Training for Successful Group Work with Children: What and How To Teach

Abstract

There is a critical need for facilitators of children's groups, and this shortage may be due to a lack of adequate training courses. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for educators to develop a course to meet this training need. To develop a course in children's group work, instructors need to know what to teach as well as how to teach. Course content suggestions here include selection criteria and evaluation approaches as well as developmental and stage characteristics pertinent to group work with children. Teaching methods described involve observation, experiential activities, and supervision procedures.

Keywords:

• group counseling
• children
• counselor education
• counselor supervision

Notes

Patricia Van Velsor, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling at Southwest Missouri State University.