elementary school counselor lesson plans
Change Happens: Teaching Elementary Students How to Adapt With Confidence
Change is a natural and unavoidable part of life—and for elementary students, change happens more often than adults realize. New classrooms, shifting friendships, family changes, and growing responsibilities can feel overwhelming without guidance. Elementary school counselors play a critical role in helping students understand that change is not something to fear, but something they can…
Read MoreBeyond Gifts: Building Character in Students During the Holidays
The holiday season offers a natural opportunity for school counselors to guide students in developing character traits that go far beyond decorations and presents. By emphasizing generosity, kindness, inclusivity, and forgiveness, counselors can help students focus on meaningful connections, relationships, and personal growth. Creating a Positive, Relationship-Focused Environment Counselors play a key role in shifting…
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 MoreClosing the Chapter: Helping Students Say Goodbye with Heart
As the end of the school year approaches, students may experience a mix of excitement, nervousness, and even sadness. While they may look forward to summer break, they’re also saying goodbye to routines, classmates, and teachers that have been a consistent part of their lives for months. For elementary-age children, this transition can feel especially…
Read MoreHarnessing 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…
Read MoreDISCover 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…
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