Teaching Integrity: A Key to Building Resilience and Strong Character

father and child

Integrity is more than telling the truth. Integrity is doing the right thing—especially when no one is watching—because it aligns with who you are and what you value. It includes honesty, responsibility, fairness, and consistency in actions and words. How Integrity Builds Resilience Integrity strengthens resilience by: Offering students a stable inner compass when facing…

Read More

Boosting Self-Confidence in Children: School Counselor Strategies That Strengthen Resilience

girl with ice skates

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of emotional well-being, academic success, and lifelong resilience. For elementary school counselors, intentionally teaching and reinforcing self-confidence is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Students who feel capable, valued, and able to take on challenges are more prepared to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through frustration, and believe in their potential. What Is…

Read More

Beyond Gifts: Building Character in Students During the Holidays

kids and Christmas gifts

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

Calm in the Chaos: Strategies for Supporting an Upset Student

mom and son

Whether it’s a playground conflict, academic frustration, or something happening at home, elementary students can get upset for many reasons—and those emotions often show up suddenly and intensely. As a school counselor, your approach in those fragile moments can make all the difference. With the right strategies, you can build trust, de-escalate big feelings, and…

Read More

Cool, Calm, and Collected: Helping Kids Master Emotional Regulation

Angry upset boy,

Why Emotional Regulation Matters Emotional regulation is the ability to understand, manage, and respond to emotions in healthy and constructive ways. For elementary-age students, this skill is crucial for navigating social situations, building relationships, and succeeding academically. Children who learn emotional regulation: Develop Stronger Friendships: Managing emotions like frustration or disappointment helps avoid conflicts and…

Read More

Planning Counts: Ending the School Year Strong

counselor lesson plans

Planning Counts One thing that I enjoyed about working in a school was that the year and the job had a definite beginning and end. There was always the excited anticipation at the beginning of the year and of course a different kind of excitement as the year came to a close and students moved…

Read More