As an elementary counselor, so much of what I do is to help students recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions. I teach classroom lessons in every grade to address Tier 1 Social Emotional needs and Character Education to ALL students in my school. In addition, I run multiple small groups in different grades on topics ranging from Growth Mindset, Friendship, Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Listening/Following Directions, Social Skills, and everything in between. I also work with many students individually, helping them with personal issues and obstacles. In every setting, I love to use games, books, and manipulatives to teach and reinforce the concepts I am teaching. I tell students these things are "tools," not toys.
Many tools such as a weighted vest, sensory exercise floor stickers, a comfy chair, books about emotions, puppet supplies, a wobble chair, and puzzles/games help me as I work with kids to regulate their emotions in many different situations. I call our Wellness Room "The Green Room", since we focus on getting back to the emotional Green Zone (Zones of Regulation). We have many live houseplants that make the room peaceful and cozy, but we need a plant shelf to keep them on. When kids are able to take a sensory break to calm down, we are then able to process the emotions they are feeling. By adding to my "toolbox" of sensory and calming resources to teach kids how to recognize when they are anxious or losing control, I will be able to address those needs in our school.
About my class
As an elementary counselor, so much of what I do is to help students recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions. I teach classroom lessons in every grade to address Tier 1 Social Emotional needs and Character Education to ALL students in my school. In addition, I run multiple small groups in different grades on topics ranging from Growth Mindset, Friendship, Self-Esteem, Conflict Resolution, Listening/Following Directions, Social Skills, and everything in between. I also work with many students individually, helping them with personal issues and obstacles. In every setting, I love to use games, books, and manipulatives to teach and reinforce the concepts I am teaching. I tell students these things are "tools," not toys.
Many tools such as a weighted vest, sensory exercise floor stickers, a comfy chair, books about emotions, puppet supplies, a wobble chair, and puzzles/games help me as I work with kids to regulate their emotions in many different situations. I call our Wellness Room "The Green Room", since we focus on getting back to the emotional Green Zone (Zones of Regulation). We have many live houseplants that make the room peaceful and cozy, but we need a plant shelf to keep them on. When kids are able to take a sensory break to calm down, we are then able to process the emotions they are feeling. By adding to my "toolbox" of sensory and calming resources to teach kids how to recognize when they are anxious or losing control, I will be able to address those needs in our school.
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