Monday, January 30, 2012

Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Dyed Rice for Relaxing and Coping



Exploring the Soothing Splendor of Dyed Rice

Hey everyone, guess what? Over the weekend, I had the most amazing idea! I decided to dye rice using Kool-Aid, and let me tell you, the results were mind-blowing! 🌈✨

My initial plan was to create a colorful rice tray as a fun alternative to a sand tray. But then it hit me, why not use the dyed rice to make feelings jars with my students? Each color could represent a different feeling, and they could visually represent how much of each feeling they have in a sealed jar. It's like turning a common issue into a beautiful work of art that's meaningful to the students. How awesome is that?

And let me tell you, the process was super simple! All I did was put about 1 cup of rice in a ziplock bag, mix 2 tablespoons of hot water with Kool-Aid powder, and pour it into the bag of rice. Then, I squished, squashed, and mashed it until the rice was fully covered in vibrant colors. After spreading the rice out on wax paper to dry for about 15 minutes (although I left it out longer just to be safe), I ended up with bags of different colored rice—cherry red, grape purple, watermelon pink, orangy orange, and even some yellow, green, and blue using food coloring. Talk about a rainbow of possibilities! 🌈😍


I was beyond excited to bring my dyed rice to school and see how I could use it. And wouldn't you know it, the perfect opportunity presented itself sooner than expected! While working with a student on anger management and finding alternatives to destructive behaviors, she noticed my colorful rice and asked about it. That's when inspiration struck! We decided to make a Relax Jar using a baby jar filled with blue rice and beads with the letters R-E-L-A-X and some sequins. The idea was that when she gets angry, she can turn the jar and search for the letter beads, giving her something positive to focus on and hopefully calming her down. How amazing is that? 🌟 Since then, I have switched to plastic jars. I just recycle my old vitamin jars after being thoroughly washed and sanitized!


Update: Can you believe it? I'm still in love with this colorful dyed rice. 🌈✨ ! It's been years since I started using it with students, and it's still one of my favorite strategies to use with students. The best part? If you store the rice in an airtight container, it lasts forever! Personally, I love reusing empty liquid coffee-mate containers to keep my big batches in—they make for perfect storage with their clear containers and convenient pouring spouts. 

Since my first post, I've been exploring different ways to use this colorful dyed rice. 🌈✨ creation with my students, and let me tell you, the possibilities are endless! Not only is dyed rice visually stunning, but it also has a wide range of benefits for students. Let’s check out some amazing uses and advantages together!

1️⃣ Calming Sensory Tool: One of the most remarkable aspects of dyed rice is its calming effect. The gentle texture and soothing colors provide a sensory experience that can help students relax and find peace in moments of stress or overwhelm. Just running their fingers through the soft grains can bring a sense of comfort and tranquility. It's like holding a jar of serenity in their hands. πŸŒΎπŸ’†‍♂️

2️⃣ Anger Management Aid: Dyed rice can be a powerful tool in anger management strategies. When students feel their emotions escalating, they can turn to the rice as a healthy outlet for their anger. By swirling and shifting the rice in a container, they can release tension and redirect their focus. It's a tangible way for them to physically and mentally engage with their emotions, allowing them to cool down and regain control. πŸ’¨πŸŒͺ️

3️⃣ Coping Skill Development: The process of working with dyed rice provides an opportunity for students to develop valuable coping skills. As they create art or engage in sensory play with the rice, they learn to channel their emotions, express themselves creatively, and find positive ways to manage their feelings. It's a hands-on approach that encourages self-reflection and empowers them to navigate challenging situations with resilience and grace. πŸ–Œ️🧠

4️⃣ Artistic Expression: Let's not forget the artistic possibilities that dyed rice offers! Students can use the colorful grains to create beautiful and vibrant works of art. They can design collages, mosaics, or even use the rice as a medium for sensory painting. The versatility of dyed rice allows students to explore their creativity and express themselves in unique and captivating ways. It's like having a rainbow at their fingertips! 🎨🌈


But wait, there's more! Dyed rice has additional benefits for students that extend beyond its calming and artistic qualities. It also promotes:

🌟 Fine Motor Skills Development: Manipulating and playing with the rice enhances students' fine motor skills, such as pinching, grasping, and pouring. These small movements strengthen their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, preparing them for tasks that require precise control and coordination.

🌟 Focus and Concentration: Engaging with the rice demands attention and concentration. Whether it's exploring its textures, carefully arranging it, or working on art projects, students learn to stay present and fully immerse themselves in the task at hand. This cultivates a sense of mindfulness and helps develop their ability to sustain focus.

🌟 Social Interaction and Collaboration: Dyed rice can be an excellent tool for fostering social interaction and collaboration among students. Whether they're sharing a sensory bin, collaborating on an art project, or engaging in a calming activity together, the rice becomes a catalyst for connection and camaraderie. It opens doors for communication, cooperation, and the building of meaningful relationships.

So there you have it, my friends! Dyed rice is not only visually stunning and captivating, but it also offers a myriad of benefits for students. From promoting calmness and anger management to developing coping skills and fostering artistic expression, the possibilities are truly endless. So grab your ziplock bags, choose your favorite colors, and let your imagination run wild! Together, let's create a world of colorful possibilities for our students. 🌈🌾

Share your own experiences with dyed rice and any additional uses you've discovered in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going and inspire each other to make a difference in the lives of our students! πŸŒŸπŸ’™

Oh, and guess what? I just made another 14 pounds of dyed rice for the upcoming school year. Get ready for even more colorful adventures! πŸŽ‰πŸ’›

Here are some tips I've discovered along the way:

Use 1 pack of Kool-Aid per pound of rice.
I found that mixed berry (blue), strawberry kiwi (pink), green apple (green), lemonade with a few drops of yellow food coloring (yellow), grape (purple), orange (orange, obviously), and black cherry (red) worked great as flavors.
Only add a few spoonfuls of water to mix the powder, and then put the rice and Kool-Aid dye in a quart-size ziplock bag. Shake, shake, shake for about 30 seconds, and voila! Vibrant and aromatic rice ready for your creative adventures. Enjoy! πŸŒˆπŸ™Œ


#ColorfulCounseling #SensoryPlay #ArtTherapy #StudentWellbeing

Looking for more Coping Activities? Check these posts out!






Friday, January 27, 2012

Coping with Change: Using Kaleidoscopes as a Therapeutic Tool for Students



Hey there! As a school counselor, I've encountered many students struggling with change, whether it's their parents' divorce, moving to a new school, or the loss of a loved one. It's not easy for anyone, regardless of age. But I've found a fantastic activity that helps my students cope with change, and I'm excited to share it with you!

So, picture this: a kaleidoscope. You know, those mesmerizing tubes that create beautiful patterns when you look through them? Well, making kaleidoscopes has become a powerful tool in my counseling sessions. It's a tangible activity that helps students embrace new perspectives and find strength in the face of change.

First things first, let me walk you through the process. To make a kaleidoscope, I use recycled paper towel tubes. It's an eco-friendly approach that adds an extra touch of creativity to the activity. Here's what you'll need:

  • Recycled paper towel tubes
  • Scissors
  • Clear plastic wrap or plastic transparency sheets
  • Rubber bands
  • Colorful beads, sequins, or small trinkets
  • Glue

Now, let's get to work! Start by cutting the paper towel tube into smaller sections, about three inches long. Next, cover one end of a tube section with plastic wrap or a transparency sheet, securing it in place with a rubber band. This will be the viewing end of the kaleidoscope.

Here comes the fun part! Fill the tube with colorful beads, sequins, or small trinkets. Encourage the students to distribute them evenly so that they'll create a symphony of colors when they look through the kaleidoscope. Once the tube is filled, cover the other end with more plastic wrap or a transparency sheet, securing it with another rubber band.

Now it's time to let their creativity shine! They can decorate the outside of the kaleidoscope using markers, stickers, or anything that sparks their imagination. This personal touch adds a special meaning to their creation.


Once the kaleidoscopes are complete, it's time for a heart-to-heart discussion. I sit down with my students and ask them questions like, "How do you feel about change?" and "What are some changes in your life that you've experienced recently?" These conversations allow them to explore their emotions and reflect on the transformations they've encountered.

The kaleidoscope itself serves as a powerful symbol of change and transformation. Just as the patterns within the kaleidoscope shift and evolve, so do our experiences. I use this symbolism to help students understand that change isn't necessarily a bad thing. It can lead to new and beautiful outcomes, just like the ever-changing patterns in their kaleidoscope.

This activity has numerous benefits for students. Not only does it provide an emotional outlet for them to express their feelings, but it also gives them a sense of control over a small aspect of their lives. Engaging in hands-on creativity stimulates their cognitive skills and serves as a therapeutic distraction from negative thoughts and overwhelming emotions.

Moreover, making kaleidoscopes in small groups fosters social connection and a sense of belonging among the students. They can share their experiences, exchange stories, and support one another through their journeys of change. It's a beautiful reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.


As a school counselor, it's my mission to provide a safe and supportive space for students to navigate change. The kaleidoscope activity has become a cherished part of my counseling sessions, allowing students to find strength, resilience, and new perspectives as they embrace the ever-changing nature of life.

So, why not give it a try? Grab those paper towel tubes, gather your students, and embark on a kaleidoscope-making adventure. Together, we can help our students cope with change and discover the beauty that lies within every transformation.


Looking for more Coping Activities? Check these posts out!



Thursday, January 26, 2012

Transform Your School Counseling Office with a Picket Fence Puppet Stand: Unleashing Creativity and Fun!


Welcome to my very first blog post! I've been racking my brain, wondering, "Where on earth do I even begin?" But I've decided to kick things off right where my day starts every single morning: my office! It may not be the grandest space, but I try to make it inviting and fun!

You see, I have the incredible privilege of being an elementary school counselor, and that means I've got my hands full with all sorts of delightful puppets. Yep, you heard that right – puppets! But here's the thing: where in the world do you store all these lovable, fuzzy characters? Ah-ha! I've discovered the most ingenious solution – a picket fence!

My office is like a puppet paradise, with a picket fence standing tall and proud, showcasing my colorful puppet collection. It's a sight to behold! And the kiddos just can't get enough of them. They absolutely adore grabbing those puppets, using them to chat away, and even reenacting their favorite stories. It's like a mini theater in there!

Every day, my office transforms into a world of imagination and excitement. The moment those kids step through the door, their eyes light up, and they rush over to the picket fence, eagerly play with the puppets.

So, here I am, embarking on this blogging adventure, and what better way to start than by sharing this magical corner of my world with all of you? That's all for now! But stay tuned, because I've got plenty more stories and ideas to share. Until next time, keep those imaginations running wild and those puppets at the ready! Catch you on the flip side!