2nd Grade Guidance Class- Reputation

Second graders have been learning about what the word "reputation" means and how it is created.  At the beginning of this set of lessons, we look at a picture of a wolf and describe some of the words that come to mind right away.  Second graders say things like: "Hungry", "Scary", "He's going to eat me!", "Cute!" (strange boys), and "mean".  Some of them talk about stories where there is a wolf included- Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs.  After they share these things, we talk about how this is the wolf's reputation.  It is "what he does over and over again that creates a picture in our minds about who he is".  

Then we look at a variety of different characters that either possess a positive reputation or a negative reputation, and the behaviors that are building that reputation.  Students do an excellent job of being able to pull out those negative and positive behaviors.  

Finally, we start to examine our own reputations more deeply.  I ask questions like, "What do you want to be known for?" "What are some behaviors that you are proud of that are forming your reputation?" "What are some behaviors that may be hurting your reputation?" Students are always very honest in their answers, I am also so impressed by this.  For example, I had one little boy tell me that he always blurts out at school, and he knows that when his teacher talks about him, that she could be saying that he is a "blurter".  Well, he doesn't want to be known as a "blurter", he doesn't want that to be in his reputation, and the beautiful thing about it is...WE CAN CHANGE!  

Just like with making a pizza, we can add different "toppings" onto our reputations.  If we want to be known as a kid who helps others, we do helpful behaviors.  If we want to be known as a person who is patient, we show patience.  Students then got the opportunity to make their own "reputation pizzas".  

Kindergarten: Self- Control

In Kindergarten Guidance class we have been learning about self- control.  One of my favorite teachers out there, Mr. Smith, also known as the Teacher Tipster, gave me a great idea to help Kinders learn about what self-control means. First, he blows some bubbles and, as expected, the kids go crazy popping them.  As adults we want to pop them too!  Then, he challenges them to NOT pop the bubbles even if one lands on the tip of their nose.  Then he says, "Do they want to pop them? Yes- big time. But are they going to pop them?  No way!" This is such a great way to introduce the concept of self-control and launch a discussion about stopping to think before you act.

This was so much fun, especially when I told my students that I was going to give them the "Double Bubble Trouble" treatment and they had to show Super Self- Control!  Some of them even sat on their hands and became like statues to make sure they did not pop those bubbles.  This lead to a great discussion about how we have super powerful brains that can control our behavior.

Below is a video of Teacher Tipster and his awesomeness:

After the bubble challenge, I then read the book, It's Hard to be Five by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell.  This is a great book that helps students understand that they have power over their "control panels".  As kids get older, things become more challenging but also a lot more fun!

Lastly, we played a wonderful game to practice self-control: Simon Says.  

Kindergarten students loved this lesson and still request the "Double Bubble Trouble" treatment!

Elementary Guidance in September

We have been having a lot of fun in guidance class throughout the elementary classrooms.  Each class has been learning about what my job is all about through a wonderful "first aid kit" idea that I found at one of my favorite blogs- Savvy School Counselor.  Have I told you how much I love being able to share ideas with other school counselor colleagues?!! :)

My school counseling first aid kit was full of items that describe how I can help students at Denver Elementary.  Below is a list of items that were in the kit and why:

Band-Aid/ Gauze: I help heal hurts that we carry on the inside, heart-hurts.
Tissue: Any type of emotion is ok to show in guidance and in my office.  I talked about sadness and crying, but then also focused on when you are really angry.  Is that ok?  YES!
Padlock: I am a secret-keeper at school.  If you tell me something I will not share it with anyone else without your permission.  Now, if I feel you are in danger, because I love you, I may need to talk to others about ways to help you stay safe.
Ear buds:  I promise to always listen.
Snickers bar: It is such a treat to be able to spend time with you in guidance!  It is a treat for me, and I hope that it is a treat for you!
Life Saver: I can help you stay afloat.  I focused on worries with this one- those sticky "peanut-butter thoughts".  Helping kids with worries is one of my favorite topics.
Toothpicks: I can help students pick apart their problem.  Many times if you are feeling angry, there is another feeling of hurt that is hidden beneath the anger.
Star: I can help guide your way- will I take the steps for you?  No way!  But I will help you figure out the steps to take.
Cotton Balls: If you come to school and need a hug or compliment- I am your gal!

Thanks again Vanessa at Savvy School Counselor.  Denver students truly understand why I am here!