Personal Safety and Body Language with a furry twist.

I was so excited today to present on incorporating animals into school counseling programs. It also gave the opportunity to re-watch one of my favorite videos on dog safety. I love this video because it shares a lot about the body language that dogs try to tell us. It's short, fun and educational. I would encourage you to share with your students as you do your safety lessons!!

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bstvG_SUzMo

I need a class in crafty

Seriously, I feel like one of my grad school classes should have been "how to get your craft on in an elementary school."

I'm not crafty at all, but I do know awesome when I see and I can click a camera and share it so here we go.

This year's theme at our school is "making masterpieces" and our teachers have really gone all out:

Our school is "Lotts" so it's not a misspelling. The caption is "Creating Lotts of Masterpieces in 4th Grade." Genius.

 

I love coming down the hallways and seeing these fun paint cans. The students names are in each color. 

It really brightens up the halls and makes them fun.

5th grade has some "Masterful Creations"

They covered the clothes pins with these cute paint brushes from a border. These little details make me so happy.

Tid Bit From My Day

By giving up my teacher chair I had exactly enough chairs for my 5th grade class today (which is a miracle bc I've been short for a lot of classes.) Anyway the kids kept fighting over them and spent at least 5 minutes upon entering my room sitting down, moving, sitting down, and again moving. Finally I couldn't take it so I say "guys let's not get all Goldie Locks and the 3 Bears up in here- its not too big, it's not too small, they're all just right bc they're all just chairs." Sadly the stares I got back meant my humor had been lost on them.

Brooklyn Barks at Open House

This past Friday we had our school's open house. I created a handout for parents and one for teachers. What do you normally do at your open house or to introduce yourself to teachers?

See teacher newsletter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_6T4rR2pFj5eU1kQkJaV25wX0k/edit?usp=sharing

See parent newsletter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_6T4rR2pFj5TU5UaGRIb0dWOWM/edit?usp=sharing

My office is coming together! #classroomsetup2014

classroomsetup2014

I am broke and I ran out of border! So… I used paint chips to make my own. What do you think?

The color scheme is black, white, and bright green in my office this year.

Tried to make my shelves look fun this year.

I am obsessed with these jars for storage. Every time I am in Home Goods I get another one.

Books and bookmarks.

I attached a binder clip to each fabric box that says what the topics of the book are. It makes for easy organization.

Individual counseling area.

My Office Sneak Peak

So half way through the summer I decided I wanted a black and white office.
So I have spent many a day working on it. Here are some sneak peaks #classroomsetup2014

I'll post more soon!

Donor's Choose Project Update

Thanks to an incredible local Horace Mann Agency Owner I only need $153 to reach my Donor's Choose project goal to get technology in my classroom this year. TODAY is the last day to have your donation matched (using the code INSPIRE). So if only 8 of my friends/those of you that support education donate just $10 (and don't forget enter the promo code INSPIRE on the payment screen to have your donation matched) I will get my wish granted! Please share with everyone you know who supports education!!! I know my students would truly appreciate enhancing my classroom.www.donorschoose.org/msfiltness

New Year New Blog

Hi all,
In keeping with my dog theme I am changing my blog to "Paws-itive School Counseling". I will update the URL to: pawsitiveschoolcounseling.blogspot.com hopefully with in the next 48 hours so please get ready for the change and follow the new blog!

Thanks.
Laura