What's Up Wednesday

What I'm Working On

Our fabulous PTA bought me an interactive computer/whiteboard program called Smart Guidance.  I am in the process of starting groups for various topics as added guidance support. During December and January, I will hold sessions about self-confidence, organization, study skills, bullying, and problem solving skills. I am calling the meetings "Bobcat Buddy" meetings. Teachers have recommended kids to come see me that don't normally get small group time with me. I am excited to expand my program to include more students.

The best part is, the program requires basically no prep work and includes teacher guides and questions to ask throughout the lesson. Here is the link if you want to know more about it.
Smart Guidance

Heard Around the Halls

This one is a little throwback! Last year we had a career dress up day for College Week. One sweet little girl told her teacher she was going to be a School Counselor when she grew up, so she was going to dress just like Ms. Bulino. Her teacher asked her what she would wear and what tools she would have to make sure she dressed just like me. Her response was perfect. "I am going to wear a fancy watch, a cute scarf, and I will make sure I bring my phone with me wherever I go in case there is an emergency.

Arm Party...check

Scarf Problem...check

I'd like to not have to carry my phone all over the school, so the only solution I can think of is an Apple Watch...

I can't say "check" quite yet. Santa, this is officially on my list. It's basically a work necessity at this point, ok?!?!

A Counselor's Life

Here are my two favorite lessons going on right now...

4th Grade: Responding Appropriately to Hurtful Comments 

First, I read the book Simon's Hook. It's all about ways to avoid "biting" when someone says something you don't like. It gives five strategies to avoid responding in a way that will encourage more hurtful comments. The five strategies are...
1. Ignore them: "Did you hear something?"
2. Agree with the hook: "Some people think so."
3. Make a joke or laugh: beat them to the punch line
4. Distract: "Look at that bird over there."
5. Avoid the hooks: Go play with someone else

I wrote teasing comments on some little fish, punched holes in them, and put a paperclip through the hole. Then I made some "fishing rods" with rulers, yarn, and magnets. The kids went "fishing for hooks" and then used one of the strategies to respond. They had the best time and I think this one will really stick with them.

It's a little blurry, but you can see the fish under the "water".

Here is a pic of them fishing...

5th Grade: Learning Not to Spread Rumors and Gossip

I took each class out to the playground. We got in a big circle and played a good old fashioned game of telephone. I started with, "Ms. Bulino eats jelly beans and dances to Juju on That Beat". It ended with, "Ms. Bulino eats butter for breakfast." We talked about how the subject of the rumor stayed the same, but the action changed. In fact it changed several times during the course of the game.

Then, I showed them a bottle of glitter and said it was a bottle of rumors. I flung glitter all over the playground (my favorite part, obviously).

I told them to make sure they picked up all the "rumors" since they weren't true. Despite their best efforts, they kept seeing the glitter glimmering in the sunlight. They all started saying there was no way they could ever pick up all the "rumors". Exactly. We discussed that once the rumor is out there, you can never really get it back.
Then we read a book by Madonna, yes, Madonna.

It has a similar message, but uses feathers instead. They were so attentive during this lesson. I could tell it really hit home for many of them. One class even clapped when the lesson was over. I hope they keep this close to their hearts when they go to middle school.

Also, check out the "Poot Mouth" video going around Facebook right now. Two different teachers shared it with me and the little girl in the video is spot on.

Technology Tip

Google Forms for Counseling Documentation

Last year I struggled with finding a way to document the students I was seeing and what kinds of issues were coming into the office. I really thought I would be able to remember it all, but this job has so many components and changes day to day. I created some Google forms that would help me quickly take notes on the students and see what kinds of issues were most prominent in each grade level. I also added a section for parent communication so I could remember when I had talked to parents and what the outcome was of our sessions and communications. You can check out the form here! 

Something I Am Listening To

Lore

I am totally into a podcast called Lore by Aaron Mahnke. He goes around the country investigating urban legends and folklore. It's definitely a drive to work kind of thing because it can be a little spooky. I find it fascinating because he tells the historical background of what was going on at the time. From the Salem Witch Trials to the Civil War, I learn something new every time. Most of the time he is trying to discredit the folklore, but often he cannot and sometimes even gets spooked himself. It's worth a listen if you have some kid free time in the car.

UPlifting Inspiration

It's all about that growth mindset, people!

That's What's Up this Wednesday! I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving break! Gobble 'til you Wobble!