From the Chair: Preparation + Practice = Effective + Engaging Lessons

Welcome back! As we work to develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs based on the identified needs of students and the school community, we must remember that a critical part of program implementation involves the delivery of core curriculum to all students. How can school counselors develop classroom management skills to best deliver the content identified as a need for all students? Several key factors happen before entering a class.

• Use a lesson planning tool. Using a tool like ASCA’s lesson planning template will help focus the lesson on specific learning objectives related to the mindsets and behavior standards. Careful planning of what students are expected to know, believe and be able to do helps drive the content and evaluation of the lesson. On the planning template, the materials and procedures must be given critical thought as well as the method and type of data collection.
• Create engaging lessons. Consider winning students’ attention through experiential, cooperative, interactive and technology-driven instruction. This will help ensure higher levels of participation, understanding and retention of knowledge. Find inspiration and ideas on this Pinterest page or check some of the best school counseling sites.
• Go to the experts. Meet with the teacher before a scheduled lesson to understand the rituals and routines of the classroom. Also, look to the lead teachers to observe and learn how a well-prepared teacher manages the class and delivers effective instruction. Engage your teachers as allies and honor their skills and experience.
• Set consistent expectations for lessons. Ground rules are a critical part of an effective lesson or group session. Students must know the expectations for listening, sharing and questioning. Have a consistent greeting and closure. Establish a method of getting the attention of the whole group. Learn to use consistent language to set expectations for behavior and redirect students to the content and purpose of the lesson when necessary. Along with your prepared, engaging lesson and data-gathering methods, bring your warm heart and your best smile to every class.
• Practice and reflect. As school counselors, we are familiar with students who place high expectations on themselves and get frustrated when the end result of their work is not exactly what they expected. We teach students to see the value of effort and to learn from mistakes. We must see the value in our effort as we strive to be more effective in delivering core content through classroom instruction. Reflection and a commitment to continuous learning are a must as we continue to develop our classroom management skills.

Preparation and practice are required to engage and teach students effectively. Let’s remember how rewarding it is when we hear the language of our lessons being echoed in the hallways and make sure our students know that we are life learners who are willing to work for their needs.
See you at the conference in November!

Contact Beth Jenkins, M.Ed., FSCA Governing Board Chair, at president@fl-schoolcounselor.org.