At Birch Lane Elementary, the School Counselors presents the material annually to all students in grades K-3 and then reviews the core strategies with grades 4-6. Within the core program, students are first taught to discriminate between “big” problems that must be shared with an adult, and “small” problems that they can resolve using one of Kelso's nine strategies.
After mastering this distinction, each of the nine skills are taught to the students. For example, specific strategies for “MAKE A DEAL” are taught and practiced, including rock, paper, scissors and how to find a win-win solution.
The program encourages students to try two choices from “Kelso’s Choice Wheel.” If the “small” problem persists, they are told that adult intervention is warranted. Students are also taught to always seek help from an adult when they feel scared or afraid.
