The 6Rs of Connection – A Guidance Educator Resource
The 6Rs of Connection – A Guidance Educator Resource describes a relational approach for responding to students when they express emotions, problems or mental health concerns. The resource provides some considerations, talking tips, resources and reflection questions to help support the practice of guidance educators; however, all educators may find it useful.
Why is this resource important?
Mental health stigma and negative experiences with help-seeking can impact learning and future help-seeking. Caring adults like guidance educators play a crucial role in encouraging students to reach out for help when needed. Implementing a relational approach during interactions, such as the one described in the 6Rs, can help students feel heard, validated and supported. This approach can also aid in the early identification and intervention of mental health concerns and foster positive experiences with help-seeking, which will lead to better overall outcomes for students.
How might I use this resource?
While the 6Rs of Connection may not address every situation, the resource provides considerations and tips for responding when students ask for support. Familiarizing yourself with the resource ahead of time may lead to more meaningful interactions. The reflection questions and associated resources can also support ongoing self-reflection around your daily practice, lived experiences and implicit biases. By acknowledging and examining these biases and actively working to shift your practice, you can co-create identity-affirming environments that can build trust and centre the expertise and experiences of the students and families you serve.
Professional Advisory – Supporting students’ mental health_(Ontario College of Teachers) (we adapted some of the reflection questions from this advisory, which can also be found at Supporting Students’ Mental Health – Professional Advisory | Ontario College of Teachers).
The original 6Rs resource was developed by SMH-ON with input from Ontario School Counsellors Association (OSCA); recently it was reviewed an updated with input from E. St. Arnaud, T. Wilson, M. Coutinho, L. Bunn.
Guidance educators that were part of a summer (2024) read and review team provided some feedback on the 6Rs via their review of Module C of the new MH Lit for Guidance Educators.