Guidance Lessons
Welcome to the Guidance Lesson page!
Below you will find information about the monthly guidance lesson topics. The fourth grade curriculum will focus on the different aspects of bullying and how students can become Upstanders. The fifth graders will review the anti-bullying lessons and then focus on Character Education topics.
September (4th & 5th Grade):
How the Counselor Can Help
The focus for this month's lesson is getting to know the counselor. I am introducing myself to all of the 4th grade classes and reconnecting with the 5th graders. Through a game and class discussion students will help me describe the different ways I can be useful to them (e.g. help with friendship problems, talk about different thoughts and feelings, making sure students feel safe, help with test anxiety, provide a place to calm down when school is overwhelming, etc.) I will also explain how students can make an appointment with me when they need my help.
October (4th Grade):
From Bystanders to Upstanders
Throughout October, I will be reviewing the concept of bullying. Students will discuss the three components of bullying, which are as follows:
- A student or group of students are bullying if they intentionally hurt someone with their words or actions,
- the actions/words are repeated,
- and there is a power imbalance between the students bullying and the ones being bullied.
The rest of the lesson will be a discussion about the various roles students play in a bullying situation. An activity will be used to demonstrate that there are almost always one or more bullies, one or more victims and a group of bystanders that all play a role. I will teach students how to be an Upstander instead of a bystander. The list of steps form the acronym STAND and students will have to choose the steps they take based on comfort level and the specific situation. I challenge all students to be an Upstander and stand up to bullying!
- Say "stop" to the bully (without bullying him or her with words or actions)
- Take the victim away (maybe invite them to play)
- Ask other students for help (so the power imbalance is in the victims favor)
- Notify an adult IMMEDIATELY
- Do your part to be an Upstander!
October (5th Grade):
Upstanders Curriculum Review
The fourth grade Upstander lessons cover a significant amount of bully-related topics. During the October lesson fifth graders will be playing review jeopardy to refresh their memories in a fun and engaging way. Topics reviewed are as follows: The steps to being an Upstander, the steps to being an Upstander during a case of cyber bullying, the difference between tattling and reporting, the role of empathy for an Upstander, handling a gossip situation and several more. I encourage you to discuss any of these topics with your child!
November (4th Grade):
Gossip as a Form of Verbal Bullying
Bullying is often viewed as a physical altercation between a large boy and a small boy. However, this is not the most common form of bullying (especially at MIS). Both boys and girls can bully by using actions AND words.
The November lesson will address the issue of gossip and how gossip can be a form of bullying. Through interactive classroom activities, students will see how gossip spreads and how it can harm friendships, hurt feelings and damage reputations. Students will also have the opportunity to use the STAND steps to diffuse gossip. Once again students will be challenged to:
Be an Upstander and Stand Up to Bullying!!
November (5th Grade):
Fifth grade students will do an activity focused on the character word, Appreciative.
December (4th Grade):
(Introduction to Ms. Perrine)
December (5th Grade):
Responsibility and Careers
Responsibility is the character Education word of December. Throughout the month we will be discussing the ways fifth graders can demonstrate responsibility. Students will also be introduced to a wide variety of possible career choices and the responsibilities that go with them. At the conclusion of each lesson, students will be provided with the following websites:
Both websites provide information on many different careers including but not limited to: Roles and responsibilities, training/education, salary, skills requires and so much more!
Enjoy the search!
January (4th Grade):
Bullying and Prejudice
The focus for the January guidance lesson is about bullying related to prejudice.