Girls in Real Life Situations [GIRLS]

Grades K-5. This unique group counseling curriculum provides over 80 activities divided into ten session themes. During group lessons, young girls are encouraged to share feelings and struggles as they openly discuss important issues in a safe and supportive environment. They are given the opportunity to feel empowered, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, understand that they are not alone, and learn to make healthy decisions. Girls in Real-Life Situations is designed for use by educators and mental health professionals in schools and other settings. An accompanying CD of all the reproducible forms and student handouts is included with the book.

Book Review

"It is obvious that Trice-Black and Taylor understand girl development and have had much experience with girls of all ages. . . . The K-5 curriculum uses concrete language and activities, highly engaging for young children. The authors also recognize the difference in older elementary aged girls (Grades 3-5) from their younger schoolmates and include modifications that recognize the increased ability to think more critically as the girls mature. The curriculum for older girls uses concepts that require some level of abstract thinking. Having access to both curricula may be useful when more simplified ways of presenting material are needed for adolescents who are more concrete in their thinking. . . . the importance of attending to and addressing the process and spontaneous interaction that occurs in the groups (girls arguing, girls excluding) is a powerful learning experience."

—Joan Letendre, Social Work with Groups

Comments from Colleagues

"Girls In Real Life Situations is an insightful exploration of the feelings and experiences that all young women have. Each of the lessons addresses a specific area of life that is a reality for girls today. Taylor and Trice-Black know how to connect with girls to help them reach for their dreams and overcome adversity. A must-have for anyone working with young women today!"

—Tamara Davis, Ph.D., School Counseling Coordinator, Marymount University

"As a counselor educator, it is great to see a resource that hits on salient developmental themes, uses sound group principles (e.g., screening, icebreakers, follow up), and fosters discussion to make these often hidden topics explicit. It is also a compelling resource for me, as I try to help two daughters thrive."

—Patrick Akos, Ph.D., School of Education, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

"Girls In Real Life Situations is a wonderful resource for anyone looking for a creative, thorough curricula that will reach a wide audience of girls. As soon as I read it, I found new ways of doing things that I can easily use with my students."

—Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees & Wannanbes and Queen Bee Moms & Kingpin Dads