In the hustle and bustle of daily life, mindfulness has emerged as a powerful tool to help us manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional resilience. For elementary school counselors, introducing mindfulness practices to young children can be a transformative way to support their overall well-being.Understanding MindfulnessSo, what is mindfulness, anyway? Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the “here and now”. It includes paying special attention to our breathing, thoughts, ... VIEW POST
6 Must-Have Books about Mindfulness for Elementary School Counselors
4 Engaging Self-Control Activities Perfect for Elementary Counseling Sessions
As a school counselor, one of our key roles is to equip students with social-emotional skills, and self-control is one of the most important! Self-control helps students navigate daily challenges like focusing in class, resolving conflicts on the playground, and managing big feelings.Check out these 4 self-control activities you can use in counseling sessions to practically and enjoyably teach this SEL skill to your elementary students!Understanding Self-ControlThe kid-friendly definition of ... VIEW POST
6 MUST-HAVE Books that Teach Self-Control for School Counselors
As elementary school counselors, our job is to equip students with essential social-emotional skills that serve them in school and beyond. The growth of self-control is a cornerstone of early childhood development, and storybooks are my favorite way to introduce it! Check out these 6 must-have books that teach self-control:Before we dive into story book reviews and a couple of lessons to go along with them, let's review the basics of teaching self-control.Understanding Self-ControlSelf-control ... VIEW POST
Counseling Activities & Lessons that Teach Kindness
In the lively atmosphere of elementary schools, kindness is key! Kindness is a fundamental piece of social emotional learning that shapes every part of our world. As an elementary school counselor, you have the privilege to instill kindness in the lives of your students. Use activities and lessons that teach kindness to ensure that students understand why kindness matters and how to easily demonstrate it to those around them. There are so many great ways to teach kindness - let's dive right into ... VIEW POST
Teaching Peaceful Problem-Solving Skills Part 3: 6 Favorite Story Book Reviews
As a school counselor, one essential skill you’ll find yourself championing is problem-solving. The ability to navigate challenges– both big and small– is crucial for students' social emotional well-being and development! If you haven't already, please check out Part 1 and Part 2 of my problem-solving skills series.The Importance of Problem-Solving SkillsProblem-solving is a life skill that extends far beyond the classroom and elementary school!By fostering problem-solving abilities in students, ... VIEW POST
How to Teach Students the Difference Between Tattling vs Reporting at School
Kids love to tell stories– things they’ve been told, seen, overheard, imagined, and more. Essentially, if they can think it, they’re ready to tell it. This often turns into full-blown tattling, and tattling can spread through classrooms and an entire school more quickly than the stomach flu!Let's finally put a stop to all the tattling at school! Read on for practical tips about teaching students the difference between tattling and reporting. I’ll share my favorite resources and books to use in ... VIEW POST
