Motivating Students
Motivating Students At an elementary school training, a teacher asked me about strategies for a student who has no motivation. He refuses to do any work at all and she has tried numerous strategies already. “I’ve tried everything and nothing works,” she said. As a school counselor for 20 years, I often heard similar concerns.…
getting started
Most of us are always starting something: a new job a new diet a new relationship a new project a new adventure How do you start well? How do you begin so that you avoid past mistakes? How do you ensure the best possible chance of success? Are there any strategies that work? It turns…
Helping kids develop a good work ethic
Tips for Teaching Kids a Good Work Ethic Everywhere I turn, I hear complaints about the lack of a good work ethic in today’s employees. In a study of 1000 employers across the country, Josh Davies, the CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development in Colorado asked the top six work traits that employers look…
Kids and tough friendship decisions
Friendship Decisions and Self-Worth As a school counselor for twenty years, one of the most common problems that I talked to kids about was friendship. 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…
Gratitude and Hardship
How do you make the most of life’s challenges? My life hasn’t been perfect. Has yours? I’ve experienced everything from the loss of a job to the death of a parent and husband. I’ve had interpersonal conflicts and personal failures. I grew up in what used to be called a broken home and I’ve been…
Five steps to overcoming FOBO
Are you a victim of FOBO: Fear of a better option? Here are the signs: You never get around to taking a vacation because you can’t make a decision. There are so many choices and you don’t want to miss out on somewhere spectacular because you already committed to somewhere else. You stay in a job…
Intention and Reflection for the Classroom
Intention and Reflection for the Classroom What was the most memorable and significant year of school for you? The first year you attended school? The year you starred in the class play? The year you won an award? The year you graduated? Research has shown that an important part of learning in any environment is reflecting on our…
Kids and Rewards
Kids and Rewards What motivates children to want to learn? Is it possible to motivate children without using rewards and treats? Could it be that using rewards is actually causing students to be unmotivated? Where does motivation come from anyway? Some Surprising Research In his book, Drive, The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, author…
Ten Engaging Questions to Ask Your Child
Asking Questions that Make Kids Think As a school counselor, I often talked with parents who were concerned about their inability to engage their children in meaningful conversations. They’d ask, “What did you do at school today?” and get the standard response: “Nothing.” They’d learn from other parents or the teacher about significant events or…
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!"
"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"
"[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."
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
