To better understand why a 2nd grade student consistently visits the counselor, what initial activity should the counselor undertake?

Conducting informal observations across settings is the most effective initial activity for the counselor to undertake in order to gain insight into why the 2nd grade student consistently visits. Observing the student in different environments, such as the classroom, lunchroom, and playground, allows the counselor to see first-hand the behaviors, interactions, and potential stressors that may be influencing the student’s need for support.

This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how the student functions in various contexts, which is key to identifying patterns or triggers that may not be immediately evident through other methods. For example, the counselor might notice interactions with peers that lead to the student's visits or specific situations in class that cause anxiety.

Other options, such as meeting with the student's parents or administering a questionnaire, while valuable later in the process, do not provide immediate observational data that can inform an understanding of the student's behavior. Similarly, reviewing school records may offer historical context but lacks the real-time insight that direct observation affords. Thus, informal observations are a foundational step in developing an informed and empathetic response to the student's needs.