Pawsitive School Counselor

I'm not sure when or where I learned the sandwich method, but I remember learning that it was a helpful way to provide feedback. Another version of this is the PEP method- Praise, Encourage, Praise.

When I started as an intern supervisor and mentoring other counselors, I really wanted to continue learning about the most effective way to provide feedback. That's when I learned that the sandwich method may not be the most effective. The research I read was very mixed.

I also learned that the “Ask, Tell, Ask” method can be just as or even more helpful and that it's important to base feedback on first-hand observations and include a plan for the next steps.

There are so many wonderful reasons to love a book series. I especially love using them with certain grades, in small groups, or with book clubs. Here are some of my favorites.

Are you searching for a read-aloud on empathy that can be used in lessons, with individuals, and small groups to encourage discussion and reflection?

Take a look at "Empathy is Your Super Power." The book includes engaging discussion prompts that make it interactive.

First snow of 2024 so it's the perfect day to snuggle up and read this feel good story.

Drift is a snowman, who like many of us thinks he will be perfect when....

In this case it's when he gets clothes and a nose, but a blizzard will have him reconsider what it means to be perfect.

This book is a beautiful winter read. Check out my stories for a peak (and I'll highlight it under books).

Using it in a class or group? You can use it to take about self esteem, kindness, empathy, thoughts- feelings - actions, and gratitude.

Here are some of my favorite resources I use year after year to supplement my lessons.

I recently posted about Tier 2 behavior interventions that aren't token boards and behavior charts. When picking an intervention it's always important to look at data, best practices, and research.

Here are some other considerations to consider.

I love reading "Take A Breath" by now just as much as I did when I first read it in 2022.

🐾 Brooklyn and I give it two paws up and think every educator and parent should have this book on their bookshelf.

This book is hilarious, encouraging, and full of language encouraging an optimistic mindset. Best of all, it really walks through a strategy I teach my students every year- breathing!

This book will have you laughing while also talking about:

🐾 Helpful vs unhelpful thinking
🐾 The power of YET
🐾 Encouraging others
🐾 How to breathe
🐾 Goal setting
🐾 The importance of practicing a skill over and over
🐾 Resilience
🐾 Mindfulness

Add this book to your Amazon Wishlist- you won't be sorry!

You know it's going to be a terrific Thursday when it's a $2 Thursday.

Today only we are celebrating with some amazing $2 deals.

The counselors of TpT have picked some of their favorites and here are the resources I've picked for the sale.

1) Career March Madness-includes resources for career exploration both school-wide and individually.
2) Each Kindness Book Companion- bring this wonderful story to life with mindfulness activities that encourage kindness
3) Self-Esteem Activity Set- everything you need to encourage students to feel their best
4) Growth Mindset Bundle- a double companion for "After The Fall" and "Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again"

You can find the link in my profile, search on TPT, or comment 2024 below and I'll send you the link directly.

Did you gain a new student after winter break? Here are a few books for the new students at your school.

We've got more deals for 50% off today only.

🐶 "No Biggie"- this book companion is the perfect way to help students understand the size of the problem and solve small problems on their own.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/No-Biggie-overcoming-obstacles-size-of-problems-counselingin2024-9493867

☃️ Snowmen at work- this winter activity set gets students exploring different careers and makes a great book companion.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowmen-At-Work-Activities-for-career-exploration-counselingin2024-8859202

🏫 Curing the Puppy School Blues- a separation anxiety small group for your littles.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Separation-Anxiety-Small-Group-for-young-elementary-counselingin2024-5970989

🏀 March Madness Bundle- this double set includes everything you need to set up a career and/or coping skills bracket.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/March-Madness-Bundle-coping-skills-and-career-brackets-counselingin2024-6707079

Looking for more counseling deals? Visit https://bit.ly/counselingin2024 to see what else is on sale today.

Today only you can grab these 4 resources for 50% off:

📖 Brochure Bundle- this bundle has over 18 printable resources for caregivers and teachers in English and several in Spanish
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Caregiver-Brochure-Bundle-Printable-SEL-Resources-counselingin2024-6619919

💗 All About Feelings- this activity set contains a scripted lesson, PPT, feelings "pizza" craft and more. Everything you need to help students name and tame their emotions.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Feelings-lesson-for-understanding-emotions-counselingin2024-8736841

🤐 Gossip and Rumors Lesson- this scripted lesson will help you put an end to the drama. It contains a PPT, cooperative activities, and book companion ideas.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gossip-and-Rumors-A-lesson-on-ending-the-drama-counselingin2024-7445121

🦋 "Little Butterfly That Could" book companion- this activity set is a ready-to-go lesson on mindset and helpful self talk.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Little-Butterfly-Lesson-on-mindset-helpful-self-talk-counselingin2024-6758857

Find more counseling resources half off when you search on TPT.

Last chance to grab todays FREEBIE!

Ruby Finds A Worry: activity set for coping with worries #COUNSELINGIN2024 This activity set is a great companion for "Ruby Finds A Worry" by T. Percival to talk about worries and coping skills. This companion activity set is primarily designed for in-person learners but does include a virtual learning activity for online learners.Set Includes:* Book Extension activities f...

Over the years I have played various roles in assisting with behavior. and I really value learning more about how to support my students and stakeholders.

I've found it's easy to immediately think of token boards and reward charts when considering interventions. While those strategies are valuable, they aren't for everyone or every behavior.

Here are a few more Tier 2 interventions you may want to consider.

Kicking off the New Year and the with a bang!!

Today is a day full of FREEBIES. You can grab my "Ruby Finds A Worry" book companion along with a TON of other freebies by searching on TpT.

You can get my book companion here https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ruby-Finds-A-Worry-activity-set-for-coping-with-worries-COUNSELINGIN2024-6350431

Remember they are free today only!

Always an important reminder.

Looking for a fun read-aloud to encourage curiosity while simultaneously discussing respecting others?

Check out "The Girl with Big, Big Questions."

If you aren't signed up for my newsletter then now is a good time to do it!

When you sign up (using the link in my profile) you will get my penguin activity set sent directly to your inbox.

You can also sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hE2ir1

Gloria is grumpy. Maybe she's headed back to school as well!

I enjoy using this book with my littles as we explore what makes us feel grumpy and how we can change our mindset and thus our feelings.

You can find my book companion in my tpt store or comment "grumpy" below and I'll send you the link.

I recently shared how much I LOVE using task cards for cooperative learning activities. I use them in many lessons and small groups and include them in almost every book companion.

Since I have so many sets, this week I wanted to share 3 tips on how to organize and store them.

Thinking about which books to read when you go back to school? Check out these options.

It's the end of 2023 and the end of the early bird deal!

Don't forget to register you, your advisory team, your admin, and your friends for the

Register here: https://bit.ly/behaviordetour

"Brave Every Day" is one of my favorite books about coping skills! As we head towards March, we are exploring coping skills in classes and small groups, and school-wide we are practicing a different coping skill a month all leading up to our March Madness.

You can get my book companion here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Brave-Every-Day-Overcoming-worry-with-coping-skills-8294596

Some of the books I enjoyed this year. The more I read the picker I get about my stars, but the stars represent my favs of the year.

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY CLOSED: congratulations to Hannah Vermilye

If you aren't teaching your students about their brain, then add "teach lessons on how the brain works" to your resolution list.

Dr. Judy Willis believes that "Teaching students the mechanism behind how the brain operates and teaching them approaches they can use to work that mechanism more effectively helps students believe they can create a more intelligent, creative, and powerful brain. Thus, instruction in brain function will lead to healthier learners as well as wiser ones."

I agree, and as a result, I'm always searching for resources on how to teach more about the brain. When I got my hands on a copy of the book "Your Amazing Brain" by , I immediately texted several of my fellow counselors, saying that "every school should have a copy of this book."

Here is what I love about this book:

- The text is written in the form of a graphic novel, which is intended to (and will) attract students' attention right away.
- it's FULL of facts and information which means you can read it in multiple sittings (break it up and read over several sessions or days)
- the scenarios given are relevant to my students
- The "Downstairs Brain Protectors" help students understand the engagement of their amygdalas through relatable characters.

Here's how you can win a copy!!

1) LIKE and SAVE this post.
2) Make sure you are following me and
3) Comment below how you teach your students about the brains

BONUS entries:
1) tag a friend
2) share this post to your stories and tag me

Winners will be announced on Jan. 2nd. This giveaway is not affiliated with IG or FB

I don't know who needs to hear this, but it's okay to be sad during the holidays.

Here are 4 books that normalize being sad, even now.

Holiday highlights since I never made nor mailed that holiday card this year.