friendship
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…
Read MoreThree Ways to Support Shy Kids
How to Support Shy Kids Recently at an outdoor concert, I watched a self-assured young boy spot twin girls playing nearby, walk up to them and ask, “Can I play with you?” He was quickly assimilated into the group and soon the three of them were happily playing together although they were never formerly introduced…
Read MoreBuilding Bridges: Fostering Friendships Through Role-Play
Friendships are a crucial part of childhood, offering emotional support, opportunities for social learning, and a sense of belonging. As elementary school counselors, you play a vital role in helping students develop the necessary social skills to make and maintain friendships. One of the best ways to do this is through role-play either in a…
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 MoreKids 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…
Read MoreThe comparison trap and kids
Kids and the comparison trap Is there a student in your life that is a people pleaser? Are they always looking for approval and recognition? Do they worry too much about fitting in? Do they complain that they have no friends? Do they have trouble taking initiative, even in situations where they have experience and…
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