Grades K-5. This unique group counseling curriculum provides over 80 activities divided into ten session themes. During group lessons, young girls are encouraged to share feelings and struggles as they openly discuss important issues in a safe and supportive environment. They are given the opportunity to feel empowered, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, understand that they are not alone, and learn to make healthy decisions. Girls in Real-Life Situations is designed for use by educators and mental health professionals in schools and other settings. An accompanying CD of all the reproducible forms and student handouts is included with the book. Book Review "It is obvious that Trice-Black and Taylor understand girl development and have had much experience with girls of all ages. . . . The K-5 curriculum uses concrete language and activities, highly engaging for young children. The authors also recognize the difference in older elementary aged girls (Grades 3-5) from their younger schoolmates and include modifications that recognize the increased ability to think more critically as the girls mature. The curriculum for older girls uses concepts that require some level of abstract thinking. Having access to both curricula may be useful when more simplified ways of presenting material are needed for adolescents who are more concrete in their thinking. . . . the importance of attending to and addressing the process and spontaneous interaction that occurs in the groups (girls arguing, girls excluding) is a powerful learning experience." —Joan Letendre, Social Work with Groups Comments from Colleagues "Girls In Real Life Situations is an insightful exploration of the feelings and experiences that all young women have. Each of the lessons addresses a specific area of life that is a reality for girls today. Taylor and Trice-Black know how to connect with girls to help them reach for their dreams and overcome adversity. A must-have for anyone working with young women today!" —Tamara Davis, Ph.D., School Counseling Coordinator, Marymount University "As a counselor educator, it is great to see a resource that hits on salient developmental themes, uses sound group principles (e.g., screening, icebreakers, follow up), and fosters discussion to make these often hidden topics explicit. It is also a compelling resource for me, as I try to help two daughters thrive." —Patrick Akos, Ph.D., School of Education, University of North Carolina, Charlotte "Girls In Real Life Situations is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a creative, thorough curricula that will reach a wide audience of girls. As soon as I read it, I found new ways of doing things that I can easily use with my students." —Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannanbes and Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads Contents: About G.I.R.L.S. Who Am I? Self-Discovery Connect! Treasure Thoughts Feelings Faces Self-Portrait Model Your Role Model Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Criss-Cross Puzzle Just for Fun Seek-and-Find My Sassy Self: Positive Body Image Connect! Proud to Be Me What You See Isn't Always What You Get Feeling Fine Fill Me Up! Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Double Puzzle Just for Fun Seek-and-Find This or That? Making Choices Connect! Smart Choices Fitting In The Perfect Mix Thinking Caps Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Talk It Out: Communication Connect! Talk It Out Tic-Tac-Toe Problem-Solving Gal Pals Girly Tea Time Talk to Me! Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Feeling Feelings: Understanding Emotions Connect! Deep Down I Feel . . . Musical Madness Rainbow of Feelings Draw Your Emotions Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Gal Pals: Healthy Friendships Connect! What's Your Perception? Picture This! Friendship Fuss Act It Out Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Word Search Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Happy to Be Me: Self-Esteem Connect! Personal Power Self-Esteem Suit of Armor Don't Give Up! What Can I Do? Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Hard Times: Dealing with Difficult Issues Connect! Bubble Trouble Fear Finale Dealing with Divorce Grief Guidance Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find It's OK to Need Help: Reaching Out Connect! S.O.S. (Seek Out Someone) Flower Power Terrific Teamwork Roll with It Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Activity Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Who I Am! Self-Identity Connect! Positive Journal G.I.R.L.S. Group Toolbox G.I.R.L.S. Group Crest New Self-Portrait Girl Talk Today in G.I.R.L.S. Just for Fun Maze Just for Fun Seek-and-Find Appendixes A: Parent/Guardian Consent Form B: Confidentiality Pledge C: Certificate of Achievement D: Pretest/Posttest E: Group Evaluation F: Just for Fun Answers and Solutions About the Authors: Shannon Trice-Black is currently a doctoral student in counseling education. She has been a school counselor for over 10 years and continues to maintain a small part-time counseling practice, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Shannon has presented her work and writings on classroom guidance, bullying, and relational aggression at conferences, workshops, and master's level classes. She serves on the board of the Jefferson Counseling Association and the Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. In addition, Shannon is a member of the Virginia Counselors Association, Virginia School Counselors Association, and American Counseling Association. Julia V. Taylor is a K–12 Certified School Counselor and author of The Body Image Workbook for Teens, The Bullying Workbook for Teens, Salvaging Sisterhood, Girls in Real-Life Situations (GIRLS): Group Counseling Activities for Enhancing Social and Emotional Development, and the children's book Perfectly You. (GIRLS is two separate curricula, one for secondary ages and another for elementary ages.) Originating from the Washington, D.C., area, Julia received her undergraduate degree in exercise science with a concentration in health education from George Mason University. She received her master's degree in psychology with a concentration in school counseling from Marymount University. After a decade of school counseling, she left the trenches of education to pursue a doctoral degree in counselor education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Julia began studying gender-specific topics during graduate school and focused the majority of her research on body image, relational aggression, and self-esteem issues during the tumultuous adolescent years. During that time, she realized there was a lack of relevant curricula available to educators specific to the social and emotional development of young women. Because of this, she decided to research and write her own. Julia frequently presents her research and experiences with educators, parents, and students. She has presented over 100 workshops, breakout sessions, assemblies, and keynote addresses across the country. Julia has a passion for helping girls to develop a true sense of self, stand up to unrealistic media expectations, take healthy risks, and cultivate meaningful relationships. When not working, she enjoys running, writing, and spending time with friends and family in Brooklyn, New York, her home away from home.
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