Showing posts with label Back to School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Back to School. Show all posts

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Embark on a Swashbuckling Pirate Journey: A Meet the School Counselor Escape Room Introduction Lesson


Ahoy there, mateys! Avast ye, for another school year awaits! 'Tis the time to ensure ye students be knowin' who ye be, but ye won't be shoutin' it from ye ship. Nay, ye be embarkin' on a grand voyage across the seas as ye students sail from island to island, searchin' for me, the elusive school counselor. Ah, but there be a twist - I've taken their friend captive, and only by solvin' clues about the school counselor can they help their matey escape!


Arr, I spy that ye students have already formed search parties, ready to solve the puzzles at each island and rescue their friend. If they be wantin' another piece of the map, they'll need to work together, developin' their cooperation skills and learnin' the value of respectin' one another, all while discoverin' the role of the school counselor, a trusty friend who be there to help with any problem.


Chapter 1: Unveil the Secrets of the Buccaneer's Role

As ye set foot on the first island, 'tis time to unravel the secrets of the Buccaneer's Role. Through mind-bogglin' puzzles and mysterious riddles, ye search party must piece together the clues and unlock the knowledge of what the school counselor can offer. With each solved puzzle, ye gather a piece of the treasure map, inchin' closer to yer friend's rescue.


Chapter 2: Navigate the Treacherous Waters of Communication

On the second island, ye face treacherous waters and a challenge of communication. Ye must decipher the statements. Armed with the Pirate Code Cracker, ye search party must identify the hidden truths, arran'in' them in the correct order to unveil the elusive clue. The completed puzzle will summon the presence of Cap'n Counselor, awaitin' yer triumph.

Chapter 3: Craft Ye Personal Pirate's Creed

Avast, me hearties! On the third island, a challenge awaits ye in the form of a crossword puzzle, where ye must forge a path to victory. Set yer sights on discoverin' the answers to questions about who, what, when, where, and why to seek the guidance of the school counselor. Unleash the power of the Pirate Code Cracker, decipherin' the third clue and matchin' symbols to their rightful letters. Arrangin' them by color, ye shall reveal the hidden phrase: "School counselors are a treasure here for you!" Present yer triumph to Cap'n Wise, and earn another piece of the map on yer path to victory.



The Ultimate Quest: Unlock the Chest of Secrets!

Having gathered wisdom from all three chapters, yer young buccaneers embark on their final quest, unlockin' the secret to obtainin' a key. The key lies in sortin' the words ye find on the map into a cohesive sentence. As the words align, the chest of secrets be opened, revealin' a world of possibilities and symbolizin' yer triumph.


While the search parties be waitin' for their mates to finish their quests, I have a clever My School Counselor Flip Flap Book for the scallywags to complete. (Aye, 'tis true, 'tis me way of gatherin' data to ensure they know me name, me services, and how they can request me aid.) I make 'em wait until all search parties have their keys, and then I unlock the treasure box, revealin' colorin' bracelets and stickers fit for the plunder. I would've included chocolate doubloons, but alas, me school be forbiddin' any food bein' distributed.

Get Both of these FREEBIES by Clicking on the Picture!





Ah, me hearties! Gather 'round and behold the BENEFITS ye shall reap from this grand Escape adventure!

Collaboration Ahoy: As ye work together in search parties, solvin' puzzles and decipherin' clues, ye shall nurture essential teamwork skills, fosterin' camaraderie and unity amongst ye crew.

Buccaneer's Problem-Solvin': Engagin' in the mind-bogglin' challenges of this escape room shall ignite ye critical thinkin' abilities. Ye must analyze clues, make connections, and apply logical reasonin' to overcome obstacles like true buccaneers.

Mastery of Pirate Parley: Throughout this escapade, ye shall hone yer communication skills, expressin' yer thoughts with clarity and actively listenin' to yer fellow crew members. 'Tis through effective communication that ye shall sail the treacherous seas together.

Resilience in the Face of Storms: The mysteries and puzzles ye encounter in this escape room shall test yer resilience and perseverance. Ye may face setbacks and challenges, but ye must persist, adapt, and find alternative solutions like true swashbucklers.

Empowerment Through Triumph: Successfully completin' the challenges and savin' yer matey shall boost ye self-confidence. Ye shall discover ye own strengths, talents, and problem-solvin' abilities, empowerin' ye to face future challenges with optimism.

Bondin' in the Pirate Realm: This collaborative quest shall foster bondin' and social interaction among ye crew. Ye shall appreciate diverse perspectives, work as a team, and forge friendships stronger than any anchor.

Uncoverin' Hidden Talents: The escape room be a platform for ye to showcase ye unique talents and explore ye interests. Whether ye be a puzzle-solvin' prodigy, a creative thinker, or a natural leader, this adventure be yer chance to shine like a true pirate.

Sailin' Beyond the Room: The skills ye acquire in this escape room, such as critical thinkin', problem-solvin', communication, and collaboration, shall not be confined to this mystical realm. They be valuable skills ye can apply to ye academic pursuits, future careers, and personal growth.

Enchantin' Memories and Jolly Learnin': This immersive escapade shall create lastin' memories, associatin' learnin' with excitement, adventure, and joy. Ye motivation and enthusiasm for future academic endeavors shall be as fierce as a mighty sea tempest.

So gather ye crew, me hearties, and set sail on this fantastical voyage. The Meet the School Counselor on Counselor Coast Escape Room shall not only be an unforgettable adventure but a gateway to growin' as pirates of knowledge and resilience.

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So set sail, me hearties, and let the adventure unfold! Shop here for this resource:



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Monday, July 1, 2019

Enhance School Counseling Notes: Simplify Your Documentation Process!


Conveniently Capture Counseling

Hey there! I've got something really cool to share with you, especially if you're a busy school counselor like me. You know how important it is to keep up with student meetings and have a system in place to organize all that information, right? Well, that's exactly why I created a School Counseling Notes Google Form. I needed a quick and efficient way to document student meetings and stay organized, as well as, being able to quickly search for previous meetings and utilize the data to refine my school counseling program.


Seamless Searchability

Imagine this: you're in the midst of a busy day, meeting with students, addressing their needs, and providing support. With the School Counseling Notes Google Form, you can effortlessly record each meeting in less than a minute. No more struggling with paper calendars or trying to remember all the details from each session. Everything is neatly organized in one place, and you can easily search for previous meetings whenever you need to refer back to them.

Informative Insights

But here's where it gets even better. The form automatically compiles all the data you collect into graphs and charts. That means you can analyze and utilize the information to refine your school counseling program. You'll be able to identify patterns, spot areas of improvement, and make data-informed decisions that truly benefit your students.


Time-Saving Tool

I know as school counselors, our time, that we never seem to have enough of, is precious. That's why this School Counselor Notes Form is designed to be user-friendly and time-efficient. It's easy to navigate, and you can quickly fill out the form for each student without any unnecessary complexity. Trust me, it revolutionized the way I document student meetings!

Anytime, Anywhere Access

And the best part? It can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Just bookmark it for quick and easy access on your computer or mobile device. Whether in your office, attending meetings, or on the go, all the student meeting notes are right at your fingertips!

Revolutionary Resource

I created the School Counseling Notes Google Form because I wanted a solution that would save me time, keep me organized, and help me make data-driven improvements to my school counseling program. And now, I'm excited to share it with you! Give it a try, and I guarantee you'll see the difference it makes in your daily counseling practice. Say goodbye to the headaches of paper calendars and hello to a streamlined and efficient way to document student meetings. You won't regret it!

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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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Monday, September 18, 2017

A Pirate-Themed Adventure: Exploring the Role of a School Counselor in a Meet the Counselor Introduction Lesson!


Ahoy, me hearties! Gather 'round and listen closely as I spin ye a tale of me quest to present meself as a school counselor in the most swashbucklin' way possible. This year, I set me sights on a pirate theme, for it be a theme close to me heart. If ye've been followin' me other posts on this Blog, ye know well that me love for pirates runs deep. So, I hatched a grand plan—a Virtual Treasure Hunt fit for the most adventurous of young souls!

To set the stage for me role, I conjured up riddles that would lead the young scallywags on a journey through the treacherous seas of knowledge learnin’ about the role of the school counselor. With each riddle I read, the students would carefully choose a picture on me interactive map, guidin' them to their next clue. Aye, the excitement grew with every step, as they drew closer to unveilin' the greatest treasure of all—discoverin' that their school counselor be the true gem in their lives!












Once the final clue be unraveled and the treasure revealed, we gathered together like a crew of pirates, eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the high seas. I unfurled a grand pirate diagram, complete with labels that marked every piece of a pirate's gear and attire. We discussed each part in detail, and as we did, I cleverly wove in examples of how I, too, don me metaphorical pirate hat to help the students navigate the sometimes choppy waters of school and life. They listened with wide-eyed wonder, their imaginations takin' flight as they saw me in a whole new light.


But our adventure was far from over, me hearties! I had one more trick up me sleeve—a game to test their mettle and camaraderie. 'Twas called Cannon Ball Catch, a test of skill and wit. I stood before me young crew, holdin' a small, weighted ball in me hand, a symbol of the mighty cannonballs that pirates be accustomed to. With a mighty heave, I tossed the ball to the first eager matey, who swiftly caught it with a gleam in their eye. "Tell me somethin' special about ye," I challenged, and the young scallywag did not disappoint. With a grin, they shared a tidbit about themselves afore passin' the ball to the next eager soul. And so it went, the ball makin' its way from one brave matey to another, each one sharin' a unique piece of their story.


Now, with me seasoned fifth graders, I decided to raise the stakes. I challenged them to think harder, to come up with somethin' I didn't already know about 'em. 'Twas no easy task, for I had been by their side for a good three years, witnessin' their growth and adventures. Yet still, they surprised me time and time again, as they dug deep to unearth hidden gems within their own hearts and minds.

So, me hearties, let us raise our mugs of grog in a toast to the power of imagination, to the spirit of discovery, and to the everlasting bond between a school counselor and their crew of eager learners. Sail on, me mateys, and may ye always find the treasures that lie within ye!

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Monday, August 21, 2017

New Student Survival Kits: Welcoming Students and Building Connections with Your School Counselor


Hey there, it's a brand new year, and guess what? I have a whopping 50 new students, just in 2nd and 4th grade! And that's not even counting the little Kindergartners that are also new to our school! I wanted to give them a warm welcome and make sure they remember who I am and what I do. But with so many new faces, I had to get a little creative without breaking the bank. That's when the idea of the New Student Survival Kits came to me.

These kits are the perfect little gifts to hand out when I meet my new students for the first time. I made a list of 9 items to include in each kit, along with a description of why I chose each one. Such as a band-aid to represent the school counselor is there to help when you get hurt or an eraser to represent that the school counselor helps you understand everyone makes mistakes. Then, I popped everything into a zip-lock bag, along with the list. And you won't believe it—I managed to buy all the items and bags for just $14 at the Dollar Tree. Score!


Now, here's the really exciting part. When new students meet their school counselor, it opens up a world of benefits for them. First and foremost, I'm here to provide support. Whether it's academic, social, or emotional, I'm ready to lend a helping hand. By having that initial meeting and receiving the New Student Survival Kit, students are encouraged to connect with me whenever they need guidance or someone to talk to.

Building a relationship with their school counselor also promotes a sense of belonging and community. I want my students to feel supported and connected within our school. By taking the time to meet them and explain my role, students realize that they have an advocate in their corner. They know they can count on me to create a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive.

So, with the New Student Survival Kits, I hope to make that initial meeting even more special! 

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