Sunday, March 20, 2016

Discover Your Learning Style, Engaging Study Skills with Fun Strategies for Mon "STAR" Student Success!


Teaching Study Skills is Monsterous:

You know, it's funny how many educators say they don't enjoy teaching study skills because they find it boring. But let me tell you, I absolutely love it! There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing students light up with excitement as they discover new strategies to improve their grades.

Now, I totally get it. Study skills may not be the most thrilling topic for students either. But here's the secret: we can make it fun and exciting! And that's exactly what I do in my lessons. I give them a theme and turn it into a game that not only helps them learn about their own learning style but also keeps them engaged and entertained.

Becoming a Mon "STAR" Student:

One of my favorite lessons is called "How to Be a Mon "STAR" Student." It's like going on a thrilling adventure to uncover their unique learning styles. We kick things off with a Learning Styles Inventory, which always grabs their attention. You should see their faces light up when they get to take surveys and compare their results with their friends. It's like a little discovery party right there in the classroom!


But that's not all. Each student gets a personalized tips and tricks sheet based on their learning style. I want them to have something they can take home and share with their parents. Getting parents involved in this process is crucial because it's a team effort. We want to support our students both at school and at home, you know?


Incorporating a Frightfully Fun Game:

Now, here's where the real fun begins—the Monster Mix Up game. Picture this: students divided into groups, armed with Monster Mix Up cards and a Study Tips Answer Key. One student takes on the role of the Fact Checker, while the others excitedly dive into the game. It's all about finding matching study tips for different learning styles.

The game works like this: they flip over two cards—one with a monster top and the other with a monster bottom. And when they find a match where the Study Tip card matches the Learning Style card, they create a hilarious monster. The laughter and excitement that fill the room are absolutely contagious.


The Enchanted Ending: 

You see, by combining fun and learning, we create an environment where students not only grasp study skills but also develop new study techniques. 

So, don't let anyone tell you that teaching study skills has to be dull and uninspiring. With a little creativity and a whole lot of fun, we can turn it into an adventure that our students eagerly embrace. Let's continue to infuse joy and enthusiasm into our lessons, making sure our students not only learn study skills but also love the journey of learning itself. Together, we can light that spark and equip our students with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond. It's a truly rewarding experience that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world!

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Boosting Student Pride and Recognition: How Brag Buttons Can Transform Your School Counseling Office



Hey there! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite things as a school counselor – bragging about my incredible students. It's such a joy to see them taking charge and showing their leadership skills, as well as finding creative solutions to their own problems. To make sure they know just how proud I am, I came up with these awesome brag buttons! 🌟

Here's how I do it: I grab the "make your own" plastic buttons from Michael's (pro tip: use a coupon for a sweet deal!). They only cost around $5, and then I print and cut out special sayings to go inside each button. Seeing the kids' smiles when I hand them a button is priceless, but you know what's even better? Spotting them proudly wearing those buttons days later! Sometimes they even rock them on their shirts for weeks! 🙌


I always tell my students to attach the buttons to their book bags when they get home, so they'll remember just how proud I am of their accomplishments. But guess what? You can get creative with it too! Print the sayings on sturdy cardstock, laminate them, punch a hole, and add a string or lanyard. Or, go for the sticker option – print them on sticker paper and let your students proudly wear them for the day! 🎉


Now, here's why you should give brag buttons a shot in your counseling office too. These little tokens of recognition have such a positive impact on your students. Not only will they feel proud and appreciated, but it's also a fantastic way to foster a supportive and encouraging atmosphere in your school. So, go ahead and celebrate those achievements – your students will thank you, and you'll love seeing their confidence soar! 💪 #SchoolCounselors #BragButtons




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Monday, August 3, 2015

Unlocking the Secrets: Meet the School Counselor in an Epic Spy-Themed Lesson

Cue the Mission Impossible Music

Welcome Students! Imagine yourself as a covert operative, equipped with skills to crack codes and navigate secret missions. Now, get ready to embark on an exhilarating adventure that merges the excitement of being a spy with the opportunity to connect with your school counselor, me! Brace yourselves, young agents, because this Meet the School Counselor Lesson is about to unfold!

Unraveling Secrets, One Clue at a Time

Your mission begins with a top-secret "Welcome" message that sets the stage for an extraordinary journey. As undercover agents, you'll decipher clues to uncover the vital role of the school counselor. Utilizing the "EDIT" mode of the PowerPoint presentation you'll engage in interactive, thrilling activities, decrypting codes that reveal fascinating insights into my job here at our school.

Prepare for mind-boggling revelations as you slide a sleek magnifying glass across the screen, exposing the remarkable problem-solving abilities of school counselors or wiping the steam off a bathroom mirror, only to reveal that school counselors possess unmatched compassion and care. Additionally, you'll encounter a coded message that, once decrypted, reveals the indispensable role of school counselors as exceptional listeners. By following intricate instructions, you'll unveil the truth that school counselors excel at maintaining utmost secrecy and confidentiality—a vital trait in their line of work, ensuring your trust and privacy. These interactive activities not only spark discussions but also provide you with invaluable insights into when and how to seek support from these stealthy operatives.













A Game of Intrigue and Revelation

But the adventure doesn't stop there! Upon successfully decoding all the clues, an exciting surprise awaits. Armed with a virtual flashlight, you, as skilled agents, will shine a light on the path ahead, uncovering an exhilarating game meticulously prepared just for you!

Welcome to "Operation Discover the Secret Agent!" In this thrilling game of deception, each one of you will apply to become an official secret agent, complete with a covert code name generated by our state-of-the-art Code Name Generator. The applications you submit will act as intelligence to fuel our game. Picture this: I, your mission commander, will divulge the code name and two cryptic facts about a fellow agent, and then it's your turn to deduce their true identity! This immersive experience will not only test your deductive skills but also forge an unbreakable bond among all secret agents, forming an elite network of trust and collaboration.


Unlocking the Hidden Benefits

Now, let’s talk about the extraordinary benefits of being friends with your school counselor: When you are comfortable talking to your counselor, you...

Establish a Covert Connection: Building a strong rapport with your school counselor from the start forms a secret bond of trust, ensuring a safe space where you can openly share your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.

Unleash a Hidden Network of Support: Understanding the role of the school counselor enables you to tap into their vast resources and guidance, receiving assistance in matters ranging from academics to social and emotional well-being.

Master the Art of Covert Communication: Unveiling the secrets of effective communication and how to seek help from your school counselor empowers you to express your needs and concerns confidentially, fostering resilience and self-advocacy.

So, gear up, young agents, for Operation Mission Possible—an adventure filled with intrigue, revelation, and the assurance that your school counselor is there for you, every step of the way. Get ready to discover the secret world of support that awaits you!

If you want a sneak peek into the action, check out the video below! It's an adventure you won't want to miss!


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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Introducing the School Counseling Program to the Faculty at the Beginning of the School Year!


Hey there! We all know school counselors are here to be the heroes of the day, right? Well, hold on to your cape because last year my co-counselor and I decided to bring some superhero vibes into our Beginning of the Year School Counseling Program presentation for the faculty. We dressed up as superheroes, complete with homemade capes from Dollar Tree plastic tablecloths and cool masks. It was a blast! Today, I'm excited to share with you the epic benefits of presenting our program in this superhero-inspired way. So, let’s fly!

Building Awareness and Understanding:

Picture this: a room full of faculty members, all eyes glazed over from a day filled with meetings! Then the Super School Counselors appear to unveil the School Counseling Program. The superhero theme instantly grabbed their attention and sparked their curiosity. Through an awesome slideshow, we showcased the essential components of our program and how it aligns with the school's overall educational goals, as well as, ASCA. It was a surefire way to make sure everyone knew what we were all about and how we contribute to student success.


Establishing Collaboration and Support:

Now, superheroes are all about teamwork, right? So, we wanted to foster a sense of collaboration and support among the faculty. We wanted teachers to know that we're here to save the day for them as well.  Establishing the components of our program encouraged open communication and cooperation among the faculty members and us, the counselors.

Recognizing and Valuing Educators:

Who doesn't love being appreciated, right? As part of our superhero campaign, we didn't stop at the presentation. On the first day of school, we rocked our superhero costumes again and surprised the teachers with some treats during their planning times. Imagine their faces when we showed up with water bottles sporting capes and a "Have a Super 1st Day" message, along with popcorn for a snack. The teachers felt valued and appreciated for their hard 1st Day of School, and we made sure to include all faculty and staff members in our gratitude-filled gesture.



Fostering a Positive School Culture:

Superheroes are known for bringing positivity wherever they go, and that's exactly what we aimed to achieve. We continued the theme with our Meet the Counselor lessons. The superhero-themed campaign created an atmosphere of excitement and unity throughout the school community. It was infectious! 



Wrapping up our superhero adventure, presenting the School Counseling Program and ourselves to students in this epic way proved to be a fantastic strategy. The superhero theme brought a whole new level of engagement and excitement, making sure our message hit home. By building awareness, fostering collaboration, recognizing educators, and fostering a positive school culture, we set the stage for an extraordinary school year! Together with the faculty and staff, we're ready to keep saving the day and empowering students to soar to new heights!

Would you like to see more about our Meet the Superhero School Counselor Lesson?
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Sunday, January 18, 2015

From Classroom to School Counseling Office: Transforming Spaces




Oh boy, let me tell you about the incredible transformation that has taken place in my life this year! You see, I made a big leap and switched schools, expecting a smooth transition. After all, I've been in this game for 21 years, and with technology at our fingertips, how hard could it be, right? Well, hold onto your seats because reality hit me like a whirlwind!

Let's talk about my office situation. In my previous school, I had a cozy little counseling office all to myself, tucked away in its own peaceful corner. I could easily communicate with my colleague through the adjacent wall. We'd chat, collaborate, and support each other effortlessly. It was a harmonious setup that I took for granted. Little did I know that things were about to change drastically.

Fast forward to my new school, and guess what? My office has morphed into a full-blown classroom! Suddenly, I have all this space at my disposal, and it's exhilarating. I mean, who wouldn't love the extra breathing room? But let me tell you, it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns.

Transforming my office into a classroom was no small feat. It required heaps of effort and a fair share of investment. I scoured second-hand stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales to find furniture that would fit the bill. It became a treasure hunt, searching for the perfect pieces that would bring life and functionality to my new space. And let's not forget the challenge of ensuring everything matched seamlessly. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but with the added pressure of making it look fabulous!

As I gradually filled the classroom with desks, chairs, and all the necessary supplies, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. But there was still one lingering fear that held me back from going all out—uncertainty about the future. You see, I hesitated to adorn the walls with countless posters and decorations. Why, you ask? Well, because I had this nagging worry that I might get relocated to another room next year. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving behind a beautifully decorated space, only to start from scratch again. So, I took a cautious approach and kept the decor to a minimum.

But amidst all the challenges and uncertainties, there's one thing that truly stood out to me. It's the realization that change brings new opportunities. Yes, my office is now a classroom, but that means I have the chance to touch the lives of even more students. It's a space where I can create an atmosphere of learning, growth, and support. And as I settle into this new role, I'm reminded that it's not the physical surroundings that define my impact, but the dedication and passion I bring to my work.

So, there you have it—the remarkable journey of transforming my humble office into a vibrant classroom. It's been an adventure filled with surprises, hard work, and a touch of uncertainty. But through it all, I've embraced the change and found excitement in the possibilities that lie ahead. Here's to new beginnings and the countless lives we'll touch in this transformed space. Let's make it an extraordinary ride!

This was my little office for the last 8 years.



Yep! That's all my 21 years of stuff all boxed up. It does not even include my furniture!


And now this huge classroom is all mine!



Great news! There is a nature trail behind the school.


Love the nature trail!




I made my welcome sign out of an old, oval frame and foam board.


My play area with a bookshelf of toys and magnetic board to display student work.



Another whiteboard that I had to do something with because it was soooo blah. 

                                         


With a sand box and a rolling drawer full of sand toys.


My desk and counseling area.


My small group table - I love having a place to work at a table!


Here's a cozy place to solve peer disputes with a huge bulletin board.







The right side..those are plastic plates with messages written in dry-erase markers so I can change them!



                                       

                                        

                                           


A leftover wreath re-purposed with my initial.


My Door


The outside huge bulletin board!


That I never change!


Really I feel guilty for not changing it, but it is A LOT of work!


My FAVORITE bulletin board outside my door. It's interactive and I can change the message!





Looking for more ideas for your office? Check out my puppet stand in my last office!