This time of year, as the students get a little antsy for a break, it seems that the teachers get just as restless. I love this video clip because it reminds us of the importance of what we do every day with our students. To give children a voice, especially during a time of year that may actually be one of the hardest times for them, is extremely important. Regardless of how the kids are acting in our classrooms or hallways during this time of year, we must remember how important our role is in their lives... right up until that last bell rings before the "break." Because, for us, it may seem like a wonderful break; but for many of our students it is a long, boring and tumultuous time away from the only place that seems safe.

Enjoy a little reminder of why YOU, as an educator, are so important. Happy Holidays!

It's one of those days that even if I tried to focus on one particular topic to write about, it wouldn't happen. It would come out all jumbled.... just like my conversations with students today!

One particular conversation with a silly, fun-loving kindergarten boy started with a story about why typing was hard for him (because it's so hard to use those two fingers! :)), quickly moved on to how his brothers like to fight with him (it's always their fault, you know!) and ended with a humorous demonstration of why he only wants to have sisters in the future (there are wayyy too many boys in his family!). Happy, happy Monday!

With Thanksgiving week upon us and because this year in my PDP process I have been asked to reflect and journal, I have been thinking about and recording many stories. It is very clear that the things we say out loud, the things we tell ourselves, the things we think about and the things we act upon are a true reflection of who we are. I see this daily in myself and my students. As a K-12 School Counselor, I am able to have varying levels of discussion about this topic with the students I encounter. I am constantly reminding myself to listen carefully! There is always a message in the things my students say. What an honor hear these messages... I mean, really hear them... and sometimes it is even a riot! 

The "kids say the darnedest things stories" that can provide a laugh or two are always the best to carry with me during the more stressful days. For example, this week, I had a discussion with a high school student who asked, "What are you, like 26 years old?" With a smile, I promptly responded that I was actually 29 years old. Without hesitation, the student nearly yelled, "Are you serious? Holy crap! You better hurry up. You want to have kids, right!?" We had a good laugh about this. It turns out that most of the adults and parents in her world are young and active. I learn something through every conversation I have and every comment I hear.

I also LOVE the funny things that the younger kids have to say about this same topic of my age. A similar conversation took place when a first grade girl asked me, “Did you pass school yet?” I told her that I did and then she asked, “Are you married?” When I said no, she responded in a very confused manner; she asked, “Well then how did you pass school?” This girl had a mother who chose to go back to finish school after she was married and had her children. I learn something through every conversation I have and every comment I hear.

Although these comments both made me laugh, out loud... it was maily important to remember that my students responses to things like this reflect their worldview. The things we say and ask are reflections of how we think. Since I am new to this school district this year, the kids are still inquiring about me, my life and who I really am. They are gathering a new frame of reference for what a "school counselor" is to them. 

I am looking forward to continuing these discussions on a deeper level as I get to know my new student population better. What are the things that we should say and ask more often? What are some of the really important and purposeful things that we should say out loud... the kinds of things that show and reflect who we are? 

Check out this great video about just that. Happy Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful article about the IMPORTANCE of mistakes!

Click Here to View the Article!

What an absolutely crazy ride it has been to switch to being a K-12 school counselor. I am loving the change. Working with the variety of ages is probably one of my favorite parts. Yes, it's challenging to keep things straight... but it's been such a blessing to be able to "mix it up." Just when I think things at the upper levels are getting pretty "heavy," a younger student comes in with a wide smile and big hug (and maybe a runny nose that needs to be wiped, haha). There has been an exciting mix of humor, challenge and the typical school counselor duties.

I plan to use this blog as a mixture of ideas for other K-12 school counselors and simple thoughts on the everyday "happenings." Nothing fancy. Simple. Positive. 

We are what we think. And therefore, we are what we write... Happy Friday!

An interesting read. Check out the article here!

Take what you need...

I love this poster. I am often surprised by the students who 

come in to simply take a little bit of what they "need."