Making the Most of a Lunch Bunch Group: A Guide for Elementary School Social Workers and Counselors

As an elementary school social worker or counselor, one impactful way to support students is through a "Lunch Bunch" group. However, timing can be tricky. If you are like me, this means you have only 20 minutes to get students’ lunches, get them settled, and engage in any activities or learning that you can. Nonetheless, these groups provide a relaxed and informal setting where students can build social skills, foster friendships, and discuss various topics in a supportive environment. This can be great for new students or students who are struggling some basic or more minimal social skills deficits and more. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your Lunch Bunch group, including key topics to focus on and engaging activities to try.

Why Lunch Bunch Groups?

Lunch Bunch groups offer several benefits:

• Building Social Skills: Students learn how to interact with their peers in a positive manner.

• Creating a Supportive Environment: It provides a safe space for students to express themselves.

• Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Through guided discussions and activities, students can better manage their emotions.

• Improving School Climate: These groups foster a sense of community and belonging within the school.

Setting Up Your Lunch Bunch Group

Step 1: Identify Your Group

Determine which students will benefit most from participating. This could include students who are:

• Struggling with social interactions

• New to the school

• Experiencing social anxiety

• Needing support in building friendships

At my school, we send out a google form and teachers can fill it out in the first several weeks of school so we can determine if students need Tier I, II, or III support and if they can benefit from a lunch bunch group or a more formal small group setting. I also make myself present in the cafeteria and at recess in the first several weeks of school to observe the students noted on that google form and build relationships to see if there are other students who can benefit from social emotional support.

Step 2: Obtain Permission

Make sure to get parental permission for students to participate. This can be done through a simple consent form explaining the purpose and activities of the group. Sometimes this can be the hardest part though! I keep a google sheet to track who I have permission from. Some students are so excited about lunch burn so they turn their form in right away. Others, I have to send home several forms, including putting it directly in the student’s backpack and I have to call home.

Step 3: Schedule Regular Meetings

Consistency is key. Schedule regular weekly or bi-weekly groups during lunch. I find that bi-weekly is too confusing for students and given the brief nature of these groups, more frequent sessions tend to be more effective. However, if you find that you are able to be more consistent if you are only doing bi-weekly lunch bunches, then do that. Consistency is key.

Step 4: Create a Comfortable Environment

Ensure the meeting space is welcoming and comfortable. This can be a designated room or a quiet area in the cafeteria. I find that using a table in my room has been the best option. I also like to have a placemat out for each student to decorate and fill out. This is a good way to give students something to focus on to minimize starting out with conversation if you have some shy students. You can then use the information on the placement to spark conversation. I laminate these and reuse them each week. The feelings check in is especially helpful to start each lunch bunch session.

Key Topics to Focus On

Friendship Skills

Teach students how to make and keep friends. Discuss topics such as:

• Introducing oneself and starting conversations

• Sharing and taking turns

• Understanding and respecting personal boundaries

Emotional Regulation

Help students identify and manage their emotions. Topics can include:

• Recognizing different emotions

• Strategies for calming down

• Expressing feelings in a healthy way

Problem-Solving

Equip students with skills to resolve conflicts and solve problems. Focus on:

• Identifying the problem

• Brainstorming possible solutions

• Evaluating outcomes

Empathy and Kindness

Encourage students to understand and appreciate others' feelings. Discuss:

• What empathy is and why it’s important

• Acts of kindness and their impact

• Role-playing different scenarios to practice empathy

Engaging Activities for Lunch Bunch Groups

1. Reading a Book

Choose books that align with the topics you are focusing on. Some excellent choices include:

• "Enemy Pie" by Derek Munson: A great book to discuss friendship and resolving conflicts.

• "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig: Perfect for talking about inclusion and empathy.

• "My Many Colored Days" by Dr. Seuss: Helps students understand and articulate their emotions.

After reading, engage the group in a discussion about the book’s themes and how they relate to their own experiences.

2. Playing a Game

Games are a fantastic way to teach social skills in a fun, interactive way. Consider these options:

• Uno: Encourages turn-taking and managing winning/losing gracefully.

• Jenga: Write different emotions on Jenga blocks. When a student pulls a block, they share a time they felt that emotion. Write different icebreaker questions on the blocks and student’s can answer them as they pull a block or have the whole group answer that question. There are so many options for Jenga. Also, if you haven’t heard of it yet, Totika brand has a colorful version of this tower game and corresponding cards with different topics, definitely worth the splurge to add it to your collection!

• Candyland: This is another great game where you can create questions based on the color of card that is drawn. It is a pretty quick game without too many parts (bonus because sticky hands during lunch can create quite the messy game!). If you want a quick no-prep way to use this game you can get these feelings questions.

3. Answering Question Cards

Create or purchase question cards that prompt discussion on various topics. Examples include:

• "What is your favorite way to relax when you’re feeling upset?"

• "How do you show someone you care about them?"

• "Describe a time when you helped a friend."

These questions can lead to deeper conversations and help students reflect on their experiences and feelings.

A fun twist on this is using “Would You Rather?” cards. I have a few options here and they are a fun way to get students talking! This one is a great FREE option for halloween!

4. Art Activities

Art can be a powerful tool for expression and relaxation. Try activities like:

• Emotion Wheel: Have students create a wheel with different emotions and discuss when they’ve felt each one.

• Kindness Collage: Students cut out pictures or draw things that represent acts of kindness and compile them into a collage.

• Calm Down Jars: Create glitter jars that students can shake and watch to help them calm down.

5. Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing can help students practice new skills in a safe environment. Create scenarios related to your focus topics, such as:

• Making a new friend on the playground

• Resolving a conflict over a shared toy

• Asking to join a game or activity

6. Mindfulness Activities

Teach students simple mindfulness techniques to help them stay present and calm. Activities might include:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Teach students how to take slow, deep breaths to calm down.

• Guided Imagery: Lead students through a calming visualization, such as imagining they are in a peaceful place.

• Mindful Coloring: Provide coloring sheets for students to focus on as a way to relax.

7. Group Discussions

Sometimes, simply talking about their experiences can be incredibly beneficial for students. Set aside time for open discussion where students can share what’s on their minds. You might use prompts such as:

• "What was the best part of your week?"

• "Is there something you’re looking forward to?"

• "What’s something that made you feel proud recently?"

Tips for Success

Be Consistent

Regularly scheduled meetings help build trust and routine, making students more comfortable and willing to participate.

Be Flexible

While having a plan is essential, be prepared to adapt based on the group's needs and dynamics. Sometimes a topic or activity might not resonate, and that’s okay.

Foster a Safe Environment

Ensure that your Lunch Bunch group is a judgment-free zone where students feel safe to express themselves.

Celebrate Progress

Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories and progress students make. This can be through verbal praise, stickers, or a small reward system.

Gather Feedback

Periodically ask students for feedback on the activities and discussions. This can help you tailor future sessions to better meet their needs and interests.

Lunch Bunch groups are a valuable tool for elementary school social workers and counselors to support students' social and emotional development. By focusing on key topics and incorporating a variety of engaging activities, you can create a positive and impactful experience for your students. Remember to be consistent, flexible, and always foster a safe and supportive environment. With these strategies, your Lunch Bunch group can become a highlight of your students' school experience, helping them build essential skills that will benefit them for years to come.