Mindfulness

I am doing a self study this summer of how to incorporate mindfulness into my counseling practice. I am also meditating every day for the first time in my life. This article "how-i-taught-mindfulness-to-children" has some excellent ideas I plan to try in September. I am hoping to gain more knowledge and ideas about mindfulness as the ASCA National Conference.

Reduce Bullying via Bibliocounseling

I have decided to try something new at ASCA for my presentation. I put all the documents I want to share with those who attend in my livebinders account under ASCA14 Presentation. I really want those who come to walk away with several resources they will find very useful when they return to their schools in the fall. I also decided to share it with readers of my blog. I will post later about reactions I receive using this means of communicating when I return from Orlando.

Involving Parents in Digital Citzenship

 This year my school is beginning the 1 to 1 digital device program in second grade. We know we have to do a lot of parent education to avoid problems. We will be using materials from Common Sense Media among others.

ASCA National Conference

I am looking forward to the ASCA 2014 Conference in a few days. Before going to the Conference it is good to reflect on professional goals. I am going to learn about new resources and tools. Regular attendance at state and national conferences is one of my long-term professional goals.  For those of you who are first timers I suggest: 1) Go to first timers reception; 2) Attend all socials and introduce yourself (bring business cards); 3) Go to a variety of sessions and don't skip any of the keynotes (they are always outstanding); 4) Venture into a new territory going to at least one session on something you know nothing about; 5) Make contacts and follow-up after the Conference. If anyone helped pay for part of your Conference be sure to thank them and let them know something specific you learned. Share what you learned with other counselors in your district. I want to invite you to the session I am presenting on Wednesday, July 2 from 9-10:15 Reduce Bullying via Bibliocounseling. I hope to offer practical resources to all counselors who come. If we bump into one another at the conference, please let me know what you think of this blog.

Great Video About How Bullies and Victims Develop

Watch How to Make a Bully (from Scratch) by Conscious Discipline

consciousdiscipline.com

Rolling out 1 to 1 technology

Among several new initiatives my school will start in the fall is a 1 to 1 technology initiative giving all second graders iPads. I still think this is scary! I am going to suggest we download, print, and laminate the great posters found on commonsensemedia site. We are also planning workshops for parents. Any other suggestions?

ASCA agrees to change names of 2 out of 3 domains

In keeping with the latest research the 3 domains are now called: Social/emotional; Academic; and College and career readiness. ASCA is also seeking input on whether or not to change from calling us professional school counselors to licensed professional counselors. Thoughts?

Last Day With Students Tomorrow

Our school year closes tomorrow. In addition to taking down bulletin boards, packing my office, saying goodbye to students who will not return in September I have several data reports to do. Obviously the data reports will be done on summer vacation. Since I am going to ASCA next week the data reports will have to wait until after July 4th. My principal nicely informed me she did not need them until early August when she meets with the Superintendent. Its good to support the school management plan goals but then data must be analyzed in a timely manner. Next year we are looking for ways to do all our surveys either on iPads or in Google Forms. I hope everyone has time for reflection and relaxation this summer.

New Feelings App Bitsboard







I wrote before that on my iPad Mini my Feelings folder with the most Apps: Dusty D. Dawg Has Feelings Too!, Emotions, Empatico ($), Fear Shrinker ($), FeelingOmeter ($), The Grouchies, Moody Monsters. I recently added Bitsboard which has multiple children's games of which the Emotions games are great for kindergarten, first grade, or some older special education or ELL students. Try it out, its free!