280. Best of SCS: How to Design Small Group Curriculum That Works

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. Today we are doing a throwback to one of my favorite episodes, all about how to design a small group curriculum that actually works.

In this episode, we are getting into the meat and potatoes of small group curriculum. My goal is to make the process simple, realistic, and easy to implement so you can confidently design groups that support your students and meet your counseling goals.

When it comes to small group curriculum, you are likely doing one of two things. You may be using activities or curriculum that you have already purchased, such as hard copy books provided by your school or resources from Teachers Pay Teachers. Or you may be creating your own curriculum from scratch because one has not been provided for you.

No matter which route you choose, there are six steps you can follow to design a small group curriculum that works.

1. Identify your topic
   Start by identifying your small group topic using referral data or student needs. For example, you may notice a need for a self control group.
   
   

2. Outline your weeks with ASCA aligned objectives
   Determine the length of your group, typically six to eight weeks. Choose one clear objective for each week. Align each objective with an ASCA mindset and behavior that matches your goal. Once this is complete, type out your weekly outline so you have a clear plan to follow.
   
   

3. Select your icebreakers
   Icebreakers are especially important during the first session to help students feel comfortable and connected. Choose simple activities that build rapport and introduce the group structure.
   
   

4. Select your activities
   Activities are the core of each session. Look closely at your weekly objective and choose an activity that directly supports that skill or concept. This ensures your sessions stay focused and intentional.
   
   

5. Select a reflection piece
   Reflection is a powerful part of student learning. Journals work especially well for small groups. Even five minutes of reflection can help students process what they learned and apply it outside of the session.
   
   

6. Create your self assessment
   Data collection is essential for tailoring your sessions and tracking student progress. Create a self assessment that is based on your weekly objectives so you can measure growth throughout the group.
   
   

This framework helps you stay organized, intentional, and data driven while creating small groups that truly support your students.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Join IMPACT

• Group Bundle

• Group Cheat Sheet

• ASCA Mindset and behaviors

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More About School Counseling Simplified:

School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.

You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!