Posts by Lynne Watts
Unlocking Motivation: Helping Students Choose Success
In today’s educational environment, we are more aware than ever that student motivation and engagement is essential for lasting learning. I can’t tell you how many times as a school counselor, I had discussions with teachers, parents and kids about being motivated. However, I’m afraid we rarely discussed how important intrinsic motivation is vs. extrinsic…
Read MoreFriendship Troubles: Helping Students Navigate Tricky Friend Situations
Handling challenging situations. Knowing when to move on… What do you do when a friend wants to do something that is unkind, thoughtless, or involves breaking the rules? What do you do when a friend is bossy, self-centered and treats you unkindly? If a friend treats you badly, is it okay to treat them the…
Read More“That’s Not Fair!” and Other Ploys: Turning Student Pushback Into Positive Growth
As elementary school counselors, we often encounter familiar phrases that students use as emotional shields, attempts to avoid accountability, or ways to test boundaries. These “ploys” may seem like resistance, but they’re actually great teaching moments. Here’s how to respond to five common student ploys with empathy, clarity, and growth-focused strategies. “It’s Not Fair.” What…
Read MoreFail Forward: Helping Kids Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones
In a world of high expectations and pressure to perform, even young students can feel overwhelmed by the ideas of success and failure. As school counselors, we play a crucial role in guiding them to understand that failure isn’t the end of the story—it’s often the beginning. When framed correctly, setbacks can become powerful springboards…
Read MoreStart Strong: 5 Ways Counselors Plan for a Fantastic School Year
As an elementary school counselor, the start of the school year is your chance to set the tone—not just for your students, but for yourself. Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned professional, being intentional in how you begin can set you up for success. Below are five practical strategies to position yourself…
Read MoreCalm in the Chaos: Strategies for Supporting an Upset Student
Whether it’s a playground conflict, academic frustration, or something happening at home, elementary students can get upset for many reasons—and those emotions often show up suddenly and intensely. As a school counselor, your approach in those fragile moments can make all the difference. With the right strategies, you can build trust, de-escalate big feelings, and…
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