New Year, New School

There is nothing quite like changing schools mid year! Yep, I moved. It's been overwhelming and I am still wrapping my head around it all, but like all good counselors I am just going with it.

So here are pictures of my new office, my lesson plans from my first week, my favorite new classrooms in my new school, and more.

My new office (it's 1/4 the size of my old office) and new classroom (I share with art!):

My dog bowls for crayons and my Target pencil holders.

Since I share the room with art, there is a special objectives section on the dry erase board. This way I can write our objectives on my days and it's easy to clear for the art teachers.

My office. I used a dog treat jar for candy. 

More books than Barnes and Noble

I finally found a spare minute to update my list of books on Good Reads!
So…if you are looking for a good book to add to your guidance lessons, read with a small group, or to share with an individual student I would encourage you to check out my list here!

Happy reading.

Awards and Certificates galore

Each month I give my Top Dogs (student's nominated for demonstrating the character education trait of the month) a certificate. At my previous school (yep previous- more info. to come) we used the Core Essentials program. One thing that makes this program great is that a lot of the work is done for you. Their program comes with outlined daily announcements, monthly scripts, newsletters for parents and teacher, lessons plans, posters and more.

Poster of the character traits for each month

Although I only used parts (for example we incorporated the character education words and not always the color and animal that they put with it) it was a great program. Probably one of my favorite things was the fact they provided us certificates ready made each month along with a local partnership with Lanes Trains and Automobiles and Chik Fil A to give these students a reward as well.

March Newsletter for Parents

So when I moved schools I was sad to see this resource go. So I started searching for my favorite FREE certificate maker online.  I haven't found the perfect maker yet, but I have found a few good ones:

Lake Shore Learning:

The award maker at this website allows you to choose from a variety of cute awards and type directly into the certificate. It's super easy, you can print right away without a download, and they have several to choose from. What I don't love it the designs, they are great for elementary school (not middle or high) and I wish there were a few more options (but beggars can't be choosers right.)


Certificate Magic: These certificates are just too funny. My first thought was oh I wish I was at my old school because I would give some of my friends the certificate for looking busy! They would have had a good laugh. I do love the Golden Lunchbox award as well. I think it would be super fun to give students who participate in Mix It Up Day, show random acts of kindness at lunch, or demonstrate amazing lunch room behavior. It's a cute award you can easily personalize.

Let's Go Camping

Not only is Bess Turner a 3rd grade wonder in the classroom, but she's an incredible artist. So it's not surprising that she's featured today as I continue to share the classrooms I love. I am sad to say that I didn't get many pictures of her classroom, and the ones I did really don't do it justice. I would encourage you do check out her artwork and think about having a few custom pieces made for your room. Find her on Etsy!




The Busy Beavers know exactly what job they need to do today.

I love that you kind find hilarity in every corner.

Cabin Leaders- look at that impressive use of Modge Podge and scrapbook paperwork.

Whoo needs to go to the bathroom?

 

Blogs you should be reading!

Look at this very exciting post featuring not only yours truly, but the best school counseling blogs out there. Thank you Career Counseling Guide.

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

Best Bulletin Board Ever

Our music teacher did this today.

I really need to step up my bulletin boards.

Just one more page...

I need to make more money, because tonight I ended up at Barnes and Noble with our librarian and I fell in love with these books:

"Fraidy Zoo"- This book is too funny. It's about a little girl and her fear about an upcoming trip to the zoo. Why? Well I can't spoil the ending, but let's just say I busted out laughing. Her family in the story comes up with the most creative ways to help her face her fears, something I would love to share with my small groups and use in the classroom.

"Digby Differs"- It's hard to tell in this picture, but this book will be a centerpiece in your office. It's long and eye catching, like a fine piece of art work. I just have to have it. The story is heart warming and will make every student smile. Digby, the adorable sheep, feels different because of his red strips and goes on an incredible adventure to find a place where he fits in. In the end he discovers that he was in the right place right at home. The illustrations are beautiful and I love spotting the red and white object in each page. My self esteem groups are going to love this. The perfect holiday gift for your favorite counselor, teacher, or librarian. 

"Bad Kitty Christmas"- I have actually wanted this book for over a year, but every time I see it I love it even more. It's use of the alphabet is just brilliant. 

"The Gift of Nothing"- Not only is this book perfect for the holiday season, but it's fantastic year round. A sweet, touching story about a cat who can't decide what to give his friend that has it all. A story about gift giving, selflessness, and the true meaning of friendship. LOVE it.

Book Sale

One of my favorite days and favorite ways to see friends is at the annual Scholastic warehouse book sale. It's a must attend event. Imagine a warehouse of all your favorite books on sale for 20-80% off, plus a $10 off $50 spent coupon. I always go over my allotted budget and this year was no different. I did however score 15 books for about $45. I didn't find "Flora the Flamingo" or "Mustache Baby" but hopefully I'll get a good deal on those soon. Here are just some of the books I did get today (almost all of which were under $9 and some were only $1):

Book Sale Scores

"Mirror Mirror" by Marilyn Singer- to use to discuss different point of views.

"The Sandwich Swap" by Her Majesty Queen Rania- great book about friendship.

"How To Talk So Kids Can Learn At Home and in School" By Adele Faber and Eliane Mazlish- this series is my all time favorite for parents and teachers so I always grab extra copies when I can because I lend them out so much. It was only $5 so I had to get it.

"How To Handle A Bully" by Nancy Wilcox Richards- great to read with my older grades.

"Someday" by Eileen Spinelli-A MUST have career day book. It was only $2.50 and I just can't get over how excited I am to have this book.

"My Dog Is A Hero"- a book about working dogs with amazing jobs- perfect for career day since I have always wanted to do a careers of animals day.

"Silly Dog" by Adam Stower- A book about a little girl who finds a bear and mistakes him for a dog. So sweet.