When I was pregnant with my first daughter I worked for an after school program sponsored by the local YMCA. Though the ostensible purpose of the program as a whole was built around the latchkey child concept, I had the...
As school counselors, we are typically among the minority when it comes to our professional roles as staff members within our school. Due to this, it can be quite difficult to effectively communicate and demonstrate school counseling department information,...
Ever ask a middle or high school teacher if he/she has had their students journal for a week, a month or longer? You are likely to hear how it improved student-teacher connection, classroom rapport, and a teacher’s appreciation of his/her...
When we think about children socializing, we automatically imagine a group in school, forging friendships and playing together. However, we develop social skills as early as the first few months of our lives, and there is no question but that...
As school counselors, our expected role in standardized testing typically starts and ends with the administration of the exams. Currently, the stakes of high stakes testing have never been greater. Therefore, we must move past the image of test facilitators...
My daughter will turn 1 next month and is currently experiencing a terrible bout of separation anxiety. It’s a stressful phase for all of us, and one made worse by her blood curdling screams, but a phase nonetheless. Like all...
The middle school years are an important time to teach empathy, and compassion. Pre-teens have the full range of feelings while still willing to acknowledge and communicate about them. How We Learn to Hide, Deny And Suppress Feelings This awareness...
School counselors will wear many professional hats throughout each school year. A very important role is engendering collaboration between a child’s parents/guardians and the staff of the school. Creating a collaborative environment is vital to building student success within your...
“Welcome to a great school year … Let us make this school year the best ever,” all proclaim! With the advent of a new school year come myriad challenges to academic success. One such challenge, standardized testing, has the...
The Art of Storytelling When you cast your mind back to your childhood, what are some of the most enduring memories you have? The majority of us look back and remember the things that made us smile, feel secure, or...
What’s in a name? It may seem that using the titles school counselor and guidance counselor interchangeably has little influence on one’s professional abilities. After all, they really are the same thing….right? The problem with this philosophy is...
The "You Made A Difference Campaign" is a national campaign centered on thanking teachers. Join in to say thanks! Launched only recently, this wonderful campaign has been featured in multiple news outlets! Help spread the word about the importance...
