Book Description

This guide for teachers begins by acknowledging that, in addition to their teaching duties and responsibilities as classroom managers, teachers are called upon to do a variety of things for which they may feel unprepared, including: (1) respond to children's emotional needs; (2) resolve interpersonal conflicts; (3) conduct parent conferences; (4) identify cases of abuse, neglect, drug abuse, and emotional problems; (5) assess children's developmental transitions; (6) participate in Individualized Education Programs; and (7) function as a problem solver for children in crisis. This book introduces beginning teachers to the basic methodology of counseling and consulting so that they will feel better prepared to handle these tasks. Chapter 1 looks at the roles of the classroom teacher. Chapter 2 focuses on the assessment of children's problems, including anxiety, phobias, depression, suicidal intentions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance abuse. Chapter 3 explains the helping process, lists counseling principles, and provides an integrative approach to counseling. Chapter 4 offers suggestions for developing helping skills. Chapter 5 presents helping strategies to use in groups. Chapter 6 makes suggestions for parent conferences. Chapter 7 focuses on successful consulting with other professionals. At the end of each chapter are lists of suggested readings and activities. (NB)