Role of Elementary School Counselors

As we spend our last few weeks recouping, rejuvenating, and re-energizing ourselves for the upcoming school year I like to think about how to best explain to stakeholders what the role of the elementary school counselor is.  AND, to best do that I always refer first to ASCA.  Here's a nice link with helpful information (and even videos to show parents).  Enjoy!

My FAV Pinterest Find Thus Far ... Tattle Monsters

My favorite thus far are Tattle Monsters from Giggles Galore
http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/tattle-monster.html.
So happy I stumbled upon this one!  Here's a screen capture of one of these cute guys created by Mariah, the creator of Giggles Galore.  She also gives step-by-step instructions on how to make "him."

I know the teachers at my school are going to love this go-to box after we do a tattle lesson.  For their sake, I think I'll do it much earlier this year than last.  I can't wait!

Happy Pinteresting!

Pinterest is AMAZING!

I have begun to make some time (during this relaxing summer) to reassess my first year as a school counselor and the program I created.  Luckily I had the freedom to recreate the program that was already at my school.  The former counselor became the assistant principal, which for some could have been intimidating, but she was very honest about me being able to do whatever I wanted.  I digress.  The point is, as I have been thinking about what worked and what didn't, I have have checked out all of your blogs, and then found myself finding idea after idea on .... Pinterest!  Genius Idea!  So, if you're like me and you're either new or new to technology Pinterest can be a lifesaver!

Summers for many school counselors (like teachers) is a time to rejuvenate and do some self-care before the school year starts up again.  While doing so you may be tempted to take a look at your SC program and make some additions, changes, tweaks, etc.  WELL, have I found the site to rival all sites.  http://www.elementaryschoolcounseling.org  Marissa, the creator of this site, has a resource page that will blow your mind.  So if you're like me, and just can't stay completely away from counseling during the summer, check out her site ... it is well worth it :)

(photo courtesy of google.com/images)

I wish I was at this year's conference.  One cool thing I just found out was that ASCA has an app for the conference this year.  Apparently I missed this last when they did the same in Seattle.  You can also just go to http://m.core-apps.com/asca2012 to view the app. It has all of the sessions (including handouts)!!!!!!  If I can't be there this might be the next best thing!

I just stumbled upon a fab blog, The Teacher's Lounge. There is a great post about classroom management, http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/?p=9179, something I'm always trying to improve. Check it out, they offer some great tips.

Balloon Stress Balls
LOVE this idea from http://pre-schoolplay.blogspot.com/2011/07/stress-ball-balloons.html!  I think my kids will love making these home-made stress balls (and my wallet will too)!  Can't wait to try these out.