This year my intern and I did a resiliency small group in 3rd- 5th grade. We identified students through attendance, referrals for suicide and threat assessments, frequently clinic visits, and other behavior concerns. The majority of the members had been through a trauma, so one of our goals was to increase coping skills and help students develop “grit.” I really enjoyed the group and we had excellent results. Here is a brief outline and the books we used.
Session 1- Introductions and Icebreakers
Wild About Us by Karen Beaumont
Session 2- Healthy Habits
The First Lady Reads Dr. Seuss’s “Oh The Things You Can Do That Are Good For You” available on YouTube
Session 3- Goal Setting
Students had a choice between:
Happy Dreamer by Peter Reynolds
Big Plans by Bob Shea and Lane Smith– this was hands down the students favorite pick.
Session 4 – Problem Solving
What Do You Do With A Problem? by Kobi Yamada
Session 5- Emotional Knowledge
Students had a choice between:
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker
Wild Feelings by David Milgrim
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
Session 6- Stress Management
Session 7- Self Esteem
Session 8- Social Competency/Friendship
Students got to pick between:
You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown
Session 9- Wrap up
Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
*Due to scheduling we had to take out one session. Ideally you would add:
Session 6- Empathy
The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber and illustrated by Kristie Edmunds
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Find more here: https://tinybop.com/blog/13-books-to-spark-conversations-about-empathy
This would make “wrap up” the last session for a total of 10.
Pawsitive School Counselor 