31. Using Student Emotional Check-Ins During Counseling Sessions

In this episode we talk about the power of using emotional check in with students and ideas of check ins to use with students.

Why Use Emotional Check-Ins:

• Emotional check-ins are a valuable tool for school counselors.
• They serve as an assessment of students' emotional well-being.
• Identify students who may need additional support or intervention.
• Promote a safe and supportive environment for students to express their feelings.
• Foster empathy among students as they share their emotions.
• Build trust and enhance group dynamics.
• Reduce potential conflicts within the group.
• Provide tailored support for individual students.
• Teach emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Normalize the ups and downs of life to reduce the stigma around counseling.
• Track progress over time.
• Enhance students' communication skills.

Check In Examples:

• Sentence starters: "I feel," "I wish," "I need," "I hope," "I want."
• "High Low Buffalo" - Positive, negative, and something funny from the day.
• "Hit Rewind, Let's Rerecord, Press Play" - Reflecting on what to replay, rerecord, or look forward to.
• "Happy News, Sad News, No News Today" - Sharing something positive, something negative, or having nothing to share.
• Using thermometers or Likert scales to rate their day.
• "Feelings Check-In" with pictures of emotions for younger students.
• Creative options like "Brick and a Balloon," "Glow and Grow," "High and Low," and more.
• "Rose, Thorn, and Bud" - Sharing a good thing, a not-so-great thing, and something to look forward to.

Links Mentioned:

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