Gettin' Crafty School Counselor Style

So long summer!  We officially start school next week, and I’ve been spending some time making some different crafts for my office.  Most things on here came from Pinterest so I’ll try to attach the tutorials that go along with it.

First things first: A School Counseling Planner 

One of the biggest challenges that I had my first few months as a school counselor was keeping track of everything that I had to do: classroom lessons, groups (who, what, where), individual appointments… and then some of the less glamorous duties, state-wide testing, meetings, records—the list goes on and on.  This school year, I wanted to do my best to start off with more organization.  Enter this *amazing* planner that I found on Pinterest.  Click here for the original post and tutorial- you won’t be sorry! J

I used the freebie template from the blog that originally created this and just added new headings to make it work for me.  As you can see, I have my month on one side and my weekly planner on the other.  I usually do about 2 different lessons per week (grade levels that is) and around 3 groups going at a time. This planner gives me room to write the session/ lesson topic and student initials so I can keep track.  Also, I struggle w/ remembering which students need an individual follow up session.  Now I’ll just write their initials down on my appointment list for the following week!  After each week, I’ll simply turn the page and violà~ start a new week!

Next up, Crate Seats!

I’m lucky to have a table w/ 4 chairs and a small couch in my office for students to sit on, but there is always room for more—especially when I have a bigger group meeting in there J  I have been eyeing these crate seats for a while and one of our teachers set up a get together for those of us who wanted to make them this school year.  I definitely recommend doing this so that you can share your plywood and mattress foam!  Here is the finished product.  Also, they can still be used as storage…endless possibilities!

Pocket Felt Hearts

There are so many uses for these little guys!  I see myself giving them to homesick babies during the first week of school, kids who need some extra love, groups to invite them to share the love w/ others, ect.  Also, I love using the book The Invisible String with students who are homesick, missing a loved one, or who have had a love one die—although it is a younger book, I still like to use it w/ the big kids too because I think it has a very powerful and true message.  One of these hearts can be given to a student after reading the story while they process who their string is connected to. *Disclaimer: I am NOT a sewer. Seriously. Not at all.  However, these will be going to my little friends and I don’t think they’ll be too concerned with the shabby edges—don’t let that stop you either!

Sweet Treats for the Soul (Affirmations)

I took an old pickle jar and washed and cleaned it (but it still smells like pickles a little bit…oops!)  I then decorated it to say “Mrs. Kendrick’s Sweet Treats.”  It is full of sweet treats for the soul not the tummy.  Inside, I cut up little strips of paper that have different affirmations printed on them.  Students can have one when they’re feeling down or need a pick me up (teachers are welcome to them too!)

 

I also made a mind jar (which has been floating around Pinterest) and brain sprinkles with the left over glitter.  I don’t have their pictures here, but the brain sprinkles are just glitter and little beads in an old spice jar that can be used to give kids an academic boost.  I’m thinking I might bring these to my academic skills groups and give them a sprinkle at the end of each lesson to encourage them to remember what we've learned and give them a little extra boost to get ready for class.

Summer was wonderful, but I am so excited to see the kids and teachers that I work with.  It is going to be a great school year!  Good luck kicking things off at your school—thanks for stopping by!