Transition to Middle School
The transition to middle school group is very popular among the 6th graders. (In some schools students transition at the end of 5th grade.) It is a time for many developmental changes so the students have many questions and concerns about what the next phase of their life will be like.
I begin offering the group late January. The group meets for 6 sessions for 30 minutes. There are generally 8 -10 students in the group. Traditionally I keeps girls and boys in separate groups, however, for this group I will mix them together.
The group is set up more as an educational, information getting group with an opportunity to share some of their personal concerns. Prior to the group's first meeting I go over the main purposes of the group with all students. Students who want to participate send me a note. I set up the groups from these referrals.
Student who participate in the Middle School Transition group quickly get into the working phase of group. One of my goals as the counselor is to help the students identify their strengths and discover ways to tap into them next year. (or any new transitions that come in the future.) Although I may tell them this, the key is for their personal discovery in group. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz... she had the answer all along.
Session One
Session Two
Session Three
Session Four
Session Five
Session Six
You may want to show the following slide show at one of the sessions.
I begin offering the group late January. The group meets for 6 sessions for 30 minutes. There are generally 8 -10 students in the group. Traditionally I keeps girls and boys in separate groups, however, for this group I will mix them together.
The group is set up more as an educational, information getting group with an opportunity to share some of their personal concerns. Prior to the group's first meeting I go over the main purposes of the group with all students. Students who want to participate send me a note. I set up the groups from these referrals.
Student who participate in the Middle School Transition group quickly get into the working phase of group. One of my goals as the counselor is to help the students identify their strengths and discover ways to tap into them next year. (or any new transitions that come in the future.) Although I may tell them this, the key is for their personal discovery in group. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz... she had the answer all along.
Session One
- Review the purpose of group which is to hear their questions, thoughts, concerns and to learn from others.
- Review about confidentiality, respectful listening, right to pass and commitment to group. Unlike other groups I do allow the 6th graders to terminate group early if their questions and concerns have been answered. At that time I bring in new members and then review.
- We talk about the mixed feelings that students have as the years comes to an end. Most 6th graders are excited about the upcoming changes but also reluctant to leave what is familiar. We have a conversation about what they are experiencing and why they thought group would be helpful to them.
- I tell them that in this group, in addition to talking about their feelings I will be answering their questions about middle school. We will also have a session where we practicing opening combination locks so that they will be prepared on the first day of school to open their lockers.
Session Two
- We do a brainstorming session of all their questions and concerns. At the end of this 25 minute rapid fire of emotions I summarize their comments and break them into three major categories which we will look at in the next following weeks. Although not always the case, the most common 3 categories are making new friends, keeping up with 7 classes/homework, and learning about the logistics of changing classes (opening lockers etc)
- If the students do not have a lot of questions or concerns I tell them what other kids in the past have been concerned with. This begins generating some ideas.
- Close out: Say, "We've heard all of your questions and concerns so I want to end with each of you sharing one thing that you have as a strength that you can bring with you next year. For example, I moved a lot because my husband was in the army. I had to get new jobs at schools about every two years. Even though I was always nervous I knew I had a nice smile. If I smiled them my nervousness didn't show as much."
Session Three
- We look at their questions/fears/concerns about making friends.
- In this group it is open discussion. I also would share tips such as making arrangements before hand for who you will sit with at lunch.
- Close out: Feedback sharing time. This is when one student shares some positive feedback about another group member. In this case something they have noticed that would help them in making new friends.
Session Four
- We look at their questions/fears/concerns about having seven classes and workload/homework.
- In this group it is open discussion. I also would share tips such as getting color coded notebooks and how to use the lockers efficiently.
- Close out: Students share what they do now that has been working for them. Or what they will try to make things better now in 6th grade (to develop a habit for next year)
Session Five
- We look at their questions/fears/concerns about changing classes and lockers
- In this group it is open discussion. Share with them all the details you know about the new school. It is helpful to have maps of the middle school etc.
- I have a bunch of combination locks. After going over the steps of opening a combination lock the students practice.
- This is a lively group. As soon as one student has mastered the locks he/she will help another
Session Six
- We talk about what they have learned or discovered about themselves and others
- We talk about something they will take away with them from this group that will help them next year
- The close out: When I started this group I was __________________ now I am _________________.
You may want to show the following slide show at one of the sessions.
|