“Learning is not a spectator sport, so let’s play!” Students who get the most from school counseling are those that actively participate. I want to actively engage my students to help support their social/emotional & academic needs. By using a Wii, students will be engaged in learning through play.
I am a School Counselor in an elementary school with approximately 700 students.
Children in our community experience many stressors such as low socio-economic living conditions, single parent homes, and constantly mobile families. 43% of our students are on free and reduced lunch. As a school counselor, I work with all grade levels in the school, which range from Pre K to 5th grade.
Last year, over 530 students received individual counseling sessions & 178 small group counseling sessions were held. In addition, there were 159 classroom guidance lessons taught. Because I am only able to provide brief counseling, I use play therapy to engage students to open up about their problems. Students love to come to my room because it is set up to reach students at their developmental level with toys & games to play. Having a Wii in my counseling room will offer another technique to support the needs of students. Children will be able to work on many different issues while having fun.
My Project
My project Wii Talk–Wii Motivate will provide students with a fun, interactive, engaging strategy to overcome social/emotional problems & improve academic performance. By having a Wii in the School Counseling office, I can use it to motivate children of ALL ages. The Wii has many uses from relaxing students to open up about problems -to learning how to pay attention -to promoting teamwork & good sportsmanship.
Consider the "typical" counseling session of sitting & talking. Imagine how engaged children are in that type of counseling-NOT! Now imagine playing a game of bowling on the Wii. Children immediately are engaged & find it easier to talk while playing; versus sitting & talking to an adult. The Wii allows students to show their true feelings by creating a Mii. Students can relax doing yoga, release angry tension playing tennis, learn to focus & follow directions while playing Just Dance. Students even can be rewarded with a game involving activity for meeting their personal goals!
Donations for Wii Talk-Wii Motivate will provide many counseling opportunities by using a Wii:
Wii learn more about Mii (personal, divorce)
Wii open up to talk about problems (personal)
Wii learn friendship skills (getting along)
Wii listen & follow directions (ADHD)
Wii release anger & tension (anger management)
Wii understand rules (Behavior problems)
Wii use good sportsmanship (name calling)
Wii learn teamwork (cooperative learning)
Wii learn to set goals (academic skills)
Wii-cess (rewards)
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Privette and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
