I Like Myself!!

I continued guidance lessons with second grade this week and we have had a wonderful time together.  Our focus for this week has been self-esteem and the students' 'uniqueness.'  I began the lesson by reading I Like Myself, which is written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow (Ms. R's favorite illustrator!).  This rhyming book engages students and helps them realize that we are ALL wonderful, even if we have flaws.  They are encouraged to 'like' themselves too.  After reading, students were given a template of a flower and asked to identify FIVE traits about themselves that they like.  

I showed them my example and asked them to create their own.  This student likes his family, reading, baseball, jumping on trampolines, and dancing.

This student told us that he likes reading, writing, and art; kittens; I Spy and Sea Life books; and soccer.

After labeling, coloring, and cutting, each student was given a 'stem' cut from dark green construction paper.  I borrowed this lesson from Professional School Counseling.  I loved this activity and I plan to use it with first grade when I see them.

Have a great week!

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year!

Hello, Gracemor Families!

We hope you and your family had a happy and safe summer and are now in the swing of things with school.  This year, Gracemor Elementary will again have two counselors.  Kirsten Muller is one of our Elementary Counselors.  She also serves as an e-Campus instructor. She has grades 2, 4, and 5. Jennifer Bagby is the other counselor at Gracemor and she has grades K, 1, and 3.

As the Gracemor Counselors, we will structure our day within the frameworks of the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program.  The program provides four basic program components:  Guidance Curriculum (K-5 – weekly classroom counseling lessons), Individual Student Planning (assessment, academic assistance, behavior plans, etc.), Responsive Services (small groups, individual counseling, crisis counseling, etc.), and System Support (in-services, program management, program evaluation, parent, faculty and building support).

The curriculum is divided into three content areas: Personal and Social Development, Academic Development and Career Development.  The Missouri Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program, the district curriculum, and other materials will be used for classroom and small group presentations with students.   Some of the topics discussed during groups will be: Self Awareness, Decision Making, Feelings, Social Skills, Careers, Study Skills and more.  The Gracemor Counseling Program will also support the school-wide Positive Behavior Support Program.

We are looking forward to having a great year and hope to meet many of you in the near future.  If we can be of assistance to you, please contact my counseling office at 816-413-6484.