Start Strong: 5 Ways Counselors Plan for a Fantastic School Year
As an elementary school counselor, the start of the school year is your chance to set the tone—not just for your students, but for yourself. Whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned professional, being intentional in how you begin can set you up for success. Below are five practical strategies to position yourself…
Read MoreCalm in the Chaos: Strategies for Supporting an Upset Student
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 MoreTeach Girls Bravery not Perfection
Reshma Saujani is a woman with a mission. She is on a campaign to change the way that we socialize young girls. Her premise is this: girls are taught to be perfect, while boys are taught to be brave. How does this happen? In her effort to challenge more young women to tackle careers…
Read MoreResilience: Helping Students Thrive Through Challenges
What does a student do when faced with a challenging situation? Give Up Find an adult to fix the problem Attempt to solve the problem Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, adapt to difficult situations, and keep going in the face of adversity. For elementary-aged students, resilience might look like staying calm…
Read MoreBuilding Self Esteem the Growth Mindset Way
Back in the day when I was a kid, (which I admit was long, long ago), no one worried about kids developing self-esteem. I’m not even sure the concept of self-esteem existed. What did parents worry about? Well, other normal stuff; kids behaving, kids being successful in school, kids getting along with each other. Then…
Read MoreGrowing Self-Esteem in Schools: Simple Ways Counselors Can Make a Difference
What is Positive Self-Esteem? Positive self-esteem is a child’s belief in their own worth, abilities, and potential. It’s the confidence to take on challenges, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the self-acceptance that fosters happiness and motivation. When students feel valued and capable, they are more likely to take risks, try new things,…
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