Several years ago, school districts across the country adopted Response to Intervention (RTI) protocols for academics. Now schools are working to develop RTI-B; a systematic tiered approach to student behavior problems. One component of this that many schools are incorporating is a universal screener (just like is used with academics!) for emotional/behavioral concerns. I was […]
6 Tips for Gaining Faculty Investment in School Counseling
For the last few years, I would say that the majority of my faculty on fully on board with the importance of social emotional learning for their students, and support my role and work. That said, it wasn’t always like that. When I first started, the teachers had some strong and incorrect ideas about what […]
Setting Up a Peace Corner and Teaching Students How to Use It
Every classroom has students quick to anger, students with anxiety, and students extra sensitive to the ways of the world. One of the most effective ways to help students self-regulate at school is through the use of peace corners. They are trauma-informed and truly benefit individual students as well as overall class culture. I’ve written […]
Check In Check Out: School Counseling Behavior Intervention
This year, my school is part of a pilot program with our multi-tiered systems of supports for behavior. This meant I was able to attend some additional behavior-focused trainings, including one focused specifically on Check In/Check Out (CICO). For years, I’ve used some sort of daily behavior point sheet with some of my students struggling with behavior. […]
10 Tips for Better Classroom Management as a School Counselor
A few months ago, a fellow school counselor emailed me some questions – one of which was related to classroom management. After I responded to her, I realized this was probably worth a blog post because classroom management as a school counselor is tricky! After all, most of us elementary school counselors spend significant time […]
Be Where Your Feet Are Review and Activities
Have you grown weary of everyone talking about mindfulness all the time? If so, you’re not alone. Not because I don’t think mindfulness is great – it’s awesome and powerful. I think the weariness comes from people overusing the word and applying it to anything that resembles relaxation or coping. Mindfulness in its purest form […]
5 Tips for Setting Up Your First School Counseling Office
Someone on Instagram recently asked me for any advice I had on setting up her very first school counseling office. This has all been super fresh in my mind as I packed up my office and prepare to move into a new building. Offices can run the gamut, from old custodial closets to classrooms with […]
My “No Worksheets” Rule
This is the fourth post in my school counseling curriculum series! If you want to catch up, the first is on curriculum mapping, the second on needs assessments, and the third on best practices. I once offhandedly made the comment to a colleague that I don’t use worksheets; her facial expression couldn’t hide her skepticism and confusion. I […]
The Invisible Boy Lesson Plan for Upper Elementary
Last year, I used the gem that is The Invisible Boy with my second grade classes. This past year, I included it as part of my 4th grade unit with Trudy Ludwig books. With their more advanced brains (and trickier social networks!), I went with a new plan of attack. Here’s how I was able to […]
