Gonzaga University School Counseling Blog
Peer Mentoring Training
Guidance Topic - 8th grade Training
Age level - Grade 8
- Seated at desks in classroom
Objective - Educate participating 8th grade students on the expectations and activities associated with the peer mentoring program.
Counseling Standards Met:
A:A2.3 Use communications skills to know when and how to ask for help when needed
A:A3.4 Demonstrate dependability, productivity and initiative
A:A3.5 Share knowledge
A:B1.4 Seek information and support from faculty, staff, family and peers
A:C1.1 Demonstrate the ability to balance school, studies, extra-curricular, leisure time, and family life
C:A1.3 - Develop an awareness of personal abilities, skills, interests, and motivations
C:A1.4 - Learn how to interact and work cooperatively in teams
C:A1.7 - Understand the importance of planning
C:A2.9 - Utilize time- and task-management skills
C:C2.2 - Learn how to use conflict management skills with peers and adults
PS:A1.6 - Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior
PS:A1.9 - Demonstrate cooperative behaviors in groups
PS:A2 - Acquire Interpersonal Skills
PS:B1.3 - Identify alternative solutions to a problem
PS:B1.10 - Identify alternative ways of achieving goals
Materials Needed -
Training powerpoint
Mentoring folders to distribute to students
PBIS motivation to give to students for attending*
Class whiteboard to use at will
Projector
Seating for students
*If the school is not a PBIS school, then using other some form of incentive is highly recommended
Lesson (30-45 minutes):
Introduction
Slide 1
- “Welcome to PAWS training … If you have not met me yet, I am … Thank you for joining us today … Can anyone tell me what PAWS stands for?”
- Distribute small slips of paper to write on while saying: “Just so we are all on the same page, you are here because you want to be a peer mentor for the 6th graders. If you are not, you may not want to stay here for this presentation.”
Slide 2
- Ask “What do you think it means to be a peer mentor?” and have students write answers on the slips of paper provided. Ask for volunteers to share their answers
- 5 answers
- “What sort of things do you think you will have to do as a peer mentor?”
- 4 answers
- “This is what I think it means to be a peer mentor …”
Total Time: 5-10 minutes
Primary Content
Slide 3
- “I want you to think about how you would describe professional behavior and all write down your answer on the piece of paper.”
- Pause for 15-30 seconds to allow students to process
- Compare responses with nearby students
- “This is the eHow definition of professionalism. How is it like or not like the definition you thought of?” Use the whiteboard to record key parts of responses
- 4 answers
- Describe the kind of professionalism we (the counseling staff) expect from mentors in this program
Slide 4
- Ask students to read the bullet points on the slide aloud and ask if they have any questions. Make sure to keep moving and spend no more than one minute on each bullet.
Slide 5
- Pop quiz the students, calling on students who have not had an opportunity to share yet, to offer solutions to each situation. Give each students a second chance if they struggle.
- If there is trouble explaining solutions, take time to address questions/comments
Slide 6
- Spend time talking about this slide, it is important. However, there is little room for active participation.
Slide 7
- A continuation of slide 6; there is room for participation by asking for ideas which can be written on white board
Slide 8
Total Time: 25-40 minutes
Wrap-up
Slide 9 and 10
- Run through each scenario and have students volunteer to act them out. This segment’s speed can be adjusted to fit remaining time of presentation.
- Show how to use the mentoring folders and explain how the counselors will track student meetings.
- At the end of the presentation, summarize primary points and emphasize follow-up is available through counseling appointments. “It is an honor and a privilege to be a peer mentor, we trust you all to do it well.” Additionally, be sure to thank the students for coming and distribute folders and incentives.
Total Time: 30-45 minutes