The Science of Encouragement: What Elementary School Counselors Need to Know About Positive and Negative Comments

teacher-and-students

Elementary school counselors play a critical role in shaping school climate, supporting student growth, and helping children develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed. While many counseling strategies focus on specific interventions, one of the most powerful tools counselors have is something they use every day: their words. Research has consistently shown that the…

Read More

Using Journals in Elementary School Counseling: Simple Strategies for Big Emotional Learning

counselor

One of the greatest strengths of journaling is its versatility. It works across all counseling settings. Using Journals in Individual Counseling Sessions Individual counseling allows journals to become highly personalized and relationship-based. Effective Uses in Individual Sessions Emotional check-ins Reflection after difficult situations Goal tracking Coping strategy practice Problem-solving exercises Processing friendship issues, grief, anxiety,…

Read More

Journaling for Kids: Prompts that Build Emotional Growth and Confidence

girl writing

Journaling for kids is one of the most effective and flexible tools elementary school counselors can use to support emotional development, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. Whether used during individual counseling sessions, small group counseling, or classroom guidance lessons, student journals create a safe and structured space for children to explore their thoughts and feelings. For…

Read More

Together We Shine: Teaching Cooperation in Elementary Schools

Two girls playing together with wooden toy blocks

Most parents and teachers would agree that cooperation is a critical skill for life success that requires communication, empathy and respect. Even young children can begin to learn simple ways to cooperate. Learning to use cooperation in the classroom will eventually serve children well as adults. Elementary schools provide countless opportunities for students to work…

Read More

Building a Bully-Free Zone: How Elementary School Counselors Can Help

mad kids

As elementary school counselors, we play a critical role in fostering safe, supportive environments where all students can grow and thrive. One of the most important topics we address is bully prevention. Bullying can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional well-being and academic success, so it’s crucial that we empower students with the…

Read More