I hate the word bully! I feel it is overused. I just found a very relevant article basically saying rather than fighting bullying, we need to teach victims how to stand up for themselves. I couldn't agree more! That is actually how I work with students who are dealing with mean kids. (Yes, I think most of the time they are dealing with mean kids, not bullies).
Check out this article and let me know what you think!
Education World: Ending Bullying By Teaching Kids Not To Be Victims
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
National School Counseling Week Link Party!
We are heavy into enrollment right now, presenting classroom lessons to our 6th and 7th graders on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday night we are presenting that information to parents. With all the concentration on enrollment, I honestly have not thought much about National School Counseling Week. I want to do something educational, yet inexpensive. As busy as I am, a time consuming, cute project will not work.
Here is what I am thinking to do: School Counseling questions in the daily student announcements with prizes (cookie at lunch) given to a winning student from each grade level during lunch Tuesday through Friday.
I would also like to do something for the adults in our building. I'd like to keep it simple. Since it is so cold, I am thinking of thanking them for their support with hot cider and/or hot tea. (Pour the cider in a crock pot and add a cinnamon stick to the mixture, bring a hot pot and assorted tea bags--will smell good and keep them warm).
I feel like my ideas are simple enough to accomplish at this busy time. I would LOVE to do way more, but since it is my first year I feel I need to start small.
What are your thoughts? Any suggestions?
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sesame Street: Bruno Mars: Don't Give Up
I found this video on youtube. This would be a great motivational song for elementary school. Might be a bit juvenile for middle school, but I really like it! :) What are your thoughts?
Trying something new!
Ok, so I have got to share what we did at Lange Middle School yesterday! It was a shorter day, with the kids getting out at 12:05. We also had an assembly in there. So, our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) Team decided that we needed to stress the positives in our school by doing fun activities. One thing they came up with was a "Switch Day".
Students were given a punch card that listed their 4 core classes and 2 electives. Yesterday, students could go to their classes in any order. They had to attend core classes on their team, but they could choose when to go. As for electives, they were able to choose any elective class to try for the day.
When students came to class, the teacher punched their cards and closed the door when class was full (28 students) and hung up a red sign.
What a creative idea!!! I really applaud our PBIS team for the courage to try something so out of the box!
When I asked the kids their opinion on the day, here were some of the comments I received:
"BEST day ever!"
"Awesome!"
"Just another day of school."
"It was like the Hunger Games trying to get to the elective class I wanted."
"It was like Black Friday."
"Chaos."
"Kids were running to get to class."
The crazy thing is, the hallways were EMPTY in between classes. Kids were excited to be with their friends and try something new. Let me say this again, "Kids were running to get to class!" When does this happen?!
Awesome job Lange Middle School!!!!
Students were given a punch card that listed their 4 core classes and 2 electives. Yesterday, students could go to their classes in any order. They had to attend core classes on their team, but they could choose when to go. As for electives, they were able to choose any elective class to try for the day.
When students came to class, the teacher punched their cards and closed the door when class was full (28 students) and hung up a red sign.
What a creative idea!!! I really applaud our PBIS team for the courage to try something so out of the box!
When I asked the kids their opinion on the day, here were some of the comments I received:
"BEST day ever!"
"Awesome!"
"Just another day of school."
"It was like the Hunger Games trying to get to the elective class I wanted."
"It was like Black Friday."
"Chaos."
"Kids were running to get to class."
The crazy thing is, the hallways were EMPTY in between classes. Kids were excited to be with their friends and try something new. Let me say this again, "Kids were running to get to class!" When does this happen?!
Awesome job Lange Middle School!!!!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Almost Free Samples - The Career Game by Rick Trow Productions
Almost Free Samples - The Career Game by Rick Trow Productions
If you are looking for mateirals for middle school career exploration, check out the link above! Several samples. All you pay for is the shipping!
Who's going to try this with me?
If you are looking for mateirals for middle school career exploration, check out the link above! Several samples. All you pay for is the shipping!
Who's going to try this with me?
Monday, January 20, 2014
Future Puerto Rico Trip
In June, I am taking 4 students and 2 adults on a trip to Puerto Rico!
Puerto Rico 2014
I started planning and organizing this trip while I was a Spanish teacher. Now that I am a school counselor, the purpose for the trip is more global. Not only do I want the students to appreciate another culture and practice a different language. I want them to be able to see how they each grow personally and socially from their experiences on this trip.
We are a small group, so we will be paired with at least one other group. We have no control over who that might be.
Another interesting thing about this trip is that each student enrolled is from a different school. None of them know each other. I am excited to get everyone together and get to know each other!
I am interested to know if you have ever traveled with students. If so, how did it go? What was your purpose?
Also...if this trip looks like something you might be interested in, check out the Puerto Rico 2014 link at the top of the page. I would LOVE to travel with another colleague!
Puerto Rico 2014
I started planning and organizing this trip while I was a Spanish teacher. Now that I am a school counselor, the purpose for the trip is more global. Not only do I want the students to appreciate another culture and practice a different language. I want them to be able to see how they each grow personally and socially from their experiences on this trip.
We are a small group, so we will be paired with at least one other group. We have no control over who that might be.
Another interesting thing about this trip is that each student enrolled is from a different school. None of them know each other. I am excited to get everyone together and get to know each other!
I am interested to know if you have ever traveled with students. If so, how did it go? What was your purpose?
Also...if this trip looks like something you might be interested in, check out the Puerto Rico 2014 link at the top of the page. I would LOVE to travel with another colleague!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Awesome Blog!
Are you familiar with the blog entitled, "School Counselor.com Must See Videos"? As is true of most of my internet experience, I was playing around and stumbled across this fabulous blog! The title describes it perfectly. It is a blog filled with videos pertinent to our area of practice.
I'd love to share the newest video on the blog with you. It speaks to the kindness of strangers. Please, check it out: SchoolCounselor.com Must See Videos: Man's act of kindness to autistic girl on plane go...:
I'd love to share the newest video on the blog with you. It speaks to the kindness of strangers. Please, check it out: SchoolCounselor.com Must See Videos: Man's act of kindness to autistic girl on plane go...:
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