Author: Rachel Davis

“Are we playing a game today?” If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked that, I wouldn’t have to work anymore! While there are a whole bunch of interesting activities to use in small group and individual counseling, I find that games have a special way of drawing students in and yet…

Counseling is not always a cake walk. It can feel overwhelming to fit everyone into your schedule, organize and run groups, and analyze data all while balancing a potentially new role. leaving you feeling burnt-out and unappreciated. Here are some practical solutions to make your counseling life easier. Practical solutions to make your counseling life…

“The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters. The hardest thing about being a teacher is that it matters everyday,” – Todd Whitaker. And then there are school counselors! Not to undermine the value and influence of teachers, but school counseling is among those noble professions where despite being specifically appointed to…

Self-control, for obvious reasons, has always found its way as a focus area in my school counseling program each year. However, when we returned to school after over a year of virtual learning, it was not hard to see elementary teachers struggling to deal with students who lacked impulse control and self-regulation skills. Given that…

As school counselors, we align our program with MTSS (multi tiered systems of support) by providing direct and indirect student support services. Just so we’re all on the same page, according to the ASCA website, “MTSS is a culturally sustaining, evidence-based framework implemented in preK-12 schools using data-based problem-solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction…

A brand new year is here and with it comes endless possibilities. While most people make New Year resolutions, I’ve always preferred to set goals instead. To me, a resolution seems too rigid, a to-do or not-to-do checklist of sorts. A goal, on the other hand, is not merely an aim for a desired result…

Never underestimate the power of a good storybook, especially in your group and individual counseling sessions. Books are great for helping kiddos process strong/difficult feelings, learn various social skills, and pick up and practice positive character traits. There are a ton of excellent SEL books to choose from to use with your students based on…

A new year is here! And while I’m excited about the potential and possibilities 2022 holds for me and for all of you, as we get ready to go back to school after a restful (hopefully) Winter Break, I bet some of you are already looking for quality resources to use in your counseling program…

December is a crazy time of year! Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle there’s a mixed bag of counseling hot topics I want to share with you including; seasonal activity ideas to supplement your lessons, data tracking strategies, and self-care hacks! Countdown to Winter Break with Holiday Counseling Activities How to have a counseling activity…

Being a team player is essential to supporting our students, especially when this profession can make you feel like you’re on your own island! Check out these strategies for collaborating with stakeholders. 3 Ways to be a Team Player with Teachers Build morale: Teachers feel a lot of pressure and it can take a toll.…