Posts by Lynne Watts
How To Do Mental Health Check-ins with Students
Concern for the mental health of elementary age students has been growing due to changes in our culture and the overall stress level in our society. Post-COVID, there has been a significant uptick in reported mental health concerns. The disruptions caused by the pandemic, including remote learning, social isolation, and uncertainty, have impacted the emotional…
Read MoreCreating Calm: Relaxation Strategies
It really wasn’t that many years ago when people would ask me, “What problems could elementary age children possibly have that necessitates a full time counselor in an elementary school?” Fast forward to the environment of today, and we are all too familiar with the many mental health issues that children face. As elementary school…
Read MoreThe Heart of Friendship: Nurturing Empathy in Young Hearts
In an elementary school, friendships play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s social and emotional development. As elementary school counselors, our mission is not only to address academic concerns but also to nurture the emotional intelligence of tomorrow’s leaders. One crucial aspect of this emotional intelligence is empathy—the ability to understand and share the…
Read MoreFive Ways to Build a Culture of Compassion and Positivity
Elementary school counselors play a crucial role in shaping the social and emotional landscape of schools. Fostering a culture of compassion, inclusivity, and positivity is essential for creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. What are specific strategies that can be incorporated into classroom lessons and school-wide initiatives, supported by relevant…
Read More3 Ways to Help Kids Make Friends
Not having a friend can be hard… What if it’s the first day of school and you are the new kid in the class? What if you return to school after a summer off, only to find that your best friend has made a whole new set of friends and you aren’t in the circle…
Read MoreGoal-Getter Kids: Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Elementary Students
How can we best nurture tomorrow’s leaders to have big dreams and an unyielding belief in their ability to succeed? One of the best ways is to share the power of a growth mindset and guide our young learners in setting and achieving their goals for the year ahead. Understanding the Growth Mindset: A growth…
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