Posts by Lynne Watts
Best Practices: 3 Steps to Creating Engaging Lessons
Crafting engaging and interactive lessons for young elementary age students is both an art and a science. As counselors, we have the unique opportunity to captivate young minds, instill valuable lessons, and foster a love for learning. What are the best practices for creating dynamic lessons that balance listening time with movement, incorporate storytelling techniques,…
Read MoreKids and the Healing Power of Nature
What if a walk in a green environment could rewire brains, calm anxiety, and stave off mental health problems? I don’t have to tell you that mental health concerns among children is at an all time high. From academic stress to social pressures and familial issues, the weight of these challenges can be overwhelming. Additionally,…
Read MoreHow to help children cope with stress
Positive ways to handle stress Moving to a new neighborhood. Making new friends. Starting a new class or moving to the next grade level. Starting back to school after a pandemic. A new brother or sister is born, parents separate and divorce, an older sibling goes away to college. Children, like adults thrive on the…
Read MoreReflecting on the School Year… A Vital Lesson
As the school year draws to a close, elementary school counselors have a golden opportunity to teach a crucial lesson on the importance of reflection. Reflecting on the past school year allows students to celebrate their successes, learn from their failures, and prepare for the journey ahead. Why Reflection Matters Reflection is a powerful tool…
Read MoreHarnessing the Healing Power of Mandalas: Calming Elementary School Minds
Finding moments of calm and serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of daily school life is essential both for students and educators. One powerful tool that has gained recognition for its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress is the simple act of coloring mandalas. The Therapeutic Benefits of Mandalas: Mandalas, derived from the Sanskrit…
Read MoreSummer Reading List: What I’m Reading Now
Summer Reading List: What I’m Reading Now As you might imagine, I spend a lot of time reading books, listening to podcasts and watching videos, all in an effort to keep up with current thinking and new strategies for helping young children succeed in our challenging world. Summertime is often a great time to catch up…
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