Riverview

Elementary School
School Counseling
Program
Core Curriculum Classroom Lesson
“Getting Ready for Middle School:
Using Google Calendar”

Monica Rodela & Natalie Weinstein

 ASCA Domains and
Mindsets & Behavior Standard

Academic Domain
Category 1: Mindset Standards
Students will demonstrate the following beliefs about
themselves in relation to academic work.
Category 2: Behavior Standards
Students will demonstrate the following behaviors commonly
associated with being a successful student. These behaviors
are visible, outward signs that a student is engaged and
putting forth effort to learn
 ASCA Domains and
Mindsets & Behavior Standard

Mindset Standard
2. Self-confidence in ability to succeed
Behavior Learning Strategies:
3. Use time-management, organizational and study skills
5. Apply media and technology skills
Behavior Self-Management Strategies:
2. Demonstrate self-discipline and self-control
8. Demonstrate the ability to balance school, home and
community activities
 Why Are We Teaching
Organization Strategies?

Studies show:
There is a direct correlation between
academic achievement and organizational
skills (e.g. Hansen (2011).

Researchers say organization reduces stress and

builds self confidence.
Site Specific Need

Recommendations from middle school

counselors
● RV students did not know how to plan for larger
projects.
● RV students were not use to hard deadlines for
assignments.
● RV students lacked organization skills
● RV rely too heavily on teachers and parents to
guide then on projects and larger assignments.
What Did Students Receive?

Core curriculum class lesson with pre/post assessment

•Who: 5th Grade Students
•When: April
•Lesson contained the following topics:
–Tips to staying organized
–How to breakdown assignments in planner
–How to use Google Calendar
 What do Students Believe?
I believe it is important to plan out my
personal and homework schedule to help me
be successful.
68%
Inc
rea
s e
What Do Students Know?

e a se
I ncr dge
42% nowle
in k

100% correct
answers
 What Did Students Learn?

Pre-test Post-test
• 71% could identify an • 93% could identify an
appropriately labeled appropriately labeled
homework task entry homework task entry
• 71% could identify an • 86% could identify an
appropriately labeled appropriately labeled
extracurricular extracurricular
calendar entry calendar entry
 Results

From Trimester 2 – Trimester 3

Before the Lesson
75% of students turned in homework on time
After the Lesson
80% of students turned in homework on time
Our Goal…Improvement
 In Summary…

■ Students received valuable information about

organization and why it’s important
■ Students gained knowledge, attitudes and
skills needed for success in middle school
■ Lesson appears to be contributing to students
success
 Limitations and Lessons
Learned
■ Need to revise some questions (wording
confusing for some students)
■ Make sure students are logged into their student
emails prior to lesson
■ Need to do pre-test before the lesson so we have
more time
■ Lesson should take place at least one hour before
school dismissal so students are focused on topic.
 Next Steps

• We are currently working one-on-one with

students to review how to use Google
Calendar.
• Middle school teachers will provide homework
completion data & gpa next year.
Thank you for your
support of the school
counseling program.
The End

Hatching Results® (2010)