How to use a small group “Lunch Bunch” to support students.

If you are thinking about meeting with a group of students during lunch– do it!

Meeting with students during lunch is such an amazing way to bond with them! Can you imagine sitting outside on a picnic table, on the grass or in a chair while a refreshing breeze blows your way? Can you imagine sitting in your office or in a classroom with a group of students laughing, bonding, and enjoying each other’s company?

That is what a small lunch bunch group will do.

Getting started…

First what you will need to do is identify the students. The students you meet with should share a similar need according to data collected. You can use referrals from teachers, parents or students, data from administrators and/or your own observations to help you determine the student need. For example, do you know a group of girls who constantly argue and fuss with each other? If so, they may need work around conflict resolution. You could meet with them during lunch and work with them on listening to each other, communicating effectively, showing empathy, etc..

What type of groups can you see during lunch?

The following are examples of different groups you could meet with during lunch.

• Girls group- this group is designed for girls to meet and empower each other. To make each other feel secure and confident.
• Boys group- this group is designed for boys to build positive relationships with each other.
• Social skills group- with this group, you will work with students who need support around responsibility, communicating effectively, respecting others, etc..
• Friendship group- this group is designed to help students learn how to make and keeps friends.
• New student group- if you have students who are new to the school, you can use this group as a way for them to get to know others who are new to the school.

In addition to meeting with small groups during lunch, you could use this time to meet with students individually.

Should the group be structure or unstructured?

The lunch bunch group can be structured or unstructured. Meaning, you can have planned activities or unplanned activities. It is completely up to you and depends on the purpose or goal of the group. I’ve done lunch bunch both ways and was successful!

If you choose to run a structured group during lunch, I’ve created some small group units equipped with ASCA mindsets and behaviors, detailed plans and activities. See below..

1. Small Group Unit on Bullying
2. K-2 Small Group Unit on Self-Esteem
3. Small Group Unit on Friendship

Are you still hesitant to meet with students during lunch? Let’s weigh the pros and cons..

Pros:

• Meeting during lunch will help you with your schedule. Instead of pulling students from instructional time, you can use lunch as a meeting time.
• Inviting space… students will feel relaxed!
• Students get to engage in conversation that will help them practice social norms.
• Help you get to know your students in a non-threatening way and students will get to talk to you in a non-threatening way.

Cons:

• Students are easily distracted while eating.
• Time is limited… it might be hard for students to toggle between eating and learning.
• Unstructured peer to peer interaction
• You may not get your own lunch break. Times may overlap.

So…. what are you thinking? Is lunch a good time to meet with students or would you rather use a time that is not consider a “break” for students? Whenever you choose to meet with your students… I know they will love it!

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