In grad school, we talked a little about human motivation and theories of change in our counseling theories class. We briefly discussed some models of consultation with teachers. That wasn’t quite enough, though. I was not prepared to function as a behavior specialist. And yet, that was very much a part of my job! This […]
Teaching Responsibility to Students
I frequently hear teachers and school faculty talking about how their students lack responsibility. They wonder how to convey to students the importance of this lifelong skill. I use the word skill instead of trait because when we think of things like respect or responsibility or perseverance when related to a character trait, we’re saying […]
Elementary School Counseling Must Haves
A couple of years ago, I moved out of my school counseling office and packed up all of the things I had bought with my own money over the previous seven years. Put all of my resources and a few fidgets on my shelves to work from home, and stashed the rest away in the […]
Teaching Kids About “Flipping Their Lids”
Many people who work with children are noticing a pattern of increased emotional dysregulation in children. I certainly did! The number of students that needed help with regulation when I started at a school counselor in 2012 has increased exponentially – it is now a huge focus for myself and other school counselors each year. […]
End of the Year School Counseling Lessons
Sometimes your last school counseling lesson of the year comes so close to the end, that it doesn’t seem helpful to teach a new social emotional skill. Or you’re looking for a lesson that feels like it provides some closure for you and the students. It can seem like after having one million different things […]
School Counseling Program Goals
Lots of school counselors are tasked with writing SMART goals as part of their district’s requirements for comprehensive programs or as part of their counseling evaluation. That’s a great thing! Because setting school counseling program goals really equates to creating priorities and focusing our time. Some goals are more about the type or quantity of […]
Teaching Kids About Healthy Friendships and Friendship Boundaries
We spend a lot of time talking to our children and students about the importance of friendship: making and keeping friends. Sometimes, we spend time talking about what to do when there’s a conflict in a friendship. What we don’t always do, at least not explicitly, is spend time teaching kids about what healthy friendships […]
Interviewing Tips for School Counseling Positions
Whether you’re an experienced counselor or fresh out of grad school, interviewing for school counseling positions is nerve-wracking! Here are lots of practical tips to help you feel confident as you embark on the process: Go in Prepared Create a Portfolio Speaking of being prepared, make sure you have an updated portfolio. Will admin ask […]
Erin’s Law Activities for Primary Students
I’ve written before about the Erin’s Law or sexual abuse lessons I’ve used with 3rd grade using Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept and with 4th grade using The Kid Trapper. While these lessons are not fun and they are not as applicable to the school setting (though I’d argue consent still is!), they are […]
