I struggle with....

spelling, grammar, organization, ADHD, being a crazy dog mom, but I won't let that stop me from being awesome.

Here's a lesson I just stole from the remarkable Elizabeth Shepherd. It's a ton of fun for 5th and 6th graders. Some of you may feel comfortable doing it with 4th as well.

Do your kids love Jarrett Krosoczka as much as us? He's written so many amazing books, including the lunch lady series. He's an amazing author, school supporter, and all around an amazing and inspiring man.

Here's our simple yet powerful lesson:

1) We watched his Ted Talks about becoming an author. It's really funny and engaging. Heads up he does talk about his mothers addiction to drugs, his absent father, and his grandparents love of cocktails. Oh and he says "hell" once. My older kids could handle it, in fact many of them I think really connected because their own homes are just as chaotic.

2) We discussed how each of us face challenges but to be successful we need to be resilient. We talked about perseverance, resiliency and hope. Then I asked them to take a personal self reflection moment. During this time they completed the sentence: "I struggle with_______, but I won't let that stop me from_________." It was awesome to see some of their answers.

"I struggle with my parents divorce, but I won't let that stop me from getting off task or being irresponsible."

What do you struggle with? What will you not let that stop you from doing?

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

ASCA #14 Reflections

Wow! What an amazing conference. How many newbie ASCA conference attenders can say at their first conference they heard the First Lady speak!!

I am writing this post for 3 reasons:
1) To share with you my highlights and lessons/knowledge learned at the best conference ever.
2) To help ADHD brain remember all the things I want to share with the other counselors in our district.
3) To help me go back and access the information. A online "storage space" for reference if you will.

So let's get started:

Middle School Advice

Have you guys seen this wonderful letter written by an exceptional mom to her daughter about staring middle school? I think the message applies for both boys and girls.

Take a minute to read it  and tell me what advice would you give a young student starting middle school?