Gratitude

To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kindness that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude. -- Albert Schweitzer

National Career Development Month

The career development component of the school counseling program needs to be highly visible in the school.  This is my bulletin board for this month to emphasize exploring a variety of careers at the elementary level.  The top half of the board is a collage of a wide variety of careers. We do career development activities all year round, not just during career development month.  The counselors "teach" at least 2 formal lessons on careers (we teach 10 total) but we also have career visitors in all our kindergarten through second grades (at least 6 a year).  The classroom teachers use parent volunteers to talk about their careers (they take the place of a parent reader slot in grades 1 and 2).  In grades 3-5 we do about 3 career cafes a month.  The volunteers are scheduled using Sign Up Genius.

Cook Book on Anxiety

There are several things I really like about this book that offers children in grades 2-4 strategies to deal with worrying.  First, it uses humor which is generally useful for children who have the "what if" thougths a lot. Second, I like dividing worries into those the individual can control and the ones they cannot (like what others will do).  Finally, I like the worry hat as a place to put worries that children cannot control.  I am not sure labeling anxiety as the worry flu was a good idea.  Most experts in anxiety want the child to label the anxiety, name it, and talk about it as something external to them (example, worry monster).  I read this book with a number of children and groups this week and each time I did not like the phrase "worry flu." It sounds like the child with the anxiety has a sickness.  I will still use the book but not emphasize that part and at times even sure that I think there are better ways to label worries.

"Princess Machine" Great Video

Why Smart Kids Worry

Most parents think they have a smart kid but don't understand the irrational thoughts of young children who are anxious.  I especially like part two of this down to earth guide that gives parents 15 tools to help manage anxiety.  It has one of my favorite tools, 4 square breathing, and a very clever introduction to the technique.  I highly recommend this book to any elementary counselor with lots of anxious students.  We need to give parents tools to use at home and this book is very clear.

Anxious Kids Anxious Parents

Wilson and Lyons provide families with a jargon-free 7 step way to stop the worry cycle and raise courageous and independent children.  I have bought a copy to include in one of our "Family Resource Packs" we share with families on common topics such as generalized anxiety.  Children are taught to "play with anxiety" and learn alongside their parents as they move toward courage and independence. According to the authors, action not avoidance, is the key to successfully break the cycle of anxiety. 

Stress is like a rubber band

This clip would be good to share in a class lesson or a small group...as we are wrapping up Stress Out Week!