School Counseling Hot Topic Referrals
Do you ever find yourself getting multiple counseling referrals for the same hot topics? When you have a high area of need, sometimes you need to teach and reinforce the same skill across all three tiers!
In my experience some hot topics have been anxiety and self-control. I recommend taking a comprehensive approach to teaching social-emotional skills by covering class lessons, small groups, and individual activities on the same topic. Check out these ideas for reaching students at each level.
Teaching Anxiety Across Three Tiers of School Counseling
Tier 1: Take a preventative approach by teaching an anxiety class lesson that explains the brain science behind the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala.
Tier 2: Meet with kiddos in a group setting to dive deeper and determine their fake vs factual fears. Or discuss the anxiety and insecurities of an inner coach and critic in a small group with older students.
Tier 3: In an individual setting you can help students process their anxiety by using coping skills choice boards and journaling techniques like gradual exposure.
Get my anxiety three tiered curriculum set here.
Teaching Self-Control Across Three Tiers of School Counseling
Tier 1: Take a preventative approach by teaching a self-control class lesson that helps students assemble a self-control "toolbox" full of coping strategies.
Tier 2: Meet with primary kiddos in a group setting to practice impulse control strategies through movement based games. Or discuss thought patterns and taking accountability for their choices in a small group with older students.
Tier 3: In an individual setting you can help students learn self-control strategies through role play and social stories.
Get my self-control three tiered curriculum set here.
I also see a high need with topics like anger management, growth mindset, self-esteem, and self-regulation.
If you’re looking for something even more comprehensive be sure to check out this three tiered curriculum. With 20 class lessons, 20 small groups, and 11 individual curricula, you'll have everything you need to implement a comprehensive three-tiered school counseling program.
Counselors who are in my IMPACT membership get all of my curriculum PLUS everything else in my store included.
Hopefully these ideas leave you feeling inspired to reach and teach students at each level of intervention.