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a small group of fourth grade boys, ages 8-9, will meet once a week for a short time to better their interactions within same gender peer relationships.

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The goal is to have the group master these ASCA mindsets:

B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills

B-SS 2. Positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students who are similar to and different from them

B-SS 9. Social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment

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Plan:

1. When school starts I will relay the information about the boys group to the fourth grade teachers, by word of mouth.

2. Send a formal email to the fourth grade teachers asking for nominations for boys who may benefit from the group about a month into school. Follow up email two weeks later.

3. Create a flyer to send home to the fourth grade boys with a QR code for parent nominations after teacher nominations are tallied.

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American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2014-code-of-ethics-finaladdress.pdf

Cherry, K. (June 27, 2023). How to lead: 6 leadership styles. Very Well Mind.             https://www.verywellmind.com/leadership-styles-2795312

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015). Professional school counselor small group counseling guide: A professional school counselor’s guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating school-based counseling groups. Retrieved from https://dese.mo.gov/sites/default/files/guid-respon-serv-small-group-counseling-guide-2015.pdf

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015). Professional school counselor small group counseling guide: A professional school counselor’s guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating school-based counseling groups. Retrieved from https://www.missouricareereducation.org/doc/smallgroup/SmallGroupCounseling.pdf

2 Texas Education Code § 33

Yalom ID. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York: Basic Books.

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1. Once all the data and nominations are in I will compile a list of 10 names.

2. I will pull all 10 boys in as a group and will explain the purpose and goals of the group.

3. I will explain that they were nominated or viewed as could benefit.

4. I will hand out a survey for each boy to complete privately. Such questions will include an interest rating scale, a commitment scale, and needs assessment questions.

5. Once each 10 boys have finished the survey, I will assess the data and eliminate based on highest need. The ideal number is 5. If there is enough interest two groups can be made.

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015).

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Parents should sign a consent form before their student participates in a group sessional. Since it is optional, a student without parent consent can't participate.

Before every counseling session begins, the counselors informs the student of confidentiality, and lets them know whatever is said remains in the walls of the office, unless it involves harm. Ethical and Legal codes require school officials to report any reports.

According to my school counselor, there is a new policy this year. If a student reports self-harm or suicidal thoughts, a counselor must call the parent and receive their consent before proceeding with the counseling. Should a parent deny consent the school must have them sign a form and release the student to their care.

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Stage 1 "Getting acquainted/setting norms/building trust: called the 'Storming/Norming Stage'.” The goal of this stage is to get acquainted with one another. I will start the first couple of sessions with ice breakers. This will help us get to know one another and get more comfortable. Together we will establish our set of norms. Some rules I will write and make mandatory are no judgement and confidentiality, but I think them coming up with norms of their own will hold them accountable and help them take ownership. Boys this young cannot give consent, so I will make sure their parents do. We will discuss confidentiality, and how their are certain things by law I can't keep to myself (like harm). Overall, we should all strive to keep what is said in group, in group.

Stage 2 the “Performing Stage.” We will adhere to specific lesson plans and goals to accomplish. I will use theories and therapeutic factors to help the group accomplish these goals. I think during this time we might to an assessment and mid-point check in. This could be a good time to goal set for the rest of the sessions. A constant reminder of the group norms and allowing everyone to participate may be needed.

Stage 3 Ending the Group: Closure. This is when the final assessment take place, and we will analyze our goal setting sheet. I think signing a contract to keep all things confidential would be a great idea to insure that happens. When kids are this young having a tangible item to keep with them, like a keychain or something small, to remember the work that is done could be useful. I plan to end my group session with a keepsake and certificate to celebrate our gains.

Missouri Professional School Counselors and Counselor Educators. (2015).

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I think a participative/democratic leadership style is the best. "Participative leaders encourage group members to participate, but retain the final say in the decision-making process" states Cherry (2023). At this age, to be the most effective the students have to be making the decisions and doing more of the engaging. The group overall, will be more engaged and productive if the leader is modeling expectations and participating but allowing them to make most of the guiding and talking.

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Using Yalom's therapeutic factors, and understanding that the group is young a technique I would start off with is an Impartation of Knowledge. Knowing this group's goal is to better handle conflict and establish strong relationships, many tools will need to be taught to the boys.

Next, it has been my experience that children learn best from each other. Another technique that will be used is Imitation behavior. The boys will be able to learn from one another and take on characteristics of those "who function more adequately".

Lastly, because this is my style and fits my personality the best, Instillation of Hope will be used. I truly believe if you teach the coping strategies and help clients put in the work, counseling does wonders.

Yalom ID. (1995).

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According to the Texas code, Sec. 33.002. state by law all schools need to employ a certified counselor either part-time or full time based on population.

Sec. 33.005 of the Texas Code lays out the importance of the comprehensive school counseling program into four domains, Guidance, Responsive Services, Individual Planning, and System Support.

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Our Group rules:

1. What is said in group stays in group.

2. Only one person should talk at a time.

3. Don't make fun of what others say

4. Don't argue

5. Try your best

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In the ASCA code of ethics states A.9.b. Protecting Clients In a group setting, counselors take reasonable precautions to protect clients from physical, emotional, or psychological trauma.

Group settings can be tricky because you are dealing with multiple personalities with different triggers. It is the ethical responsibility of the counselor to make as safe an environment as possible for the student.