Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease.
Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence.
How to Set Up Counseling Groups
Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments.
Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind.
Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling.
Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection.
Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers.
Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games.
Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress.
How to Lead Engaging Small Groups
Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't.
Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork.
Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster.
Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards.
End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress.
By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally.
Resources Mentioned:
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!
