Hobbies And Interests
Interpersonal Skills
Help students become successful in learning how to establish and cultivate life-long interpersonal skills and watch them simultaneously flourish in the classroom. Skills that enable kids to effectively communicate and express themselves also enable them to develop self confidence. Teach students that respecting other people is just as important as respecting themselves. One game you can play with a group to drive this point home is asking every person to announce one activity he enjoys that ends in "ing." Write all suggestions on a blackboard for collective reference. After every person has voiced one idea, take turns discussing the similarities and differences in these answers.
Developing and Keeping Self-Esteem
Developing and keeping self-esteem is a challenging goal that deserves appropriate attention in order for kids to be able to successfully navigate in the classroom. These skills are particularly useful for children who experience or have a heightened chance of experiencing peer pressure or bullying. Playing games that address this issue help students feel valued. One such activity is called the "Fuzzy-Feeling Chair." Place a chair in the center of the circle and instruct each child to sit in it, one at a time. While a child is in the seat, instruct his peers to comment on his positive qualities.
Feelings and Emotions
Guidance counselors often take on the responsibility of helping their kids, teens and young adults deal with confusing or sometimes debilitating emotions. Set your students' minds at ease by playing a game that allows them to explore their feelings in a non-threatening, non-accusatory way. One such board game is called "Anger Turn-Around." Counselors play along with their students, also answering personal questions involving emotional qualities and expression as their turn arrives. Students often find relief playing these games.
Help Establish Career Goals
High school guidance counselors face the challenge of encouraging students to look past the comfort zone of their current daily school situation and consider their educational future. Even kids who have a strong understanding of the benefits of attending college often lack the ability to break down the process of selecting an appropriate career path for themselves. To help aid counselors with this, New York State created a website that allows students to fill out questionnaires and play games to help them narrow down personal interests and strengths. Send curious teens to the school library during lunch study if a computer isn't available in the counseling office.