If I had to sum up my organization philosophy, it would be to think about it once and make it easy for yourself in the future. I've been using the Solution Focused counseling technique for most of my students for many years. It's helpful to write down what they say so that I can remember where we are each time quickly and without a lot of digging. To do this, I keep a clipboard with all of my current students on it. This clipboard stays in my office and is kept in a confidential spot so their information is not shared with everyone.
The "path to solutions" guide includes questions to ask in each stage of the process and guides you right through the solution focused theory. This is also really helpful for new counselors or experienced counselors who are practicing a new theory.
On the back, there is a spot to keep a log of the student's scaling and a few notes about their progress. If I need to go back through the process with the student to identify other solutions, I just use a different color pen so I can keep it all straight. I have some pages that have 3-4 colors of pen written all over them! When a student is seen for a completely separate concern, I use a new paper.
To help elementary students scale, I created a mood meter that uses smiley stars to correspond with the scale numbers. This helps students to pinpoint where they are on the scale. I have a bunch of these printed out and laminated in a library pocket in my office. I have even had students reach over for one without being prompted! If they are laminated, students can write on them with vis a vis pens or dry erase markers each time they come in. When they are no longer receiving individual counseling, you can easily erase the marks.
This whole set is available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
This whole set is available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
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