check out all these resources

I am so in love with the amazing group of counselors I work with. Once a month we meet to learn, share, and have fun. I am like a kid in a candy store- acting like a crazy sugar driven maniac, but instead of sugar I am buzzing off good ideas.
Today we shared our favorite books and activities and you know I love a good book. Check out these awesome ideas:

A book to encourage good character. This books is great because it's universal and touches on many cultures and religions. Learn more here. I also found this activity guide online from Lakeview Elementary. 

Another Miranda Peabody goodie! I also like books that talks about what to do if students see or are bullies and this book is especially great because it comes with activities in the back.

The counselors and I also talked about the power of role play. One idea that really struck a cord with me is discussing the role bystanders take having them role play what they nonverbally say simply by where they stand. You can have the students role play a situation where the bystanders stand close to the "bully" and then stand close to the target. It's a great way to lead a discussion on how we can use our bodies to stop bullying if we are too scared to use our words. 

A a word web to generate a definition of bullying. 

This is Mrs. Mimi and she might own more books than me. This book is "Tiger, Tiger Is It True?"

It seems like the universe is really pushing me towards cognitive behavior therapy lately. I love using it with older students, but I defiantly have been looking for a way to introduce it to our younger students who are having "irrational thoughts/fears." This book looks perfect for K-2 students who need a change in mindset. 

 Separation anxiety  is a topic that every elementary counselor encounters and it's great to have a lot of resources on hand. This is a sweet story about a little girl scared to start K. 

Check out this story and activities about separation anxiety by Mental Fills. What a great addition and follow up to the these books. 

What if you were so scared of school your parents spent the day at school with you? Find out with "Jake Starts School." This is a great book for students in K-2.

Another great addition for books on separation anxiety.  

How can you go wrong with a book written by a leading authority on ADHD. This would be a great way to discuss multiple intelligences. It's also perfect for those students with self doubts and may say things like "I'm stupid." The best part is there is information for teachers and parents at the end. What a great way to connect with stakeholders. 

Recently one of our counselors needed resources for students who are quiet or maybe mute. Here are two titles for your students who need encouragement to speak up. 

Here is another great book for your students that worry they are "just dumb." This story is about a student with dyslexia so it's also a great book about overcoming obstacles.  

Continue the discussion with parents and teachers with this highly recommended book about helping students that worry. It's applicable for all students and includes great talking tips. I might have to use this at a parent book club. 

Still looking for an introduction lesson? Check out this book written by a school counselor. Pair it with the "My School Counselor Is" sheet by Savvy School Counselor and a fun icebreaker like "I mustache you a question."

An oldie but a goodie. This book on jobs is colorful and fun. The counselor who recommended it plays a great game with it. She has a girls vs. boys contest and reads the job without showing them what the job title is. The teams must guess what job she is describing. FUN FUN FUN!

Does your voice ever get tired by Friday? Mine does. This book comes with a CD. Hip Hip Hooray. This is a delightful book about finding self confidence. 

I immediately sent this one to my school librarian friends. I can't wait to buy this book.  It's the story of a little frog whose having an "identity crisis." A perfect picture book about self acceptance. 

Counselors play many roles, including that of Vanna White. This book touches on a very sensitive, but not often thought of subject- the absent father. A resource for students whose father's aren't in their lives, but not for reasons such as jail or death. It's vague enough to fit many situations, but specific for individual students. 

What resources are you sharing with your fellow counselors?