" Dedicated to Removing the Barriers of Student Achievement While Making a Difference in Student's Lives "

Riverside Elementary school counselors teach a comprehensive, developmental guidance curriculum. Classroom guidance lessons are taught using a variety of methods including, activities, music, drawing, stories, games, worksheets, role playing, puppets, videos, and PowerPoint. Counselors visit each classroom once every 3-4 weeks for 30-45 minute guidance lessons.

Guidance lessons are focused on three domains: Educational (E), personal/social (P/S) and career (C).  Educational development encompasses strategies that maximize and support student learning. Career development gives students the foundation for developing skills, attitude and knowledge for the school to work transition. Personal/social development affords the basis for personal and social growth that plays a vital role in educational and career success.

Riverside Guidance lessons abide by Gwinnett Counties Academic, Knowledge and Skills (AKS). Below are the listed competencies for each grade level that your child will know and be able to do as a result of participating in a developmental guidance program.

 

Kindergarten / First / Second / Third / Fourth / Fifth

 

Kindergarten Students will:

1. Explain the importance of using listening skills at all times in school. (E) (KLA_1998-1) (CE. Citz.Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
2. Follow spoken directions given in school. (E)(KLA_A1998-1) (CE. Citz.Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
3. Follow classroom rules and be able to explain what those rules mean. (E) (CE.Citz.Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
4. Identify similarities and differences of others. (P/S) (CE. Citz.Tolerance)
5. Express feelings appropriately (ex. learning anger management skills) (P/S) (KHE_61998-8) (CE. Respect for Self.-Accountability)

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First Grade Students will:

1. Use effective communication skills. (P/S) (LA_A1998-2) (CE. Citz. Freedom of Conscience & Expression)
2. Recognize the difference between appropriate and inappropriate physical contact. (P/S)
3. Explore what it means to respect oneself as well as others. (P/S) (CE. Respect for Self & Respect for Others)
4. Recognize their abilities and potential. (E) (CE.Respect for Self. Self Esteem)
5. Use listening skills to follow directions. (E)(1LA_A1998-1) (CE. Citz. Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
6. Explain the importance of  personal responsibility in following rules. (P/S) (CE. Respect for Self-.Accountability)

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Second Grade Students will:

1. Recognize the importance of motivation and a strong work ethic (i.e.,  be on time, complete tasks, and cooperate with others. (E) (CE. Respect for Self. Work Ethic)
2. Work well with other students in the classroom and in other settings. (P/S) (CE. Respect for Self. Cooperation)
3. Demonstrate the knowledge of rules and the personal responsibility to follow rules. (P/S) (2HE_E1998-7) (CE. Citz.Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
4. Recognize positive character traits (such as displaying compassion, kindness, and generosity. (P/S) (CE .Respect for others. Altruism/ Compassion)
5. Display respect for themselves and others. (P/S) (CE .Respect for Self and Others)
6. Define peer pressure and know at least three ways to refuse negative peer pressure by using healthy coping skills (P/S) (2HE_H1998-10)

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Third Grade Students will:

1. Apply and practice problem-solving skills to make safe and healthy choices. (P/S) (3HE_A1998-1)
2. Identify sources of positive and negative influences in their community. (P/S)
3. Identify safety skills for protecting themselves in a variety of dangerous situations. (P/S) (3HE-E1998-6)
4. Use effective listening and speaking skills. (P/S) (3LA_A1998-2) (CE. Citz.Freedom of Conscience & Expression)
5. Work cooperatively in a small group to solve problems. (P/S) (3PE_D1998-19) (CE. Respect for Others. Courtesy)
6. Develop skills to work independently. (E) (CE. Respect for Self.-Accountability. Self Control)
7. Follow both written and spoken directions. (E) (CE.Citz.Respect for and Acceptance of Authority)
8. Practice using time management and organizational skills. (E) (CE. Respect for Self. Work Ethic. Punctuality)
9. Identify strategies to cope effectively with classroom problems through use of appropriate resources. (E) (3SS_B1998-7)
10. Explore possible career opportunities. (C)
11. Explore effective strategies for reducing test anxiety. (E)

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Fourth Grade Students will:

1. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses. (E & P/S) (CE. Respect for Self. Self Esteem)
2. Utilize organizational tools and time management skills to complete school assignments. (E) (CE. Respect for Self. Work Ethic. Punctuality)
3. Demonstrate personal responsibility for behavior. (P/S) (4HE_G1998-12) (CE. Respect for Self.-Accountability)
4. Identify strategies to cope effectively with personal and classroom difficulties. (P/S)
5. Review and practice personal safety skills. (P/S)
6. Identify coping strategies for dealing effectively with peers (including peer pressure) .  (P/S)
7. Use conflict resolution skills to solve conflicts effectively. (P/S & C) (4HE_G1998-11) (CE. Respect for Self.-Accountability)
8. Explore how the development of hobbies and personal interests relate to career awareness. (C)
9. Identify test-taking strategies (including the reduction of test anxiety). (E)
10. Identify coping strategies for dealing effectively with peers (including peer pressure). (P/S)
11. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses. (E & P/S) (CE. Respect for Self. Self Esteem).

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Fifth Grade Students will:

1. Utilize study skills to help achieve goals and reduce test-taking anxiety. (E)
2. Demonstrate and model skills needed to cope with challenges in daily life. (P/S) (5HE_G1998-12) (CE. Respect for Self-.Accountability)
3. Demonstrate how to use time management and organizational skills to enhance personal and academic success (E) (CE. Respect for Self. Work Ethic.  Punctuality.  Diligence. Productivity.  Dependability.)
4. Demonstrate behaviors needed to interact with peers effectively. (including refusing negative peer pressure and encouraging other to accomplish healthy goals). (P/S) (5HE_H1998-16)(CE.Respect for Self-.Accountability)
5. Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate verbal, nonverbal, and physical interactions with others. (P/S)
6. Demonstrate the use of effective communication skills in a variety of settings. (P/S) (5HE_G1998-11).

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