Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Set Sail on a Swashbuckling Friendship Skills Adventure: A Pirate Pals Escape Room Lesson


Hello, my friends! Friendship is a priceless treasure that surpasses any riches found on the vast ocean. Today, I'll be taking you on an exciting adventure as we explore the secrets of friendship through a Pirate Pals Escape Room Lesson. So gather 'round and pay attention as I guide you on this thrilling journey, helping you develop your social skills and creating a friendly and collaborative classroom environment. 

Ah, but how fun would this blog be if I presented it in modern day English? I love any opportunity to dress-up and act like a character, I totally get into it! Imagine your students eyes filled with delight when they see you walk in for a lesson dressed as a pirate! I even bring a parrot toy, that repeats back anything you say, to complete my costume! So with no further ado, I must present this blog post to me hearty crew!

Ahoy, me mateys! Friendship be a treasure worth more than all the gold in the seven seas! Today, I'll be takin' ye on a grand adventure teachin' ye the secrets of friendship through the Pirate Pals Escape Room Lesson. So gather round and listen closely as I guide ye on this swashbucklin' journey, helpin' ye develop them there social skills and creatin' a shipshape classroom environment.

Settin' the Stage

Picture this, me hearties: ye step into the classroom, and a world of friendship awaits. I be talkin' 'bout the importance of makin' and keepin' friends. Now, let's introduce our trusty Pirate Pal, who'll be our guide on this adventure. He likes to rhyme to ignite ye enthusiasm and set the course for our escapades.


Understandin' the Treasure Map

Now ye'll see a treasure map. We'll be followin' it to unlock the secrets of friendship. As a crew, ye'll solve puzzles and earn pieces of pirate gold. These puzzles be representin' different aspects of friendship, and it's up to ye to work together like a true band of buccaneers


Puzzle 1 - A Pirate's Got Feelings

Arr, me hearties, Puzzle 1 awaits ye! We'll be divin' into the murky waters of emotions. Ye'll have puzzles with numbers and letters. Put 'em together to form a sentence and reveal a key to friendship. Match the right letters to the numbers in the sentence, and ye'll understand the importance of recognizin' and addressin' feelings in friendships.


Puzzle 2 - Pirates Have a Golden Rule

Now, me mateys, let's tackle Puzzle 2. This one be all 'bout the Golden Rule in friendship. Ye'll be sortin' cards into "Friendly" or "Unfriendly" behaviors. Then, arrange the Friendly Behavior Cards in order by their numbers. As ye do this, have a hearty discussion 'bout how treatin' others with respect and kindness shapes a strong and healthy friendship.


Puzzle 3 - Pirates Are Problem-Solvers

Hoist the sails, me hearties! It be time for Puzzle 3. This one be all 'bout solvin' problems in friendships. Grab yer Pirate Code Cracker and fill in the blanks usin' the Pirate Code. Them circled letters be the final clues ye need for our escape room adventure. Together, we'll hone yer critical thinkin' skills and learn the value of teamwork and compromise in resolvin' conflicts.


Final Puzzle - Findin' the Key

Arr, the final puzzle be upon us, me hearties! Take a gander. Ye must sort the coins to find the key to unlock the treasure chest. Fill in the blanks usin' what ye've learned from all the puzzles. This be where all the pieces come together – understandin' feelings, friendly behaviors, and problem-solvin'. Once ye have a completed puzzle, ye'll receive yer very own key to the treasure chest.


Openin' the Treasure Chest and a Bit o' Discussion

Avast! We've reached the final stretch, me mateys. When all crews have their keys, gather 'round for the grand reveal. Open the treasure chest, and behold the booty of friendship bracelets, stickers, or even golden coins as rewards for yer efforts. Now, let's engage in a lively discussion, reflectin' on the lessons learned. Share yer thoughts on why understandin' a friend's feelings, handlin' conflicts, and followin' the Golden Rule be the compasses that guide us on our friendship voyage. This discussion will anchor the lessons learned deep in yer hearts and strengthen the bonds of friendship among ye all.


The Greatest Treasure

Aye, me hearties! Ye have now mastered the art of friendship. Through the excitement, teamwork, and puzzles aplenty, ye have uncovered the secrets of understandin' emotions, treatin' others with kindness, and solvin' problems. So set sail on the journey of friendship, and remember to always be true-hearted and follow the Golden Rule. May the winds of friendship fill yer sails as ye navigate the seas of life, findin' treasure in every friend ye make!



Benefits for Children:
  • Arr, the first treasure ye shall uncover be the understanding of the importance of friendly behaviors. Through puzzlin' challenges and activities, ye young mateys will grasp the power of kindness, empathy, and respect in forgin' strong and hearty friendships.
  • But that's not all! Ye shall also be sailin' towards the island of emotional intelligence. By delvin' into the depths of emotions and sharin' yer feelings with yer fellow crew members, ye'll become savvier in understandin' yerselves and others, makin' it easier to navigate the choppy waters of social interactions.
  • And what's a pirate's life without a good bit of problem-solvin'? Fear not, me hearties, for this lesson be teachin' ye the ways of collaboration, effective communication, and critical thinkin'. Ye'll learn to work as a team, shoutin' "Aye, aye!" and findin' solutions like true mates. These skills be handy not only on the high seas but in all areas of yer lives.
  • Now, me buckos, imagine the warmth ye'll feel when ye find yerselves part of a tight-knit crew. The sense of belongin' that this lesson fosters be like findin' a true home among yer shipmates. Together, ye'll build a supportive and inclusive environment where every voice be valued, just like the crew on a sturdy ship.
  • Lastly, our journey be teachin' ye to take charge of yer actions. Ye shall learn the importance of responsibility and accountability. Every choice ye make has consequences, and this lesson be showin' ye how those choices affect yer friendships. Ye'll come to treasure the art of self-reflection and takin' ownership of yer interactions with others.

Benefits for Counselors & Teachers:

Now, me hearty teachers, prepare to hoist the anchor and reap the rewards of this escapade!
  • This Escape Room lesson be a gateway to engagin' and interactive learnin'. Ye can harness the excitement and novelty of the escape room concept to capture the attention of yer little pirates. This hands-on approach be gettin' 'em fully immersed in the lesson, makin' 'em eager to participate and sail full speed ahead.
  • Worry not, me friends, for this voyage aligns with multiple educational standards. We be tickin' the boxes of the ACCA Mindset Standards and ASCA Behavior Standards. By incorporatin' these standards, ye can rest assured that yer students be receivin' a comprehensive learnin' experience, coverin' their academic, social-emotional, and physical well-bein', all while fosterin' their sense of belongin' in the school environment.
  • The structure of this escape room be a trusty compass for ye in the realm of classroom management. Dividin' yer young sailors into small pirate crews allows ye to keep a keen eye on 'em and encourages collaboration. And fear not the chaos of the seven seas, for the clear progression of puzzles be keepin' 'em focused and on task.
  • But that's not all, me brave souls! As yer students work together in their pirate crews, ye'll have the perfect opportunity to observe and assess their social skills. Ye can witness their communicatin' prowess, their active listenin', and their ability to create positive relationships. This valuable insight be guidin' ye in providin' individualized guidance and interventions as needed.

So, me hearties, as we chart our course through this Pirate Pals Friendship Escape Room, let us celebrate the treasure trove of benefits awaitin' both children and teachers. With a better understandin' of friendly behaviors, emotional intelligence, problem-solvin' skills, a sense of belongin', and a taste of responsibility, ye young buccaneers shall be well-prepared to navigate the seas of friendship. And for ye teachers, the joy of engagin' learnin', the integration of educational standards, effective classroom management, and a keen eye on social skills assessment shall be yer rewards. Set sail, me hearties, and let friendship be the wind in yer sails!

Ready to Use Resource


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Friday, June 21, 2019

Engage Students to be a Rock "STAR" Student with Active Listening & Following Directions


Rock On! A Rock-N- Roll-Infused Lesson to Amp Up Engagement

Hey there! Getting students' attention these days can be quite a challenge, right? But here's a tip I've learned over the years: starting the year off with an Active Listening Lesson makes a world of difference, especially in the younger grades like Kindergarten and 1st grade. Trust me, if you do this, the students always remember, and it makes the rest of the year so much easier!

Crank Up the Volume: The Secret Phrase that Rocks "Body in Control"

Now, let me share an exciting idea I came up with to hook the children right from the start. I designed a Rock & Roll themed lesson using an interactive PowerPoint presentation. It's a blast! To grab their attention and get them ready to listen, I teach them a secret phrase. Are you ready? I say, "Rock-N-Roll." And when they hear it, the students respond with "Body in Control!" It's like a secret code that instantly refocuses their attention and primes them to actively participate in the lesson.


Interactive Power Chords: Riffing on Riddles for Active Listening

The slideshow has a captivating game where we solve riddles about different body parts and how they can help us listen better. The kids absolutely love it because they can interact with the slideshow to guess the correct answer! Together, we explore how each body part plays a role in effective listening and staying engaged in the classroom. 


For the finale, students get to complete an "a"maze"ing adventure! The students are tasked with finding their way out of a maze by identifying and the body parts associated with active body listening. It's hands-on and brings the concept of active listening to life in a tangible way.


Keep the Beat Alive: A Rockin' Mini-Poster for Year-Round Inspiration

I leave them with a mini-poster as a little keepsake. They can hang it up in their classroom to remember the lesson and the secret phrase throughout the year. The poster features vibrant images of rock and roll elements, reminding them of the excitement and energy they felt during the lesson. It serves as a visual reminder that keeps the rock and roll spirit alive, encouraging them to actively listen and engage in their learning journey.

So, let's embrace our inner rock stars and make active listening a fun and engaging experience. With this rock and roll-inspired approach, we can empower our students to listen attentively, participate wholeheartedly, and rock their way to success in the classroom. Let's turn up the volume on active listening together!

Ready to Use Resource



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Thursday, June 13, 2019

Meet My Rockin' School Counselor Back to School Guidance Introduction Lesson


Get ready to experience the rockin' vibes of your very own Rockstar School Counselor! From the moment I step through the school doors, I feel like a Rock Star, fueled by the awe-inspiring energy of the kids who make my job truly rock! With that electrifying spirit in mind, I proudly present to you my Meet the School counselor Introduction lesson: My Rockin’ School Counselor!

As we kick off the year, it's time to crank up the volume and remind everyone about the rocking role I play at our school. And what better way to set the stage than by jamming to the favorite hits of a Counselor! Here are a few:




Don't Worry, Be Happy School Counselor’s help you cope with worries.






Let it Go from FrozenSchool Counselors help you let your anger go.



Some important things I go over with my adoring fans:

  • School Counselors have a keen eye for spotting those who need a helping hand. During this lesson, we explore the different ways students can be referred for a backstage pass to my support.
  • We also discuss the reasons why students might want to rock out with the counselor, whether it's to fine-tune their academic performance, tune into positive friendships, or find harmony within their family life.
  • I meet with students individually, in small groups, and even in large assemblies. Just like a genuine rock star, I make appearances all around the school, spreading positive vibes wherever I go!
  • Every student in this rocking community is a VIP (Very Important Player), and it's time they feel it! I'll make sure they know they're the stars of the show, and their voices and dreams matter!


Community Buiding Activities:

Now, let's inject some rock 'n' roll energy into our activities! I created a fun and personalized "Get to Know You" activity. Students get the chance to create their own Top Hit Single by filling in the blanks with their favorite food and activity. For example, my Hit Single would be: "Eating Tacos while Acting on Stage!" Ha, ha, ha!


And to keep the excitement going, we have an epic game lined up. Imagine a crowd-surfing beach ball filled with Get to Know You questions, bouncing around the room like a wild rock concert! Students will toss the ball to one another, answering questions based on where their right thumb lands when they catch it. Get ready for some surprising and epic connections!

Finally, as our time comes to an end, we join in a rousing chant. I've added a special rockin' verse about School Counselors to the chant, "We Will Rock You." Let the kids start the beat, and we all join in chanting the verse!


Benefits:

Besides having a rockin’ good time, providing a Meet the School Counselor lesson at the beginning of the school year has lots of benefits:
  • Establishing Rapport: By introducing myself and my role early on, students can start connecting with the School Counselor from day one. This helps create a comfortable and trusting environment, where students feel comfortable seeking my help.
  • Promoting Awareness: The lesson shares my role and responsibilities as a School Counselor. Students gain an understanding of how the counselor can assist them throughout the school year. 
  • Destigmatizing Counseling: Sometimes, seeking counseling or support can carry a negative stigma. By openly discussing the reasons students may visit the counselor, such as academic concerns, friendship issues, or family challenges, we normalize the idea of seeking help and emphasize that it is a courageous and positive step toward personal growth.
  • Creating a Supportive Community: Introducing the School Counselor helps foster a sense of community and unity within the school. Students recognize that they have their own personalized support network.. 

So let's rock the beginning of the school year with a Meet the School Counselor lesson that sets the stage for an extraordinary journey together!




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Friday, June 7, 2019

Unlock Career Exploration with Snapshots of Careers: Engage Students and Foster Collaboration


Career Exploration:

When it comes to career exploration, it's never too early to start! At my school, we have Career Vehicle Day for K-2 and Career Speaker Day for grades 3-5. During these events, students get to choose three speakers to learn about their careers. The sessions are 30 minutes long, and the kids switch between speakers.

Career Research Activity:

One year, I noticed some brilliant students taking notes during the career sessions. That gave me an idea! So, the following year, I created Snapshots of Careers Note Taking sheet for all the students to use. I printed it two-sided and folded it in half to make a Research Booklet.

Snapshots of Careers is such a helpful tool! Students using this tool pay closer attention and have a guide to asking important details about a career. Students can jot down facts about a career's description, education or skills needed, type of workplace, and cool facts they learned. 

Snapshots of Careers, Career Exploration, Career Day Activities, Researched Based  1.png

What did the Teachers Think?

The teachers really liked this idea and used the students' research booklets to create bulletin boards and have students share with others in their class.

Benefits:

1. Enhanced Career Exploration: The Career Vehicle Day and Career Speaker Day events provide students with an opportunity to be exposed to various career options in the community. By allowing students to choose which career speakers they would like to learn from, students are actively exploring various careers and expanding their knowledge about different professions in their areas of interest.

2. Engaged Learning: Using the Snapshots of Careers Note-Taking sheet and Research Booklet fosters active engagement during each career session. Encouraging students to take notes and jot down important facts about careers helps them become active learners and promotes critical thinking skills.

3. Organized Information: The Research Booklet offers a structured format for students to collect information about careers. This not only helps students organize their thoughts but also enables teachers to assess their understanding and knowledge of different careers.

4. Classroom Sharing and Collaboration: Teachers can utilize the research booklets created by students to foster classroom sharing and collaboration. By creating bulletin boards or organizing sharing sessions, students can showcase the careers they have explored and share interesting facts with their peers. This promotes a collaborative learning environment and encourages students to learn from one another.

Overall, these ideas provide teachers with a comprehensive approach to career exploration, facilitating student engagement, organization, and collaboration in the process.

Ready to Use Resource:

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Sunday, June 2, 2019

Cultivating A Growth Mindset: Handling When Life Gives You Sour Lemons


From Sour Situations to Sweet Lemonade: Squeezing Positive Thoughts, Words, and Actions

Teaching students to have a positive attitude or a growth mindset isn't always a piece of cake. It takes practice and guidance to help them turn sour situations into sweet ones. That's why I came up with a fun tool called the Flip Flap Book that my students absolutely love!

Kids are crazy about foldables, so I created this Flip Flap book to help them reframe their bad days. With this interactive book, students can identify their "Sour Situations" and transform them into "Sweet Lemonade" by changing their thoughts, words, and actions. They get to open each flap and see a comparison between a fixed mindset on one side and a growth mindset on the other. It teaches them that changing how we see things and using positive self-talk can help us deal with tough situations in a better way. And on the back of the book, students can keep track of their progress and see how far they've come!

















The Zesty Benefits of a Positive Growth Mindset

I've been amazed by the results so far! My students have really grasped the idea that they have the power to turn their day around with a positive mindset. They've learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. But let me tell you why having a positive growth mindset is so beneficial for students:

  • Resilience: A growth mindset helps students bounce back when things get tough. They understand that setbacks and failures aren't the end of the world but stepping stones to success. They become more determined to keep going, adapt to new situations, and learn from their experiences.
  • Increased Effort: When students have a growth mindset, they're willing to put in the effort required to overcome obstacles. They know that hard work and dedication can lead to positive outcomes. 
  • Motivation: Adopting a growth mindset fuels intrinsic motivation in students. They strive for higher levels of achievement, knowing that they can improve and grow.

Savory Suggestions:

Now, if you want to help your students develop a positive growth mindset, here are some suggestions:
  • Reflect on Thoughts and Reactions: Encourage students to reflect on their thoughts, beliefs, and how they react to challenges. Help them recognize when they slip into a fixed mindset and guide them in reframing their perspectives.
  • Embrace the Power of YET: Teach students to add the word "yet" to their sentences. When they say they can't do something, remind them that they can't do it "yet." This simple addition shows them that their abilities can grow over time with effort and practice.
  • Celebrate Progress: Instead of just focusing on achievements, celebrate the progress students make. Help them understand that growth is a continuous journey, and small improvements are valuable steps towards success.
  • Lead by Example: Show a growth mindset in your own attitudes and actions. Share personal stories of how you've overcome challenges and emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience.

Empowering Students to Turn Life's Lemons into Refreshing Lemonade

By using these strategies and incorporating fun tools like the Flip Flap Book, you can empower your students to develop a positive growth mindset. As they learn to approach challenges with optimism and resilience, they'll gain the skills needed to thrive academically and personally. So remember, with a growth mindset, students can truly turn lemons into lemonade!


Ready to Use Resource:


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