Posts by Lynne Watts
Beyond Gifts: Building Character in Students During the Holidays
The holiday season offers a natural opportunity for school counselors to guide students in developing character traits that go far beyond decorations and presents. By emphasizing generosity, kindness, inclusivity, and forgiveness, counselors can help students focus on meaningful connections, relationships, and personal growth. Creating a Positive, Relationship-Focused Environment Counselors play a key role in shifting…
Read MoreSmart Choices Start Early: How to Teach Elementary Students Good Decision-Making Skills
Helping children learn how to make good decisions is one of the most powerful life skills elementary school counselors can teach. Decision-making lessons not only build confidence but also lay the foundation for moral character, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Elementary students make decisions every day—from choosing friends to deciding whether to follow the rules…
Read MoreWhen Young Hearts Hurt: Supporting Elementary Students in Grief
Grief is one of the most difficult emotions a child can experience—and one of the most important areas where an elementary school counselor can make a profound difference. Whether the loss involves a loved one, a pet, a friend, or a major change in a child’s world, grief impacts every part of a child’s development.…
Read MoreHelping a Child with Angry Outbursts: A Guide for Elementary School Counselors
Every elementary school counselor encounters students who struggle with anger and frustration. Angry outbursts can disrupt classrooms, damage peer relationships, and leave children feeling ashamed or misunderstood. As a school counselor, your role is crucial in helping students identify, understand, and manage their emotions in healthy ways. Learning to support a child with angry outbursts…
Read MoreTeaching Parents About Healthy Boundaries: A Guide for Elementary School Counselors
Elementary school counselors often find themselves guiding not only students but also parents. One of the most important topics to address with parents is teaching children about boundaries. Boundaries are essential for a child’s growth, self-control, and emotional security, yet many parents struggle with how to set them effectively. What Does It Mean to Set…
Read MorePlanting Seeds of Hope: Helping Students Believe in Their Future
Elementary school counselors play a powerful role in shaping not only the academic success of children but also their emotional well-being. One of the most valuable gifts we can give students is hope—the belief that even in difficult circumstances, they can take steps toward a brighter future. What is Hope? Hope is not just a…
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