This group stands for "Students Owning Academic Responsibility," and it is a group offered to 2nd or 3rd grade students who may need extra academic support. The topics for this group are: listening and attending, organization, homework strategies, reducing test-taking anxiety, and attitude/work ethic. Activities used in this group can be found below!
Image found on: http://beyondgoldstars.blogspot.com/2013/08/robot-themed-whole-body-listener.html
Whole Body Listening: This robot visual is a useful tool to teach students what it means to be a "whole body listener." Following the discussion, I read a story and asked questions at the end, requiring them to recall specific details from the story. This allows the students to see the importance of whole body listening, and also things that may prevent it (e.g., talking, doodling, fidgeting, etc.).
Homework Strategies: In this session, students learn various homework tips that can help with focus and completion (tip sheet can be found above). In addition, students receive a laminated homework checklist with a dry erase marker, which allows them to prioritize their homework and check it off upon completion.
Relaxation Game: This game is a fun way to practice test-taking strategies to reduce anxiety. Many students (like myself) face test-taking anxiety and need coping strategies for big tests like the SOL. Each student receives a handful of skittles and the group facilitator has the coding sheet (which is shown above). The facilitator will call out a color and the students who have the color practice the technique above. They learn ways to cope when facing test anxiety in a fun (and yummy) way!
Test Controller: The game controller visual is an excellent tool to teach students test-taking strategies. Teachers often teach strategies in class, but some students need extra reminders. This visual makes it very relatable and empowering, because they can metaphorically "control" the test!
The Effort Meter: Effort and work ethic can be an abstract concept to teach to young children, especially in terms of gauging it. This colorful scale is very helpful for students to identify how much effort they put in to something. By doing so, students learn to own responsibility for their academic performance, because they have a better understanding of effort. By scaling, counselors and teachers can also assess growth and progress!
Pre and Post Evaluation: This scaling evaluation is aligned with the goals of this group, and was given to teachers prior to the start of the group in order to assess the students' current academic qualities. It will be given to teachers again a few weeks after the group has ended in order to evaluate progress.