacco use or safety while driving a vehicle. The technology used can then be uploaded to a school counselor website or used during in class presentations. You could also go “low tech” and have students write stories which then can be published into books.
- Smartboards. Instead of using paper type sorting games, charts, flashcards, etc., place the content on an interactive board and have individual students or groups work on the task. One teacher put items on a cloud drive so that students could use tablets while he used the interactive board.
- Twitter. Have students summarize the lesson in a few words on a sticky note much like as if they were sending a “tweet.” While this might not use the technology directly, students will connect with the concept.
- Webpage. From basic information about the school counselor office to more detailed data related to academic/social/personal fields, webpages are a good means to reach out to students and parents about the school counselor department.
- Webquest. Have students search the internet for specific information on a topic. For instance, students might be given the task of hiring an employee. Have them look for qualities of a good employee and then explain the information.