My March Must Haves

Around this time of year things start to blur.  I have a million things going on when all I want to do is start enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.  Hopefully the later will be coming soon and todays 50 plus degree weather was much needed.  Below are my must haves for making it through March.  Luckily spring break is only a few weeks away. 
1.  Sharpies are a staple in my office.  I get bored very easily and using blue/black ink on all my important documents (504s/IEPs). If I could I would use bright pink for everything.  Sharpies come in handy for everything else.

2. Koosh balls come in handy for all sorts of activies.  I leave some on my desk for when kids visit me in my office.  I don't know what it is but kids gravitate towards the balls all day.  The koosh balls are also great for all sorts of guidance games.  For extreme cases the ball can be used as a talking stick or in this case ball - only the person holding the ball may talk.

3. For the days I have not fully prepared for class Classroom Guidance from A-Z is a must have.  No matter what subject I am teaching there is a lesson in this book.  From bullying to stress management to body odor and everything in between this book is essential for all middle school counselors.

4. Target is by far one of my top three favorite stores.  The other day I had the rare oppurtunity to go to Target All By MYSELF.  The Target dollor bin is great for finding counseling supplies.  I've found balls, play doh, candy and other snacks, stickers, books, pencils, prizes, and many other items all for ONE dollar. 

5. I saved the best for last.  When I have one of those trying days I simply look at sweet M and C and there is an instant smile on my face.  .

Friday Funday

We've all heard of Sunday Funday. It usually has something to do with going to the beach, a baseball or football game, or a day out with friends. In most cases it involves large amounts of alcohol. My Sunday Funday's are a thing of the past for me. In my class Friday's are reserved for fun and games. Here are some of my recent games.

1. 3 wishes - pretty simple. Students answer the following questions. I have also used this question as a writing prompt.

3 Wishes

One wish for yourself…

One wish for the class/group…

 One wish for a friend or family member…

2. Your House Is On Fire - Please stress to students all people and pets are safe. It is interesting to hear the answers. I also question why they picked their answers. Many kids will say they will take money but you get a much better understanding of their character, who they are, and what they are worried about by asking why. For example one student may take money because they don't want the money to burn, a second may say they will need money to buy food and clothes, and a third may say Mom/Dad had to work really hard to earn the money.

​

Your House Is On Fire!

List 10 things you want most to save.  You, your family, and pets are all safe.  

1.

2.

3.  

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

3. Compliment Toss - you will need one or two small balls for this one. Students stand or sit in a circle. As the ball is passed around the student passing the ball gives a compliment to the person catching the ball. I tell students they may not use generic compliments such as I like your shoes or nice shirt.

Valentines Day Lesson

Here is an easy lesson with very little prep and can be used with pretty much any grade level.  All you need is a big heart. I like to use Microsoft office. Go to shapes and you can make one as big as you would like. The only materials you will need are the hearts and writing utensils. 

•      Ask students to divide the heart into 5 sections. The sections do not need to be equal. 4 lines could be drawn horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Students can also come up with a combination of their own. 
•       Next students will be asked to write answer different questions in each box.
• Box 1- people they love. Includes family, friends, and pets
• Box 2- places they love
• Box 3 - what they love to do
• Box 4 - why they love them
• Box 5 - ideas they love. This can be hard for some students. I share examples for this one. Recycling, being active, eating healthy
• From here it is really up to you to decide what to do. I ask students to share at least one item off their heart and post around the room. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pep Talk

Here is a great video that could be used with all grade levels, for advisory, or with staff members. Enjoy!