Willow Elementary
Social Emotional Supports
There are a minimum of two grade level ICAP lessons delivered every year, in the classroom, by the School Counselor. Though the two lessons are required, the School Counselor works with teachers and staff to expand upon those lessons in meaningful ways; including additional in class lessons, school wide initiatives, guest speakers, small groups when appropriate, among others!
​
Please look below for more details on the Grade Level lessons as well as ways family members might be able to be a guest Career Speaker for a small group, a classroom, a grade level, or larger group.
​
This year, and into the future, we will continue to expand upon the ICAP lessons in meaningful ways for our K-5 students as well as into our ECE Classrooms.
​
​
Lesson 1: Who is My School Counselor?
-
Students meet their School Counselor and learn what a School Counselor does.
​
Lesson 2: Career Exploration
-
School Counselor reads the book "Whose Hat Is This?" Students discuss future careers and draw themselves in a career(s) they are interested in.
Lesson 1: Post-Secondary Options Exploration
-
Students discuss their education path; Elementary, Middle, and High School and then brainstorm and discuss Post-Secondary options.
​
Lesson 2: Career Exploration
-
School Counselor reads the book "Career Day"
Students discuss future career options and draw themselves in a career(s) they are interested in.
Lesson 1: STEM Careers
-
Students learn about and discuss STEM Career options. They watch a video and draw themselves in a STEM Career of interest.
​
Lesson 2: SMART Goals
-
Students learn about SMART goals, discuss goal setting, and write their own SMART goal.
Lesson 1: Career Skill Exploration
-
Students discuss skills that are important to future employers and colleges and what those skills look like in their current roles as students. They identify their strengths and draw themselves using that strength in class.
​
Lesson 2: Test Prep
-
Students talk about big tests and projects. Classroom discussions center around test taking tips, best ways to prepare, and how to manage anxiety both before, during and after big tests or projects.
Lesson 1: Understanding your Report Card
-
Students learn and explore the various parts of their report cards, what standards based grading means, and how they can reach out for extra supports if needed.
​
Lesson 2: Cost of Living Game
-
Students learn about paychecks, cost of living, and basic budgets. Students select a career and, through the game, make decisions that impact their budgets; paying rent, selecting transportation, food costs, entertainment, etc.
Lesson 1: Learning Styles
-
Students learn about three main learning styles, take a learning style quiz to discover their strongest, and learn study tips and hints to help them be successful in class.
​
Lesson 2: Post-Secondary Exploration
-
Students learn, brainstorm, and explore various Post-Secondary options.
We would like to invite YOU—parents, family, friends, and community members—to add your names and careers to our list of possible Career Speakers for Willow Elementary students. ALL careers are welcome! Having a variety of speakers with a variety of careers helps our students see the great many options they have for their own careers. Our students are interested in learning what you do and why you chose to do that. They have a wide variety of interests and we would love to continue to open up their options. Speakers may be invited to speak to a single classroom, a small group, a grade level, or even to a much larger, multi-grade level group. Some speakers may be tied to classroom content that is being learned at the time while some may be asked to be part of a general Career Speaker Chat series.
​
Things to know about being a guest Career Speaker:
-
Most Speaker Sessions run about 30-35 minutes.
-
While all Speaker Sessions will be during the School Day, there is some flexibility with the timing. We will work together to find a time that fits!
-
You can choose how formal or informal their sessions are. Some speakers have prepared slides while others have gone for a more informal conversational approach.
-
As we have students who speak multiple languages, we welcome speakers who speak multiple languages. You can let us know which language(s) you feel most comfortable speaking.
Many speakers are nervous to volunteer but in my experience, all end up finding it enjoyable and that the students are very interested in what you have to share with them. If you aren’t sure what you would say, I have a list of questions to help guide you and I am available to help you prepare.
If you would be interested in and willing to add your name to our Career Speaker list, please take a moment to complete the Career Speaker Form linked HERE. Please feel free to share this with other family members as well.
​
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact Ms. Misty Schroeder, the School Counselor.
