Small Groups, Big Results: A Counselor’s Guide to Group Work

happy teacher

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 More

Resilience: Helping Students Thrive Through Challenges

tug of war

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 More

Building Self Esteem the Growth Mindset Way

happy kids

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 More

From Crayons to Classrooms: Easing the Kindergarten Transition

back-to-school

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—for children and their parents. As an elementary school counselor, you’re in a unique position to support families during this exciting and sometimes emotional transition. When parents are equipped with the right tools, they can help their children start school with confidence, resilience, and curiosity. As the school counselor in…

Read More