Posts Tagged ‘social emotional learning’
Plan Ahead, Shine Ahead: Teaching Elementary Students the Power of Being Prepared
For elementary school counselors, teaching students to be prepared is about more than just having supplies or finishing homework—it’s about helping children build habits of responsibility, planning, and self-management that will support them throughout their academic journey and beyond. Being prepared helps students feel confident, reduces anxiety, and allows them to take ownership of their…
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 MoreSmart Choices Start Early: How to Teach Elementary Students Good Decision-Making Skills
Helping children learn how to make good decisions is one of the most powerful life skills elementary school counselors can teach. Decision-making lessons not only build confidence but also lay the foundation for moral character, critical thinking, and personal responsibility. Elementary students make decisions every day—from choosing friends to deciding whether to follow the rules…
Read MoreGrowing Generous Hearts: How Elementary Counselors Can Teach Giving and Kindness
Elementary school counselors play an important role in shaping the social and emotional growth of students. One essential character trait to nurture is generosity—the ability and willingness to give time, energy, resources, or kindness to others without expecting anything in return. Teaching generosity helps students build empathy, strengthen relationships, and create a more positive school…
Read MoreSmall Groups, Big Results: A Counselor’s Guide to Group Work
One of the most powerful tools elementary school counselors can use is the small counseling group. Small groups create an ideal setting to build trust, provide targeted support, and teach meaningful lessons—all while maximizing your time by reaching several students at once. Students benefit from shared experiences, peer support, and practical strategies they can take…
Read MoreFriendship Troubles: Helping Students Navigate Tricky Friend Situations
Handling challenging situations. Knowing when to move on… 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 and treats you unkindly? If a friend treats you badly, is it okay to treat them the…
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