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VPI Counseling Instruction 2025 – 2026 (Dodson)
Alternating weeks with Ms. Castro and Ms. Serrano on MONDAYS at 9:20 AM
UNIT 1 – SKILLS FOR SCHOOL AND LEARNING
9/15(Castro) – 9/18 (Serrano) – Lesson 1: Welcome – Meet the School Counselor
B-SS 3. Positive relationships with adults to support success
9/22 (Castro) – 9/29 (Serrano) – Lesson 2: Being Safe with Our iPads (Computer Safety and Acceptable Use Policy (AUP))
B-LS 5. Apply media and technology skills
10/6 (Castro) – 10/9 (Serrano) – Lesson 3: Listening and Focusing Attention
B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills
10/14 (Castro) – 10/21 (Serrano) – Lesson 4: Personal Space (Taught by Ms. Karr)
B-SMS 2. Self-discipline and self-control
10/27 (Castro) – 11/3 (Serrano) – Lesson 5: Following Directions
B-LS 4. Self-motivation and self-direction for learning
UNIT 2 – FEELINGS
11/10 (Castro) – 11/17 (Serrano) – Lesson 6: Identifying Feelings (Happy, Sad, Surprised, Scared)
B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions
11/24 – No Lesson: Short week
12/1 (Castro) – 12/8 (Serrano) – Lesson 7: Disgust and Anger
B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions
12/15 – No Lesson
1/5 (Castro) – 1/12 (Serrano) – Lesson 8: Caring and Compassion
B-SS 4. Empathy
UNIT 3 – MANAGING FEELINGS
1/19 (Castro) – 1/26 (Serrano) – Lesson 9: Feeling Strong Feelings in Our Body
B-LS 1. Critical thinking skills to make informed decisions
2/2 (Castro) – 2/9 (Serrano) – Lesson 10: Belly Breathing and Counting to Calm Down
B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills
2/16 (Castro) – 2/23 (Serrano) – Lesson 11: Managing Strong Feelings
B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills
UNIT 4 – FRIENDSHIP AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
3/2 (Castro) – 3/9 (Serrano) – Lesson 12: Making Friends / Inviting and Joining Play
B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills
3/16 (Castro) – 3/23 (Serrano) – Lesson 13: Fair Ways to Play (Share and Take Turns – Cheri Meiners)
B-SS 6. Effective collaboration and cooperation skills
3/30 -4/4/2026 – Spring Break
4/6 (Castro) – 4/13 (Serrano) – Lesson 14: Solving Problems with Ignoring and Walking Away
B-LS2. Creative approach to learning, tasks, and problem solving
4/20 (Castro) – 4/27 (Serrano) – Lesson 15: Solving Problems with Your Words
B-SS 1. Effective oral and written communication skills and listening skills
5/4 (Castro) – 5/11 (Serrano) – Lesson 16: Big Problems / Bullying (Howard B. Wigglebottom)
B-SMS 9. Personal safety skills
UNIT 5 – TRANSITIONING
5/18 (Castro) – 5/25 (Serrano) – Lesson 17: Career Lesson
M 6. Understanding that postsecondary education and lifelong learning are necessary for long-term success
DTBDL – Lesson 18: Transitioning to Kindergarten (Taught by Ms. Roca, Key’s Kindergarten Counselor)
B-SMS 10. Ability to manage transitions and adapt to change