Caring for the Caregiver: Self-Care Strategies for Counselors During Stressful Times
As an elementary school counselor, you are a beacon of stability for your students, especially during times of crisis. Whether the crisis is a natural disaster, a death in the community, or the trauma of a global event, counselors are often the first responders to the emotional needs of students. However, in the rush to…
Common Symptoms of Trauma and What to Do About It
Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD in children is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms may vary depending on the child’s age and the nature of the trauma, but some common signs include: Re-experiencing the Trauma: The child may have nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. Avoidance: The child may avoid places, people,…
Common Trauma Situations for Children and Picture Books that Help
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with adults, but children are also susceptible to its effects after experiencing traumatic events. As elementary school counselors, it’s essential to understand the impact trauma can have on children and to provide appropriate support to help them cope. Traumatic experiences can deeply affect a child’s emotional, cognitive, and…
Turn Around an Exclusive Environment at School
As elementary school counselors, we often witness the subtle yet harmful dynamics of exclusivity in the school environment. Exclusivity can manifest in various forms—social cliques, bullying, or students feeling left out. These behaviors can have a profound impact on a child’s self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional well-being. However, by promoting inclusivity, we can create a…
Elementary Students and Conflict
Conflict is a natural part of life. Whether it’s a disagreement over sharing toys, a misunderstanding on the playground, or frustration during group work, conflicts arise daily in elementary school settings. While conflict can be uncomfortable, it presents a valuable opportunity for students to develop critical social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout…
Everybody’s Welcome: How to Foster Inclusivity in the Classroom
Creating an inclusive classroom is vital to fostering a sense of belonging for every student. When students feel welcome and included, they are more likely to engage in learning, build positive relationships, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. As elementary school counselors, we have the unique opportunity to guide both teachers and students in…
• New Grade, New Adventures: Helping Kids Embrace Upcoming Changes
Change is a part of life, and for elementary-age students, some of the biggest changes they face involve starting school, moving to a new grade, or transitioning to a different school or neighborhood. While these changes can be exciting, they can also be challenging, leading to anxiety, uncertainty, and social difficulties. As school counselors, we…
DISCover Your Temperament
Good counselors and educators do things well. Great counselors not only do things well but also teach and inspire others to do things well. One of the advantages of training counselors in DISC temperament assessment is that it opens up a whole new way to communicate with kids, parents and other educators. In addition, it…
Celebrate Your Students’ Temperament!
Every temperament has strengths Why does he act like that? Why would she say that? What’s wrong with her anyway? Have you ever said any of the above? Don’t worry, we all have. One of the goals of understanding the four basic temperament styles is to move from misunderstanding a temperament in others to accepting…
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
