boy with light bulb

Growing Self-Esteem in Schools: Simple Ways Counselors Can Make a Difference

What is Positive Self-Esteem? Positive self-esteem is a child’s belief in their own worth, abilities, and potential. It’s the confidence to take on challenges, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the self-acceptance that fosters happiness and motivation. When students feel valued and capable, they are more likely to take risks, try new things,…

boy and girls celebrating

Loving the Skin You Are In: Promoting Positive Body Image in Elementary Students

In today’s world, where unrealistic beauty standards are constantly portrayed in media and social platforms, fostering a positive body image in children is more important than ever. As elementary school counselors, we have a unique opportunity to guide young students in embracing their bodies with confidence and self-love. How Counselors Can Help Students Develop a…

Two girls playing together with wooden toy blocks

Together We Shine: Teaching Cooperation in Elementary Schools

Most parents and teachers would agree that cooperation is a critical skill for life success that requires communication, empathy and respect. Even young children can begin to learn simple ways to cooperate. Learning to use cooperation in the classroom will eventually serve children well as adults. Elementary schools provide countless opportunities for students to work…

caring hands

A Surprising and Simple Way to Treat Anxiety and Depression

Mental health issues and especially depression and anxiety are at an all time high among young people. One of the impacts of Covid for many schools has been an increased number of students who are too anxious to even come to school, never mind to put forth their best effort at academics. School counselors are…

coloring mandalas

Harnessing 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…

unhappy-girl-

Three Ways to Tackle Anxiety Among Children

The Anxiety Epidemic There is no question that anxiety among children (and adults for that matter) is on the rise. When I first began school counseling over 20+ years ago it was rare to have a child referred for anxiety.  By the time I left the field, I was running a regular group for students…

stressed kid

Taming the Tension: Helping Kids Navigate Stress and Anxiety

Stress is something everyone experiences, and yes, even elementary school students. While stress can be a natural response to challenges, when it becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with a child’s learning, social life, and emotional well-being. As school counselors, we can help students understand the role stress plays in their lives and equip them with…

Two girls playing together with wooden toy blocks

Seven Secrets to Teach Kids How to Cooperate

Cooperation is a critical social skill Most parents and teachers would agree that cooperation is a critical skill for life success that requires communication, empathy and respect. Even young children can begin to learn simple ways to cooperate. Learning to use teamwork at home and in the classroom will eventually serve children well as adults.…

unhappy boy

5 Steps to Change Negative Feelings

All of our emotions are feelings in our body that we create based on our thoughts.  This is true of positive and negative feelings. Sometimes these thoughts are so ingrained that they are practically unconscious.  Sometimes they are either so common in society or in our minds that we accept them without question as the…

What People Say About The Wyatt Books

kind words from educators, parents, and kids!

"Going to kindergarten is a milestone for everyone and the beginning of the year is usually filled with excitement and angst.  Wyatt the Wonder Dog addresses the typical concerns that most children have in a sweet and relatable way.  Kindergarten really is fun!"

— Laura Uszenski
Kindergarten Teacher

"Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Teamwork is another great example of helping kids improve their social skills.  It teaches kids the power of working together and how much better we are when we work as a community"

—Melissa Toren Hrin, Professional School Counselor
Beverly Cleary School, Portland, OR

"[Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Mindset] This book is funny!  It's dogs doing things that only people do!  I learned to try new things."

— Samuel Traub
Age 6

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Giving is a delightful book that teaches kids (and reminds adults, as well) that generosity is possible no matter how old, young, rich or poor we are.  This is a powerful message and an engaging story that every child will love. 

~Jen McDonough, author of Living Beyond Rich

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Friendship teaches not only friendship and making connections, but also how to become successful at problem solving. Great for school counselors, teachers and families.  Bravo! 

Sharissa Shatten~ School Counselor

Feeling left out? Need help getting along with friends? Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Cooperation weaves important life skills into engaging story telling. Join Wyatt as he learns how to be the superhero in his group of friends by using cooperation and compromise.

~MaryFrances Gonzalez MACCCSLP

Have you ever had a friend that did some things that you disagreed with? Wyatt does and he doesn't know what to do about it. Join Wyatt as he learns that being honest with his friend is the best and only way to solve the problem. A great story!

~Lynn Hughes M.Ed. school counselor

If you've ever lost your lunch money or misplaced your favorite toy, you can relate to Wyatt the Wonder Dog.  This adorable story offers simple, helpful ideas that kids and parents can use to make life less stressful and more fun!

~Erin K. Casey, author