tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3133300316780308142024-03-12T18:42:05.761-05:00The Crafty CounselorAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-70017168254591340232013-11-12T21:15:00.002-06:002013-11-12T21:15:33.485-06:00Thirty for ThirtyI turned 30 on October 29th and I wanted to do something a little different. I have seen a lot of different ideas for doing acts of kindness in blogland and I thought that this would be a perfect way to spend my birthday. I happened to take the day off since parent/teacher conferences were scheduled for that Friday and I do not work on Fridays. My husband decided to take the day off as well, so we made it a family day.<br />
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I started planning a few weeks before my birthday so that I could figure out the logistics and start gathering supplies. I tried to come up with multiple acts of kindness for each place so that we weren't running all over town, going to 30 different places. The planning didn't take all that long, but the night before I started to feel a little overwhelmed. But I pushed through and went with it.<br />
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I started the day before by leaving some treats in the teachers mailboxes. I also left some notes of encouragement for a few teachers.<br />
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The morning of my birthday, we met my mother-in-law at St. Louis Bread Co (Panera) to buy her a coffee and pick up some coffee carafes. I also picked up a few gift cards to leave for the letter carrier, trash collector, and recycling collector. We then went to the local police/fire/city hall to drop off the coffee and some homemade pumpkin spice muffins.<br />
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At home I dropped off flowers for our neighbors and went to visit an elderly neighbor that was just recently widowed. I also dropped off some adult clothes at Goodwill and took some baby clothes and diapers to a local emergency women and children's shelter.<br />
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The best part of the day happened at the grocery store. I bought some balloons and we passed them out to little kids we passed in the aisles. Two little girls got so excited that they ran through the store. Their mom joked with us, "How could we lose them? They have balloons!" While we were in line, the man in front of us was trying to pay and needed change. For some reason, the checkout clerk did not have a full till so she could not provide any change. The man had plenty of money but was about $3 short of having exact change. I just blurted out that I would pay his $3. He and the clerk looked at me funny. I explained that it was my birthday and that I wanted to do an act of kindness for him. He was taken aback. He shook my hand and thanked me for helping him get on his way and said that he didn't think that there were still people that did random acts of kindness like that.<br />
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After he left, I explained to the clerk that I wanted to buy a gift card but that I wanted her to give it to someone in need. I started to get choked up and my husband stepped in to explain the birthday idea. I think it was a culmination of all of the things we had done that day and the idea that someone shopping at my local store, that I shop at each week, may not have enough money to pay for their groceries. It took a few explanations for the clerk to understand what we were doing but then she said that she would personally make sure that the right person would get our gift card. I really liked the idea that she was going to get to pass on our act of kindness.<br />
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Looking back, I think that this was the best birthday I have had in recent memory. It took a lot of planning, but it was well worth it. I definitely think that I will be doing something similar, probably on a smaller scale, each year. And I really like how my husband and daughter were involved. That's definitely something that I want to instill in my daughter from an early age. It was definitely a birthday that I will remember!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-8919827166601120272013-10-23T10:42:00.002-05:002013-10-23T10:42:45.561-05:00The Virtue of ForbearanceOur new virtue for this quarter is Forbearance. This is a tough one for kids - and even adults - to understand. Forbearance is showing self-control, patience, and tolerance especially in the face of provocation.<br />
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One example of forbearance is when one student patiently works with another student on a concept without getting frustrated or complaining. This would be a great topic to discuss when beginning to work on a group project.<br />
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Another great example - that happens to me all the time - is when something goes wrong with technology in the classroom. A video won't show up, there is no sound, the smart board needs to be calibrated, etc. Often times all of the students in the room want to jump up and tell the teacher what to do. This can be a great lesson in forbearance. Being patient and understanding while the problem is dealt with by the teacher.<br />
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Here are my bulletin boards for the quarter...<br />
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BEE forBEARing - in the main hallway. Each of the bees discusses a different way to show forbearance.<br />
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Keep Calm and Forbear On - in the middle school hallway. The smaller red pieces have different quotes relating to forbearance, patience, and self-control. I especially love the quote from T.H. White - "The most difficult thing in the world is to know how to do a thing and silently watch someone else do it wrong." This is something that I struggle with all of the time in both my personal and professional life.<br />
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-65937390244995829522013-10-22T20:19:00.000-05:002013-10-22T20:19:11.361-05:00Counselor Style #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Still doing well without repeating actual outfit. Looking back at these pictures I do realize that I love my khaki skirts! It has been fun looking for inspiration on Pinterest and trying to create outfits out of what I already own. </div>
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Mint Sweater - H&M</div>
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Mustard T-shirt - Banana Republic Outlet</div>
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Skinny Jeans - Old Navy</div>
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Burgundy Flats - Old Navy</div>
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Polka Dot Scarf - Target Dollar Spot ($3)</div>
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Purple Cardigan - J Crew (garage sale find)</div>
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White Tank - Target</div>
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Khaki Skirt - thrifted</div>
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Burgundy Flats - Old Navy</div>
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Leopard Belt - Macys</div>
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Navy/Cream Polka Dot Cardigan - J Crew</div>
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Cream Shirt - NY&Co</div>
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Khaki Skirt - Old Navy</div>
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Nude Flats - Target</div>
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Coral Necklace - Kohls</div>
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Purple Cardigan - TJ Maxx</div>
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Khaki Skirt - thrifted</div>
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Burgundy Flats - Old Navy</div>
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Polka Dot Scarf - Target Dollar Spot ($3)</div>
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Pink Sweater - Banana Republic Outlet</div>
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Navy Skirt - J Crew (thrifted)</div>
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Brown Flats - Vera Wang for Kohls</div>
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Necklace - Dress Barn</div>
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Blue Cardigan - TJ Maxx</div>
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Khaki Skirt - Old Navy</div>
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Brown Boots - Naturalizer from Macys</div>
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Scarf - Burlington Coat Factory</div>
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Mustard Cardigan - Target</div>
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Navy Shirt Dress - J Crew Outlet</div>
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Cognac Boots - Famous Footwear</div>
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Tan Belt - garage sale find</div>
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Red Sweater - NY&Co</div>
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Khaki Skirt - Old Navy</div>
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Brown Boots - Naturalizer from Macys</div>
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Scarf - Burlington Coat Factory</div>
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Red Cardigan - Target</div>
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White Tank - Target </div>
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Black Skirt - Old Navy</div>
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Cognac Boots - Famous Footwear</div>
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Tan Belt - garage sale find</div>
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Gold Necklace - NY&Co</div>
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Mustard Sweater - LOFT</div>
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Navy Shirt - Ann Taylor</div>
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Navy Lace Skirt - Target (garage sale find)</div>
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Cognac Boots - Famous Footwear</div>
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Tan Belt - garage sale find</div>
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Chevron-ish Scarf - Target Dollar Spot ($3)</div>
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-65507568234106591232013-10-18T19:49:00.000-05:002013-10-18T19:49:24.236-05:00Kindness Class ProjectsHere are some examples of what the classes have been doing for the virtue of Kindness.<br />
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In Kindergarten, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindness-Quilt-Nancy-Elizabeth-Wallace/dp/076145313X" target="_blank">The Kindness Quilt</a> by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. We discussed different examples of kindness and then each student created their own "quilt square". I cut scrapbook paper into 5 inch by 5 inch squares and regular copy paper into 4.5 inch by 4.5 inch squares and glued them together.<br />
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For our second Kindergarten lesson, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crayon-Box-that-Talked/dp/0679886117/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382142808&sr=1-1&keywords=the+crayon+box+that+talked" target="_blank">The Crayon Box That Talked</a> by Shane DeRolf. We discussed how the crayons were all different but had to work together and be kind in order to create a beautiful picture. We then discussed how the students could work together and treat each other with kindness. The students then decorated their own paper crayons.<br />
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For one of my 2nd grade lesson, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindness-Share-Z-Todd-Snow/dp/1934277169/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382143015&sr=1-1&keywords=kindness+from+a+to+z" target="_blank">Kindness to Share from A to Z</a> by Todd and Peggy Snow. The students then worked in groups to come up with sentences/examples of kindness for each of the letters of the alphabet. They did a great job coming up with their sentences and were very creative! </div>
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In 5th grade, we discussed the concept of building one another up versus tearing each other down. The students made pledges to build others up by doing kind acts for one another. </div>
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Here are some examples of class projects from around the building.</div>
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-21489258565505911462013-10-18T19:25:00.000-05:002013-10-18T19:49:44.147-05:00Kindness Bulletin Boards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought that I had posted about this already, but I guess not. Our first virtue for the year was Kindness. I have two bulletin boards that I am in charge of, one in the main hallway, near the front office, and the other outside my office in the 5th-8th grade wing.<br />
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The one in the main hallway is in a pretty prominent space and can be seen by all parents and students entering the school through the main doors or going to the front office. I try to keep this bulletin board more "primary" in focus. The theme is simpler and the suggestions are easy to understand. With the leaves starting to change and fall in the air, I decided to play off of the idea of raking leaves, but instead focusing on Random Acts of Kindness. The kids loved see the actual rake on the board. I got it at Dollar Tree in their summer/beach section over the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTgM4sWPGXUUCTRtny-QhEQVCkAtwPO-xuIbCJkOJkM3N0YnT0xj7feUNLrZG8jQx9uZF7T83k724UZDG64rC8VHgCjKkq6nK_x2GWHtoJPckTTKRI20p24LoYvg3QGTW_vrBVSTMKspI/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTgM4sWPGXUUCTRtny-QhEQVCkAtwPO-xuIbCJkOJkM3N0YnT0xj7feUNLrZG8jQx9uZF7T83k724UZDG64rC8VHgCjKkq6nK_x2GWHtoJPckTTKRI20p24LoYvg3QGTW_vrBVSTMKspI/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the board in the middle school wing, I try to go with more "popular" or "in" ideas. I had seen this idea all over Pinterest so I just had to use it. It is a play on Carley Ray Jepson's song, Call Me Maybe. The kids thought it was pretty funny.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkqb9gLXbY-4QRTaBDU2Be496mJbe4DB8k1_J-wkJiWDdO3EnqlAObuWRMi32UQD7P2qkOCt8CWuMluga4OfF1RR2-ajVULdK5dMQBmCwRf8nHRfaMu72DMX7MfsC2I0I6N3Iw70DUKf7/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkqb9gLXbY-4QRTaBDU2Be496mJbe4DB8k1_J-wkJiWDdO3EnqlAObuWRMi32UQD7P2qkOCt8CWuMluga4OfF1RR2-ajVULdK5dMQBmCwRf8nHRfaMu72DMX7MfsC2I0I6N3Iw70DUKf7/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" /></a>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-59335784695775532292013-09-24T20:42:00.000-05:002013-09-24T20:42:33.284-05:00Virtues Rock!Our Virtue-Based Restorative Discipline program is going very well so far. The faculty, students, and parents have all been educated about the program and "buy-in" seems to be pretty strong. I have visited almost every class for our first virtues lesson and most teacher have created some sort of project in their class meetings. Things are going great but I am always looking for fun little additions.<br />
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Inspired by Barbara at <a href="http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Corner on Character</a>, I created a little song to sing my younger students before our classroom guidance lessons. I incorporated the four virtues that we are focusing on this year: Kindness, Forbearance, Forgiveness, and Unity. Hopefully I will be able to come up with a new verse each year as we move on to different virtues. I plan to use this with JK and Kindergarten and maybe even up to 2nd grade.<br />
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<i>Virtues Rock! (to the tune The Addams Family)</i><br />
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<i>Virtues rock! (clap clap)</i><br />
<i>Virtues rock! (clap clap)</i><br />
<i>Virtues rock, virtues rock, virtues rock! (clap clap)</i><br />
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<i>When we show kindness to each other,</i><br />
<i>and bear with one another,</i><br />
<i>forgive and work together,</i><br />
<i>we rock our virtues!</i><br />
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<i>Virtues rock! (clap clap)</i><br />
<i>Virtues rock! (clap clap)</i><br />
<i>Virtues rock, virtues rock, virtues rock! (clap clap)</i>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-21710580336620669602013-09-19T20:02:00.000-05:002013-09-19T20:08:24.845-05:00Counselor Style #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say that I am doing pretty well on my goal of no outfit repeats this year! It has been a challenge to find something that fits my in-progress body while still making it easy to pump at school. Dresses have pretty much been ruled out, which takes away a lot of options in my closet. On a positive note, I downloaded a camera timer app so I can take my own pictures and not listen to my husband make fun of my silly poses! </div>
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Black Top: NY&Co</div>
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Black and Purple Skirt: Ann Taylor</div>
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Black Patent Wedges: DSW</div>
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Purple Belt: Target (thrifted)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgnYN6RdgipMALwvAisIgM6uKe1IGJe6c8Oxy4ZoGNXSv9JenHX-L9UVUwCPHzIKMcYLeo7mQralaDr_j3Efyf_lTxilecqAOKK-8nLBRH8Xqul9A5hpn6ubQsD06lWdjG_ooIH5pRpw0/s1600/IMG_0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgnYN6RdgipMALwvAisIgM6uKe1IGJe6c8Oxy4ZoGNXSv9JenHX-L9UVUwCPHzIKMcYLeo7mQralaDr_j3Efyf_lTxilecqAOKK-8nLBRH8Xqul9A5hpn6ubQsD06lWdjG_ooIH5pRpw0/s200/IMG_0293.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaG5qRudEAdEGzbGXvSASo9JF01qr9RoIonFF-xA6nIWHdrVatyTOSAvC12rJJXc75BxDJ6VMH4MvAl4LbX_8vDONhEuPZBk-vaEPdRNDItLMHY6BXuIBizyKGbHUfGRjXK7m6_QnAG6c/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaG5qRudEAdEGzbGXvSASo9JF01qr9RoIonFF-xA6nIWHdrVatyTOSAvC12rJJXc75BxDJ6VMH4MvAl4LbX_8vDONhEuPZBk-vaEPdRNDItLMHY6BXuIBizyKGbHUfGRjXK7m6_QnAG6c/s200/IMG_0294.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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White Top: TJMaxx</div>
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Floral Linen Skirt: garage sale find</div>
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Turquoise Sandals: Target</div>
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Turquoise Necklace: costume jewelry shop</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJbf0IsVFQSSh8YAsHcIO2FiQUHBDdlpe4GkIp3roRRw4E6apyJK4MrhcAkejWltKEV42bPhhLESJA5B20N_OPxAk2SsWw5lqfSr6S1sVV42NYior5_vGgCTBWu-qwjx3yl5cLC8R6JMK/s1600/IMG_0297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJbf0IsVFQSSh8YAsHcIO2FiQUHBDdlpe4GkIp3roRRw4E6apyJK4MrhcAkejWltKEV42bPhhLESJA5B20N_OPxAk2SsWw5lqfSr6S1sVV42NYior5_vGgCTBWu-qwjx3yl5cLC8R6JMK/s320/IMG_0297.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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We honored the victims of September 11th by wearing red, white, and blue and having a prayer service in the morning.</div>
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Red Cardigan: Target</div>
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White Shirt: Target</div>
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Denim Skirt: Eddie Bauer</div>
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Brown Wedges: J Crew Outlet</div>
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Cross Necklace: Tiffany & Co</div>
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Burgundy Cardigan: NY&Co</div>
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Floral Shirt: thrifted</div>
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Khaki Skirt: Old Navy</div>
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Burgundy Shoes: Old Navy</div>
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Tan Belt: garage sale find</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwaGuq1ujvONaBnlKN-PAZ6n07ViGMAo-M4m-4g5vTre_fdfX4DElotEpEA-Bpsde96Y6yUrGeZdlldPG85L3JcaACmkTIXYl7IHz_8_ZGdE6ZYXYFolLnDSM0ErRLYXR-5wZbAged8TJ/s1600/IMG_0316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwaGuq1ujvONaBnlKN-PAZ6n07ViGMAo-M4m-4g5vTre_fdfX4DElotEpEA-Bpsde96Y6yUrGeZdlldPG85L3JcaACmkTIXYl7IHz_8_ZGdE6ZYXYFolLnDSM0ErRLYXR-5wZbAged8TJ/s320/IMG_0316.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Dark Green Cardigan: Ann Taylor</div>
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White Tank: Target</div>
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Khaki Skirt: thrifted</div>
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Brown Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohls</div>
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Green Necklace: Target</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY7C-yOop9CjJpzr0OUp6NkjMqdhQTFV-2I6R_IqTH7vVLu6mhzpVBpsP02wbtQdxCsGgUDKSeMdnyJ82udC6wbmnDumGU7b9ozdY5cp5JdiGMiJVvPVFul5PCl7YRe5wlwSYuYZqnSmJ/s1600/IMG_0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY7C-yOop9CjJpzr0OUp6NkjMqdhQTFV-2I6R_IqTH7vVLu6mhzpVBpsP02wbtQdxCsGgUDKSeMdnyJ82udC6wbmnDumGU7b9ozdY5cp5JdiGMiJVvPVFul5PCl7YRe5wlwSYuYZqnSmJ/s320/IMG_0318.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cream Cardigan: TJMaxx</div>
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Cream Shirt: NY&Co</div>
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Black Skirt: Target</div>
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Black and Gold Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBCKltoeaV_-BokqkG6yO_tqMKSEzhnRyx2FFVuhfFTAqOcrK6qJ0XSHAZCjhR9uVAf3EufxkFwOp8VAr-L66q0QQ1Lwm_iLxqAs0PzUHmlTGL6z99zdcaS9a1Sx9TIAL980lOkPkLhSb/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBCKltoeaV_-BokqkG6yO_tqMKSEzhnRyx2FFVuhfFTAqOcrK6qJ0XSHAZCjhR9uVAf3EufxkFwOp8VAr-L66q0QQ1Lwm_iLxqAs0PzUHmlTGL6z99zdcaS9a1Sx9TIAL980lOkPkLhSb/s320/IMG_0322.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Black Cardigan: The Limited (thrifted)</div>
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Patterned Shirt: Ann Taylor</div>
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Khaki Skirt: Old Navy</div>
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Black Patent Wedges: DSW</div>
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Pink Belt: Target (thrifted)</div>
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Pink Necklace: Ann Taylor</div>
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<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-59557323306301108112013-09-11T20:30:00.003-05:002013-09-11T20:31:03.391-05:00A School Counselor Lunch Bunch Linky Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolcounselorscrapbook.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-bunch-of-lunches-managing-your-lunch.html" target="_blank"><img height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiY9DTK1_tiY7S7a5vyA22_jTAGi4TJVz1AMQPEl8P3jaXaQoLUz8og5qmRG2Kr_qRCZLjkSoegVOPvKsRmf_LWGJ4AfppwgMGg1hLLkeRFbKXtn5lpn3RMghBEezSGVAg9cjaiDcv2JL/s400/lunchbunchtitle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am participating in the <a href="http://schoolcounselorscrapbook.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-bunch-of-lunches-managing-your-lunch.html" target="_blank">Scrapbook of a School Counselor Lunch Bunch Linky Party</a>! Counselors have so many different ideas when it comes to lunch bunches. This is how we Lunch Bunch!</span></div>
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<img height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTcqvW2B_rJpD9bS4xdCbimIyKlnnBRyrEiQt19dY902A2f1mi6iddCbHD6wdDvk0scUxc5onmJ6VzSBSkyx-McmR-clNso4M3cKQ3V8k-RylM2ZcWf5XRQbGwX0dsIY6f4lwBHkO2hWD/s320/lunchbunch1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I use lunch bunches in several different ways. I have the students for about 25-30 minutes, so we go full speed the minute that we start. Since my office is a ways away from the cafeteria, I keep a stock of spoons, forks, knives, napkins, straws, and snacks in my office. I always meet my groups in the back of the cafeteria and before we leave I ask them at least five times if they have everything they need. Our students can often get "seconds" if they buy hot lunch, so I always advise those students to get another helping if they think they will need it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Kindergarten students, I use it as a "getting to know you" tool. Every Monday, I take six Kindergarten students (three from each class) and invite them to lunch in my office. I simply take a roster into the classrooms each Monday and call off the names of the students next on the list. I run through the entire roster and then start over again. I can usually get in at least four rounds before the end of the year, so that's usually my goal. Since I teach Social Skills classes each month at the Kindergarten level, I don't feel pressure to run a small group. I see the lunch bunches with my Kindergarten students as a way to get them excited about small groups. They really look forward to coming and are always asking when it is going to be their turn. So even though we are not focusing on a specific topic or skill, I feel like I am creating an "insurance policy" - get them excited about lunch bunches now so that they will carry that excitement with them when it's time to meet and work on specific skills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For grades 1 through 5, I use a traditional small group format. I meet with approximately six students on a weekly basis for five weeks. I was meeting for six weeks, but found that my last session of the year would have to be cut short, so I decided to condense them all so that I could fit in about four sessions during the year. I work with teachers to determine the topic or focus of the group. I usually focus on Friendship & Social Skills with 1st and 2nd graders. For 3rd through 5th, I focus on Self-Esteem, Girl Relationships, or Impulse Control and Boy Relationships. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my middle school students, I usually meet with a slightly larger group (up to 8 students) in a classroom. We meet weekly and tend to focus on more academic topics such as decision making, organization, test taking strategies, and study skills. </span></div>
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<img height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vQn9zpxVeUJaBAxdHupLBlAijCMjw9HtrrqpG2-ekeJZ31EuHjqLteSzBOs7ggvy3dfxzBkeNwf5Hhb0XIiq4JuxT2NrcwjS-KcdzjIljZ4uYF31kF4ufK5RwMI70tRiMS_Q7ZkNtkRh/s320/lunchbunch2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my Kindergarten groups, we usually play a "getting to know you" game, read a story, or just talk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my 1st through 5th grade groups, I break the time up into two sections. For the first 10-15 minutes, the students focus on eating their lunches while I either read a story or tell them about the day's topic. I use that as my "teaching" time so that the students are able to eat and then are ready for the activity during the second section. After every is (mostly) finished with their lunch and we have read/heard about the topic, we move on to the activity. This may be a group discussion, art activity, role play, game, or skit. This section lasts 10-15 minutes and we save the last 5 minutes or so to review, debrief, and clean up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my middle school groups, I try to combine lecture and discussion. While the students start eating, I will outline the day's topic and give them any background information they may need. Then I open it up for discussion. The students share their ideas and are able to ask questions. </span></div>
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<img height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_ojSHsFvh64I7HVa6WGT5M2mQV0a7sS9Dhgs4wINFMBUuQ7V_yOqMz8LmEU15pv6yn5RePGH4dccAifK-Knm-lMZdO1mFCKFk7r2Pj8ifeOJZ9jFG_rlTVbIZRfygsaKRkFmguWtkrgz/s320/lunchbunch3.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I meet with the K-5 teachers at the beginning of the year and provide them with a handout that outlines what groups I will be offering during the first round. On the back the teachers can list their chosen topic and the students they have selected as well as two alternates in case someone doesn't want to or cannot participate. I give the teachers a list of students that I have worked with in the past. I work with the teachers to help select students that have not participated in a small group or who have and may need additional support. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdSaR_uvyywrmO5tOqB3z57_2pYwr2JW8RUkbQygEygSeJLTCo_hwuh3zMpJWVeG-5AwJv1d0ofRW644XaFekRtIN648-kpxUtVgvTvyeDr-304hTxR7bC6goH4grT-Z1_galsr5wct_a/s1600/Small+Group+Descriptions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdSaR_uvyywrmO5tOqB3z57_2pYwr2JW8RUkbQygEygSeJLTCo_hwuh3zMpJWVeG-5AwJv1d0ofRW644XaFekRtIN648-kpxUtVgvTvyeDr-304hTxR7bC6goH4grT-Z1_galsr5wct_a/s320/Small+Group+Descriptions.jpg" width="247" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzoHmyG2Lw8uSVLsdiBqavN7YEZE1Z_kDS5WrhY3K_sgbnB9N0EqAbUaPcpBqi6mzuqHNX5PmhUktgBZ0u5rwL8VvP8Ef7xN0AOlIAdiba0-4YgxNGQo2ZjuNcouQDB5yeR5iDUzJiyOT/s1600/Small+Group+Sign+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzoHmyG2Lw8uSVLsdiBqavN7YEZE1Z_kDS5WrhY3K_sgbnB9N0EqAbUaPcpBqi6mzuqHNX5PmhUktgBZ0u5rwL8VvP8Ef7xN0AOlIAdiba0-4YgxNGQo2ZjuNcouQDB5yeR5iDUzJiyOT/s320/Small+Group+Sign+Up.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the middle school students, I give them a survey at the beginning of the year to gauge interest in small groups. The students are able to circle potential group topics such as friendship, stress management, grief, divorce, etc. I take the information from the surveys and either create a Lunch & Learn series if there are enough students or follow up with students individually if there aren't enough for a group. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have three lunch shifts so I divide the groups so that I am meeting with one or two groups each day and still allowing myself time to eat lunch. I DO NOT eat lunch with the students. I am too busy opening milks, reading a story, passing out supplies and keeping the group on schedule to eat my own lunch with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mondays - Kindergarten and 3rd grade</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesdays - 1st and 4th grades</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesdays - 2nd and 5th grades</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursdays - Middle School</span></div>
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<img height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuvpCb1QJT4fxPY9lf4GUWh-r5pVeN5wGdLh4Iva34BXn7-27z6Fqeq393wXuG0J9i8qnatC7AbpSR_Q4bEHbg5n4xkp_7AFlDtLPj1WcZ73o3sPNcI_dbMncDAXdzErijzoddirHE0I4/s320/lunchbunch4.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that there is some discussion about how much you can actually cover during lunch and if having a small group during lunch time is possible or effective. This technique has worked well for me and the students really enjoy it. I get to spend time with them, we get to cover the topics that they need help with, and I am not taking them away from their core subjects (which the teachers don't like) or their specials (which the kids don't like). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made "Lunch Bunch Passes" for the 1st through 5th grade students. I give them to the teachers the day before and then the students wear them to lunch on their day. It makes them feel "official", adds to the fun, and helps the cafeteria teachers and parents know what is going on. It is especially helpful when students ask for "seconds" at the lunch counter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkamD7rnffIYotCD1tUlcE1BXfqVzz4Q8fdwQH5sZ6G8BVXGgb5DesdUyF2T2cHZ0UclYlBJ6aFY8ytRj2JtvrW1GtC2XZPi39OS4wreWvYCaEg_K8DH0C96uFEAvrP4e8KoMRRnX7PLlL/s1600/Lunch+Bunch+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkamD7rnffIYotCD1tUlcE1BXfqVzz4Q8fdwQH5sZ6G8BVXGgb5DesdUyF2T2cHZ0UclYlBJ6aFY8ytRj2JtvrW1GtC2XZPi39OS4wreWvYCaEg_K8DH0C96uFEAvrP4e8KoMRRnX7PLlL/s400/Lunch+Bunch+Pass.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have these passes laminated and hanging on lanyards so that I can write their names with dry erase markers and continue to reuse them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I send paper notes home after each session. I like to keep the parents informed about what we are covering in the group. Often the students will have some sort of writing or drawing activity associated with the day's topic. I print the activity on one side and the parent note on the other so that parents can see what their child did that day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's the basics of my lunch bunches. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with my small groups and they seem to enjoy it as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to do you Lunch Bunch?</span></div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-52893913085550615392013-09-08T21:07:00.000-05:002013-09-08T21:07:25.764-05:00Counselor Style #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In an effort to create new outfits with what I already have and try not to repeat any exact outfits, I will try to add pictures every week or so. I am by no means a fashionista... this is purely a way for me to remember and document what I wear. </div>
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So here goes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1-OxZkv8Xo5X0BYbgjJJcbkFqN1l9plOVq-gwEY3i9ZjMjiX8PmRNWV6mTDkug5A3iYDkj7FmePcOF5U6o7UsNVeTmySJ8a4XArpntP3jcOmKrJcnIPT7lhBX6mqMIsUBvGW9WN88yZ8/s1600/IMG_0233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1-OxZkv8Xo5X0BYbgjJJcbkFqN1l9plOVq-gwEY3i9ZjMjiX8PmRNWV6mTDkug5A3iYDkj7FmePcOF5U6o7UsNVeTmySJ8a4XArpntP3jcOmKrJcnIPT7lhBX6mqMIsUBvGW9WN88yZ8/s400/IMG_0233.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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turquoise short sleeved sweater - The Limited, thrifted</div>
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cream shirt - NY&Co</div>
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olive, turquoise, and cream skirt - LOFT</div>
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nude patent pumps - Payless</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX5MJDqj_x1ENxYor2wZjrLyBydUpka7XFuIZTtqMHZQzHpqpk8YE5bQRGca1v6cCn0hTiFxUJedM02fGTowjijHDxANHKL1wG0LpnNeU0y0vBbAmfAgvAiF2NbzYY1dDe3YhOuNPBG1N/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX5MJDqj_x1ENxYor2wZjrLyBydUpka7XFuIZTtqMHZQzHpqpk8YE5bQRGca1v6cCn0hTiFxUJedM02fGTowjijHDxANHKL1wG0LpnNeU0y0vBbAmfAgvAiF2NbzYY1dDe3YhOuNPBG1N/s400/IMG_0240.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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white sweater - Old Navy</div>
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navy shirt - Ann Taylor</div>
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green and navy skirt - Ann Taylor</div>
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navy patent wedges - DSW</div>
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dog tail - Sadie the dog</div>
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aqua and gold necklace, earrings - costume jewelry shop</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBU6nZG1cpErsJ7HPSz5qoEMFp2PDT_Ppw-h8lu2v_S5F0esXUxCtkTaVGpMupiRa52_E4hjxwTG46U0gM3x6UFvDtnj5xAwjaNmwPECXTT55zzGDveKuRglYWp2liRA12KCf7_b426JD/s1600/IMG_0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBU6nZG1cpErsJ7HPSz5qoEMFp2PDT_Ppw-h8lu2v_S5F0esXUxCtkTaVGpMupiRa52_E4hjxwTG46U0gM3x6UFvDtnj5xAwjaNmwPECXTT55zzGDveKuRglYWp2liRA12KCf7_b426JD/s400/IMG_0259.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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excuse the selfsie in my office... </div>
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navy sweater - Target, hand-me-down from my mom</div>
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cream shirt - NY&Co</div>
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coral lace skirt - Kohl's</div>
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coral statement necklace - Kohl's</div>
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nude patent pumps - Payless</div>
<br />Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-28750072916606434612013-09-04T20:23:00.000-05:002013-09-08T19:42:18.734-05:00Back to School: Home EditionIt looks like Back to School at my house too! My husband just rolls his eyes, but I love decorating for everything! Decorating for back to school helps to get me pumped up for the new school year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwZ0CNhX3YZ2HMPnEMJ9Ox-Hva2gIxho8ohZsi4GX4pjSRAyde9acAcSAikAtSKGWUrZ0Rn8dy6UDA862nDdehVyXxIJ9wwCBDBU072i37sQA9plwVqG4VfNA2RnNlMf4hdo5Lbfqhb7/s1600/IMG_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwZ0CNhX3YZ2HMPnEMJ9Ox-Hva2gIxho8ohZsi4GX4pjSRAyde9acAcSAikAtSKGWUrZ0Rn8dy6UDA862nDdehVyXxIJ9wwCBDBU072i37sQA9plwVqG4VfNA2RnNlMf4hdo5Lbfqhb7/s1600/IMG_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwZ0CNhX3YZ2HMPnEMJ9Ox-Hva2gIxho8ohZsi4GX4pjSRAyde9acAcSAikAtSKGWUrZ0Rn8dy6UDA862nDdehVyXxIJ9wwCBDBU072i37sQA9plwVqG4VfNA2RnNlMf4hdo5Lbfqhb7/s1600/IMG_0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrwZ0CNhX3YZ2HMPnEMJ9Ox-Hva2gIxho8ohZsi4GX4pjSRAyde9acAcSAikAtSKGWUrZ0Rn8dy6UDA862nDdehVyXxIJ9wwCBDBU072i37sQA9plwVqG4VfNA2RnNlMf4hdo5Lbfqhb7/s320/IMG_0248.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The whole mantle. I found the flash cards at an estate sale this summer. My sister-in-law found the tiny desk at Goodwill. I think it might be for an American Girl. The school birdhouse came from Joann's several years ago. </div>
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The Dr. Seuss books are from a garage sale. I found the little globe in the Michaels dollar section. It was cream so I "blue washed" it with a little craft paint to help it stand out a little more. </div>
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I love these vintage letter blocks and ruler star.</div>
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We randomly found the G-man book at an antique shop when we were on vacation in Michigan a few years ago. The girls scout handbook is from a garage sale. I'm not afraid to admit that I was a girl scout through my senior year of high school (read: dork!), so I just had to get it!</div>
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More garage sale finds.</div>
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I made the pencil vase for a back to school event at my previous school. I made them as center pieces for a luncheon and they were a big hit. I managed to keep one for myself and it has kept up pretty well over the past few years!</div>
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Finally, a cute quote from Dr. Seuss.</div>
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Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-32235887835170218592013-09-04T09:18:00.000-05:002013-09-04T09:19:31.805-05:00Virtue-Based Restorative Discipline<div>
I am really excited about the new program that we are starting this year! It is called Virtue-Based Restorative Discipline (VBRD) and focuses on living a virtuous life and repairing any harm that is done. It takes away from the idea of bullying and focuses more on any harm that is done. Most bullying definitions focus on an imbalance of power and repeated behavior. When focusing on bullying, I have run into several problems - parents want you to focus on bullying but don't want to hear it when their child is "accused of bullying". This often leads to a blame game and chasing who "did it first". Parents and students have a hard time taking responsibility if they are seen as "the bully". </div>
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VBRD focuses on any harm done - whether it was repetitive or a one time incident. The idea is that any harm is harm, and should be taken seriously no matter what. And not just focusing on the harm, but on restoring the harm as well.<br />
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And the main focus - virtues - ties in so much better to our Catholic school identity than any other character education program. For the previous 5 years as a school counselor, I have used character education materials but have had to add more to them in order for them to fit in with our faith. Now with this program, it's already done for me!<br />
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This year, we chose to focus on four virtues from Colossians 3:12-15 - Kindness, Forbearance, Forgiveness, and Unity. We will focus on one each quarter, starting with Kindness. Our overarching theme is "Crusaders for Virtue" since our mascot is the crusader and our goal for the year is "We will be virtuous in our thoughts, words, and deeds." This goal replaces the Kindness Rules that we previously used with the Olweus program.<br />
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VBRD will be incorporated into:<br />
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<li>Weekly class meeting for all classes</li>
<li>Monthly classroom guidance lessons</li>
<li>Weekly announcements on Wednesdays reminding students about the virtue</li>
<li>Students and Classes recognized weekly for practicing virtue</li>
<li>Witness Wednesday parent prayer at afternoon carpool</li>
<li>Staff Circles reflection time every other month</li>
<li>Faculty book discussion every other month (<a href="http://www.virtuebase.org/resources/" target="_blank"><u>Introductory Primer for Implementing Virtue-Based Restorative Discipline: A Catholic Response to Bullying and Discipline</u> by Lynne Lang</a>)</li>
<li>Parent book discussion (<a href="http://www.virtuebase.org/resources/" target="_blank"><u>Three Things You Can Do to Increase Catholic School Enrollment and Mass Attendance</u> by Lynne Lang</a>)</li>
<li>Virtue information advertised on bulletin boards and through student projects hanging in the halls</li>
<li>Incorporation into school Masses through greeting and Homily</li>
<li>Student survey at the beginning and end of the school year</li>
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Although this program has meant that I have had to redo almost all of my classroom guidance lessons, I really think that it is worth it. With all of the incorporation details that I mentioned above, it feels like much more of a school-wide effort than previous programs have. I am really looking forward to how the program grows and evolves over the next year and into the future. </div>
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For more information about VBRD, please visit the website <a href="http://www.virtuebase.org/">www.virtuebase.org</a> </div>
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You can also watch this short video which sums up how VBRD works in schools in our area. </div>
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Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-23641352570021615132013-09-04T08:45:00.000-05:002013-09-04T08:45:40.903-05:00Back to School 2013 and GoalsI can't believe that my last post was from the beginning of LAST school year! I am going to try to do better - I'd even be happy with one update a week!<br />
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This year there are a lot of changes - several new faculty members, a couple teachers changed grades, almost every single classroom physically moved, the addition of two Junior Kindergarten classes, and I (with the help of a wonderful committee) am launching a new virtue-based program school-wide!<br />
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My office stayed in the same location - in the basement, still no window - but the middle school (grades 5-8) moved downstairs with me. It's very different being close to the "big kids". I have a few friends that stop by to say "hi" or wave as they walk by, but other than that, they are more concerned with carrying their heavy loads of books and changing classes. I guess that's a good thing but I always enjoyed waving to all the little ones as they passed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDQhdNR3eCdB0HAPNWGWI-NLHaza5lAYi4tPZCMlvIqA6mng_-izLrk2STdciuiPpvBLjrJvFvZFedUwklvj5BOL3Ll0VahcBp3w1TVvWRRHovBO7CqrxZXiH0-YMazFH1W7zOAxltygq/s1600/IMG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDQhdNR3eCdB0HAPNWGWI-NLHaza5lAYi4tPZCMlvIqA6mng_-izLrk2STdciuiPpvBLjrJvFvZFedUwklvj5BOL3Ll0VahcBp3w1TVvWRRHovBO7CqrxZXiH0-YMazFH1W7zOAxltygq/s320/IMG_0151.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I added a new sign to my door - My door is closed... Please leave me a note - right above the handle. I am still pumping after lunch for my almost 10 month old daughter, so I'm hoping that this will help some of the "Mrs. Polan??? Are you in there???" *knocking, handle jiggling, more knocking*<br />
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I have also included some "Let's Talk" notes next to the door (pink sheets). Most of the younger grades get the sheets from their teachers, but I figured the middle schoolers might prefer to pick up their own when walking by. And my office is right across from the bathrooms (so glamorous), perfect for middle schoolers wanting to stop by without making a scene.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIdaR51Iawe071J9Gu75l4ivJhiAvSG2hXUFjdINVn9EmzVCDj8CRBmILK6EhfN242OB1ghwry7tRLev5An7kWylLLtAul1fdCM2gslCmbZAtDIA_G78BzqIr7YJnB3RAgDoZOmLwioZh/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIdaR51Iawe071J9Gu75l4ivJhiAvSG2hXUFjdINVn9EmzVCDj8CRBmILK6EhfN242OB1ghwry7tRLev5An7kWylLLtAul1fdCM2gslCmbZAtDIA_G78BzqIr7YJnB3RAgDoZOmLwioZh/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The inside of my office is pretty much the same. I did get a "new" chair for in front of my desk. I thought that it would be nice to have an adult sized chair for parents and teachers to sit in when we meet. When I meet with multiple adults, we have to sit at the table, but if just one stops by, I like to have options. I always let the parent decide where they would like to sit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HEgZzNy1RAwslUAzA2NfAZqJv816vzqhgvU9FNKZAyzhdrbmtqecUnTxcpAMTYa-zsKsVlLkoPeepNcK6LWREx_6l-a6m9XMjk0VINvR4jUr3M7csfWGMRx4jTfeirCUnThbh2XoRsw/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HEgZzNy1RAwslUAzA2NfAZqJv816vzqhgvU9FNKZAyzhdrbmtqecUnTxcpAMTYa-zsKsVlLkoPeepNcK6LWREx_6l-a6m9XMjk0VINvR4jUr3M7csfWGMRx4jTfeirCUnThbh2XoRsw/s1600/IMG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0HEgZzNy1RAwslUAzA2NfAZqJv816vzqhgvU9FNKZAyzhdrbmtqecUnTxcpAMTYa-zsKsVlLkoPeepNcK6LWREx_6l-a6m9XMjk0VINvR4jUr3M7csfWGMRx4jTfeirCUnThbh2XoRsw/s320/IMG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My desk and individual counseling area haven't changed very much. A few new posters and my "new" parent chair, but other than that - same ol', same ol'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEgyDsPAVtoTOMsoub3arnWLq6FiLkIuZSVEDRX5CzHQeJUhO7w6iCAKj1Y_wnD0s2HVDDY73o8mH9RNUnAiGjQIHdJVsgHF3GHJ9AYAjHFJELzCsYfuaROpGv6k3L5E8YVxNJtPNeIPt/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEgyDsPAVtoTOMsoub3arnWLq6FiLkIuZSVEDRX5CzHQeJUhO7w6iCAKj1Y_wnD0s2HVDDY73o8mH9RNUnAiGjQIHdJVsgHF3GHJ9AYAjHFJELzCsYfuaROpGv6k3L5E8YVxNJtPNeIPt/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEgyDsPAVtoTOMsoub3arnWLq6FiLkIuZSVEDRX5CzHQeJUhO7w6iCAKj1Y_wnD0s2HVDDY73o8mH9RNUnAiGjQIHdJVsgHF3GHJ9AYAjHFJELzCsYfuaROpGv6k3L5E8YVxNJtPNeIPt/s320/IMG_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My bookshelves. The left side holds all of my counseling resources, binders, grad school books, and counseling publications. The right side has picture books, craft and game supplies, coloring supplies, and a rice tray. I got the small crate from a teacher that was leaving last year. It was a faded maroon color and had math curriculum stickers all over it. I spent WAY too much time trying to get the stickers off. After a lot of Goo Gone and some elbow grease, it was finally clean and I gave it a nice coat of turquoise spray paint. I used the same paint to spray a thrifted frame, added some yellow/white chevron fabric, and an adorable picture of my little girl.</div>
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I asked for a drop ceiling for my office over the summer and really thought that I was going to get one. But I got an email from the maintenance supervisor over the summer saying that they could not put one in. So my office still has exposed pipes and duct work. I'm not a fan of the "industrial look" but I have to make do with what I have! </div>
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<u>Goals for the 2013-2014 School Year</u></div>
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<li>Update my blog at least once a week!</li>
<li>Do at least one Pinterest inspired project for every 10 that I pin - especially for school and home improvement projects. </li>
<li>No school outfit repeats - this is a goal every year, but I'm hoping to do a better job of mixing pieces rather than repeating the exact same outfits.</li>
<li>Provide at least one parent educational opportunity - I've already got this one in the works!</li>
<li>Provide four rounds of small groups for grades 1-5. </li>
<li>Revamp my middle school small group curriculum. I have one group that has been successful in the past but I would love to include a new one. It's hard to get the parents AND the students on board at the middle school level. </li>
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I'm sure there will be more as the year goes on, but that's what I'm starting with!</div>
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Here's to another great year! My 3rd at my current school and my 6th as a school counselor!</div>
Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-68336439737359686512012-09-05T19:11:00.001-05:002012-09-05T19:19:15.512-05:00Vista Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a> is such a great resource for counselor. Pretty much all of the school counselor blogs that I check regularly have talked about it. The great thing about VistaPrint is that they are constantly having sales or discounts. If you sign up for their emails, not a week goes by without getting some kind of discount or coupon. I don't think I have every paid full price for any of the items I have created. In fact, I came across a great deal a few weeks ago and only had to pay shipping and handling. I spent a lot of time creating some great posters and tools to use in my counseling office. Here are a few. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHN2blJzvpZtH_SAQrTC771WXGoLzKPw32_NAs0dFwPeeE4nkC_B7Cp37EtXI41m36Rg_8hN2KDtx3Fz0pHAqmQgBz4taOXGO2wOULXKbv91V_HhsxFwzCFwuOlxHLUCmlY9OJuOau8mt/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHN2blJzvpZtH_SAQrTC771WXGoLzKPw32_NAs0dFwPeeE4nkC_B7Cp37EtXI41m36Rg_8hN2KDtx3Fz0pHAqmQgBz4taOXGO2wOULXKbv91V_HhsxFwzCFwuOlxHLUCmlY9OJuOau8mt/s200/lp.aspx.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confidentiality Banner. I ordered a small (3' x 1.6') indoor vinyl banner to explain confidentiality and its limitations. I got the idea from Danielle at <a href="http://www.schcounselor.com/">School Counselor Blog</a>. She sells posters that she created on her blog if you don't want to make your own. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5Q3cjO3xwePRMAqahJJ6yitfO1ZcKL3zcxtph8Ep7dEXxQ2rnXANqF2QOh4JKqfig5xsX76jIWfm4-Pq-gAAhhMtekH8Qqz-AeI9c99pD3WNNX9IewfMGULNj35zl_LmS6GuiaSTtkxD/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5Q3cjO3xwePRMAqahJJ6yitfO1ZcKL3zcxtph8Ep7dEXxQ2rnXANqF2QOh4JKqfig5xsX76jIWfm4-Pq-gAAhhMtekH8Qqz-AeI9c99pD3WNNX9IewfMGULNj35zl_LmS6GuiaSTtkxD/s200/lp.aspx.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Small group Expectations. Again, I ordered a small indoor vinyl banner, this one going through the expectations I created for my small groups. When I begin meeting with a new group, we go through the expectations and talk about what each one means. We review it regularly to help keep everyone on track. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvaEoFemfwz2thUKvxAiNl_xLd9sfusqezg0P5NkS-Wb3GYWHnYc_AodVNv2skhC7Rnj3OX9P3xyvNH9wYc9HQNrIY9AkCj_Etf15KvuaMyhGOTKxfSUSiJtcOjcyhIKbAbX9rnefFLxs/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvaEoFemfwz2thUKvxAiNl_xLd9sfusqezg0P5NkS-Wb3GYWHnYc_AodVNv2skhC7Rnj3OX9P3xyvNH9wYc9HQNrIY9AkCj_Etf15KvuaMyhGOTKxfSUSiJtcOjcyhIKbAbX9rnefFLxs/s200/lp.aspx.jpeg" width="131" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Counselors are... I created this small poster to express the different aspects of a counselor. If I could do it over again, I would change the second "O". Right now it states "offers suggestions", which if you read it as a whole sentence ("Counselors are... offers suggestions") it doesn't really make sense. I got the idea from a tote bag I've had for a few years. If I come across another good sale, I might reprint it, but for right now it will work just fine. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ_vc9nh9A7NRIOgusaZI88SB-rHuQ5ZCJ9Zc6pJqS0wAOq66a1eoDRDGAFE_NThjut19VxgHC7AKqoBhBdUYUKrHdwh-smSNR0XaXlwYgTm-JRBrEUINVbrZMAoXUAFTYlwNMXEBrve3/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQ_vc9nh9A7NRIOgusaZI88SB-rHuQ5ZCJ9Zc6pJqS0wAOq66a1eoDRDGAFE_NThjut19VxgHC7AKqoBhBdUYUKrHdwh-smSNR0XaXlwYgTm-JRBrEUINVbrZMAoXUAFTYlwNMXEBrve3/s200/lp.aspx.jpeg" width="131" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Classroom Guidance Expectations. I wanted to have a poster to bring along with me when I visit the classroom as a reminder of what I expect from the students and hopefully what they will expect from each other. Visiting each classroom once a month is one of my favorite things, but it can often be a classroom management issue. I wanted to have a visual reminder for the students about how we should be conducting ourselves during classroom guidance lessons. I plan to take this with me to each classroom lesson. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4IUB-lM0935-a8loQPCw52ZfzUakuNghqeIQFTDb989sqNrIYQl5WJylbEE-cvuoDim83-KentNz0kZzoGePxUbLpDFdS86fhbpbxc-hIuLiGKWEopkO2MaxSuVIXpoi0JJgsfzFTL9Z/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4IUB-lM0935-a8loQPCw52ZfzUakuNghqeIQFTDb989sqNrIYQl5WJylbEE-cvuoDim83-KentNz0kZzoGePxUbLpDFdS86fhbpbxc-hIuLiGKWEopkO2MaxSuVIXpoi0JJgsfzFTL9Z/s200/lp.aspx.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My school counselor says... stickers. I ordered these cute stickers, which are actually return address labels, to give out to students with little recognitions of their good deeds, hard work, and friendly behaviors. I've seen a lot of idea of using buttons that say things like "Ask me about the good choice I made today!" I couldn't find any inexpensive buttons, so I'm hoping to use these stickers to say "My school counselor says... I made a good choice/ I helped another student/ I showed the virtue of responsibility/ etc". </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfiqgUK29vYNnEkln4m4q6j52HCFaDPUcfhV2OavjTLmae5946cJEUfPXi6wJbPUDruWM3h2pY63oxSmxIwC6uMyL_WNKP_w2i9uCtBrhi81WMKgTHVGC9u33ZA1ZJtB1lzVmcVRip90l/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfiqgUK29vYNnEkln4m4q6j52HCFaDPUcfhV2OavjTLmae5946cJEUfPXi6wJbPUDruWM3h2pY63oxSmxIwC6uMyL_WNKP_w2i9uCtBrhi81WMKgTHVGC9u33ZA1ZJtB1lzVmcVRip90l/s1600/lp.aspx.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the Parents stamp. I find myself writing over and over again "To the Parents of John Smith" on envelopes or permission slips. I got tired of writing the same thing, so I ordered a return address stamp to do the job for me. I have been using it a lot the past few days as I am sending out small group permission slips. </span>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-35677892144674058582012-09-05T18:28:00.000-05:002012-09-05T18:28:49.600-05:00Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! We have been in school for about 3 weeks now, so I figured that it was time to update my blog. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, I'm hoping that this school year goes smoothly and that I am able to assist my students in any way that I can. This year will be a little different, though. I am expecting my first child in November, so I will be out on maternity leave for a few months. I have been working very hard to get everything organized for my absence. I have also been combing through my calendar, trying to optimize the time that I will be in school, fitting in as many lessons, groups, and individual meetings as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My office is virtually the same as last year, with a few additions. Thanks to my nesting sprees, I have been organizing my filing cabinets and shelves. I have also created several great office items on <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a> (more on that later).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JZliXxrVGX9jrfZDNuWE4lWMv6ZxLIcwV0Jhs_x_rHx6TgrU5-CJQHiydIfFPf_1cfG7jM507ugMOv1RDu7Tr1znAdFXGnAwJrVLs9k47AlcTckoFKEZi-zYOdmynyXPaJ93T0U50uJX/s1600/IMG_1073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JZliXxrVGX9jrfZDNuWE4lWMv6ZxLIcwV0Jhs_x_rHx6TgrU5-CJQHiydIfFPf_1cfG7jM507ugMOv1RDu7Tr1znAdFXGnAwJrVLs9k47AlcTckoFKEZi-zYOdmynyXPaJ93T0U50uJX/s200/IMG_1073.jpg" width="149" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my door. I still have my "Mrs. Polan" sign that I made last year and my "counselor" window cover. I found some great posters on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> and made a counselor poster on <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a>. I'm hoping that my door is inviting and makes the students want to come in. The door is usually open unless I am meeting with students. The younger students love to wave to me if I am at my desk when they walk by and I often get a few drop-ins who just want a check in. My office is in the basement, along with 3rd, 4th, 5th, a computer lab, and the Spanish classroom. All classes have Spanish at least once a week, so I do get the opportunity to see the students as they walk by. I would love a more centrally located office, along with a window, and a drop ceiling, but the office works just fine for me and the students. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wmcv5eLanyd6weHl6GYNcOBq2wfPed1lsxhxyCiNaVKQQJ0ydBzpMw9JFvhwvSvfck-Xv_b6oX6tRQjYiNXWBUquQM8auYLYEtBtuKj7K-2XpEE-_FD5twWN0vlKgLIYLhFZ93KXgtVz/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wmcv5eLanyd6weHl6GYNcOBq2wfPed1lsxhxyCiNaVKQQJ0ydBzpMw9JFvhwvSvfck-Xv_b6oX6tRQjYiNXWBUquQM8auYLYEtBtuKj7K-2XpEE-_FD5twWN0vlKgLIYLhFZ93KXgtVz/s200/IMG_1083.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here is a view of my desk and one filing cabinet. This is probably the cleanest my desk will ever be. I spent some time right before school started to organize my small filing cabinet attached to my desk as well as both of my larger cabinets. I also found a cute little magnetic chalkboard at a garage sale this summer. It needed a fresh coat of spray paint and a fun ribbon. It holds the school monthly calendar and any notes and reminders. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXhyiYMNCBWQ1ycPp7RiAi3blkWiSr8-jZazg3TgOIuPaqg4-O6QMh_vgVVdi-gZpLkv4xg2rAXiapJmk4Pd4UtvkjAWzSgFzTsqacfKF37NpQL0c9M7IKFdWa7VSEvW2wtVsk2DKA9nC/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXhyiYMNCBWQ1ycPp7RiAi3blkWiSr8-jZazg3TgOIuPaqg4-O6QMh_vgVVdi-gZpLkv4xg2rAXiapJmk4Pd4UtvkjAWzSgFzTsqacfKF37NpQL0c9M7IKFdWa7VSEvW2wtVsk2DKA9nC/s200/IMG_1074.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In front of my desk is my group counseling table. I can fit myself and 6 students at the table, although my middle school students make it a pretty tight squeeze. If I am meeting with a middle school group, I usually borrow a classroom so that we have a little more elbow room. You can also see two banners that I created on <a href="http://www.vistaprint.com/">VistaPrint</a>. I am just about to start my lunch groups in all grades. I am hoping to get one round in before I go on leave and hopefully two rounds when I get back. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Kk-Vi9opXzSvJenbrP1jih-bBDqZTSx6ReLV2nOmzvkOzXOoLcaQCECdnqM3w50yaWTdSS4X2ifWjtYu5Z76XGLnlbdLKMzpSDjQFFZdUmX7d2e8hYPVYF7j5bseKJEVI0j0G-N0J5x/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Kk-Vi9opXzSvJenbrP1jih-bBDqZTSx6ReLV2nOmzvkOzXOoLcaQCECdnqM3w50yaWTdSS4X2ifWjtYu5Z76XGLnlbdLKMzpSDjQFFZdUmX7d2e8hYPVYF7j5bseKJEVI0j0G-N0J5x/s200/IMG_1075.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a view of my desk and individual counseling area. Same rug and chair as last year. You can also see my shelves in the background. I would love some hidden storage, but the open shelving helps me to keep everything organized. I keep all of my counseling supplies in bins, baskets, and binders. I am also working on cataloguing all of my counseling books. I'll have another post on that once I get that project underway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's my 2012-2013 office. I'll go into more detail about my VistaPrint orders, book cataloging, and some counseling documents that I created over the summer to help me stay organized. </span>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-60279677486169357262012-02-10T17:51:00.003-06:002012-02-10T18:04:58.044-06:00National School Counseling Week - Day 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNHLjDsLSu5Y6FQkKIcyyn6gxYaCnpcn1g4H85NzJa-HMRsGDDtXn1EPgZmVbkLaL6dbI25-STXQ8ykit8CjkjKBhVM6_r6jhUrC_O3gZMKXr5IP20sHSuAfRr5D87z2x89lj7toKZ5uE/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNHLjDsLSu5Y6FQkKIcyyn6gxYaCnpcn1g4H85NzJa-HMRsGDDtXn1EPgZmVbkLaL6dbI25-STXQ8ykit8CjkjKBhVM6_r6jhUrC_O3gZMKXr5IP20sHSuAfRr5D87z2x89lj7toKZ5uE/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707659136197284658" /></a>Today was the final day of National School Counseling Week! To finish off the week, I brought in chocolate chip cookies, individual fudge brownies, and Hershey's hugs. I included a sign that said "STRESSED? DESSERTS! Stressed is just Desserts spelled backwards". I also included the stress-buster tips that I set out on Wednesday as well as my original sign and more copies of my brochure. I think the teachers and staff really enjoyed all of the little treats all week and I enjoyed bringing everything in. <div><br /></div><div>One of the 1st grade classes made me an acrostic poem and presented it to me today. They came up with some really wonderful words and it was so touching as they read it to me. It really makes me love my job when the students remember what we have been discussing - they used Problem-Solving for the P in my name. </div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-48438165035930887442012-02-10T17:29:00.004-06:002012-02-10T17:51:42.100-06:00National School Counseling Week - Day 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEPSBf7j_9Zw4HlE8-xt_98RgCTGR1ePCQ0TDmvoGBMeLYaSjyzAH9eHH16h_cmz-i_IO5g5gVw5G5dABxA4tgrODs-Xqk9zK4nCYV7qOQC0A42Tis8wLkK7WT0vSfsXoBS5k7LlNLcOh/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEPSBf7j_9Zw4HlE8-xt_98RgCTGR1ePCQ0TDmvoGBMeLYaSjyzAH9eHH16h_cmz-i_IO5g5gVw5G5dABxA4tgrODs-Xqk9zK4nCYV7qOQC0A42Tis8wLkK7WT0vSfsXoBS5k7LlNLcOh/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707654609597405282" /></a>Day 4 of National School Counseling Week brought some more small treats for the faculty and staff. I bought packs of Now and Later candies and included an address label sticker on the back that says "If you need to talk NOW or LATER, school counselors are here to for you too!" I wanted to let the faculty and staff know that I am available for them as well as the students. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OXj2pCiTCsUu3040i_cf_CGsLuNV3wmgP59npEBco4XXipOuIZwpIuA38aFUn7hJQrOcUlIb6yYIowOQIrNj7QUyz8vgk-hyMiD2zcfvl8YGHg7I9I_gOT5JVqYEhCFa7UKYxDFFlvY9/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OXj2pCiTCsUu3040i_cf_CGsLuNV3wmgP59npEBco4XXipOuIZwpIuA38aFUn7hJQrOcUlIb6yYIowOQIrNj7QUyz8vgk-hyMiD2zcfvl8YGHg7I9I_gOT5JVqYEhCFa7UKYxDFFlvY9/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707654527870995826" /></a></div><div>When I got into work on Thursday, my principal's son had a very nice surprise for me - blue hydrangeas! They are beautiful and look great on my desk in my pencil vase. It made me feel great and let men know how much I am valued at my school! I also got a call from my old principal wishing me a happy school counseling week. It is nice to know that they are still thinking of me at my old school. Tomorrow is the last day of National School Counseling Week and I have one more idea up my sleeve...</div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-14141226729965955552012-02-08T17:50:00.003-06:002012-02-08T18:02:46.742-06:00National School Counseling Week - Day 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojVe3xaU9uwwPOBKMab9LxZobBcORBw80zV8Q0ji2L-MNsJbA6wK3bUPRCmddg6QtLTPfs-2MEA3W0aCWQqPwojRPAscmmvqcdAhrwqQkSH5tbFVrrGwgvnuzJo0VGSjPyBozVbl_qiEM/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojVe3xaU9uwwPOBKMab9LxZobBcORBw80zV8Q0ji2L-MNsJbA6wK3bUPRCmddg6QtLTPfs-2MEA3W0aCWQqPwojRPAscmmvqcdAhrwqQkSH5tbFVrrGwgvnuzJo0VGSjPyBozVbl_qiEM/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706916727105358706" /></a>For day 3 of National School Counseling Week, I sported my new school counseling t-shirt! I ordered this for about $4 on Vista Print. It says "I Heart School Counseling". I really wanted one of those "super power" shirts that I have been seeing - the ones that say something like "I'm a counselor. What's your super power?" I couldn't find any, and this shirt was only $4 so I went for it! I got a lot of nice compliments from the teachers and I hope that it promoted my program even more.<div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJU602mlRV5A3OcEs6GP_nBd7Bdtuog_z55GKzFaagwCtVX6dv-RfUT__aKbUXI9aqNdT5jkWlbhR8Of_W0Lh9AE38zqx_d1nm3JzwA_HUkfeX0IVpTY7EE9XYqNlnNaYf5Y0JHVU0YE7/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJU602mlRV5A3OcEs6GP_nBd7Bdtuog_z55GKzFaagwCtVX6dv-RfUT__aKbUXI9aqNdT5jkWlbhR8Of_W0Lh9AE38zqx_d1nm3JzwA_HUkfeX0IVpTY7EE9XYqNlnNaYf5Y0JHVU0YE7/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706916613556205858" /></a><div>Since I brought in edible treats the past two days, I decided to go with something a little different today. I found an adorable poem about bubble wrap stress relief online. I printed the poem on card stock and added some green scrapbook paper the coordinated with my bucket. I bought some bubble wrap at Dollar Tree and cut it into small squares to fill the bucket. I also made copies of some stress relief tips for teachers. I included my original "thank you" sign from Monday as well as some extra brochures. The bubble wrap was a big hit - many teachers took a few squares to pop throughout the day. </div><div><br /></div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-33608938890533265952012-02-07T21:03:00.001-06:002012-02-08T17:49:46.173-06:00National School Counseling Week - Day 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0UDCjdpOcOCns4HBKeLRiHTplc_n1X8gYQ1Lky6ugpqpkExa4BmUCtFmnlOIAy5mPxWCjvfs7tBolCwqP7Ot8C5elYiyRBZnfgMKVeDX5i63Z39N-n1Io95q08ftUDnXLtZha3wgAT9a/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0UDCjdpOcOCns4HBKeLRiHTplc_n1X8gYQ1Lky6ugpqpkExa4BmUCtFmnlOIAy5mPxWCjvfs7tBolCwqP7Ot8C5elYiyRBZnfgMKVeDX5i63Z39N-n1Io95q08ftUDnXLtZha3wgAT9a/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595237221977122" /></a>Day 2 of National School Counseling Week was a little more low-key. I bought mini 100 Grand bars and printed off address labels that say "Your support of the School Counseling Program is worth 100 Grand!". I put them in all of the teacher and staff members mailboxes. It's just a little way of saying thank you and giving my co-workers a little pick-me-up. Who doesn't like chocolate??Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-64159515057452061322012-02-07T21:02:00.007-06:002012-02-08T17:42:34.450-06:00National School Counseling Week - Day 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLMQXc0fT8mqJDFILF4v-aTrUO8n1aq9PIHGJtVf-OnmI2J1shKSiTbOFimHzmbeH4dY4bV47E3trRq_w-aYkgHYAwWMeOGtly0Ukbr9iKNQ-JitYQDXopICOaRI6DnI_wim7p74vhs5b/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLMQXc0fT8mqJDFILF4v-aTrUO8n1aq9PIHGJtVf-OnmI2J1shKSiTbOFimHzmbeH4dY4bV47E3trRq_w-aYkgHYAwWMeOGtly0Ukbr9iKNQ-JitYQDXopICOaRI6DnI_wim7p74vhs5b/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706595086278989106" /></a>Happy National School Counseling Week! This is a great week to promote school counseling programs to administrators, teachers, students, and parents. To kick off the week, I baked muffins for the faculty and staff. I put the muffins, a note thanking the teachers for their support, and copies of my counseling program brochure in the teachers lounge. The muffins were a big hit and I was surprised at how many of my brochures were taken throughout the day! I had to replenish the supply a few times! <div><br /></div><div>During my lessons throughout this week, I will be quizzing the students on the different parts of my job. I have pencils and stickers to hand out if they answer a question. I ordered return address stickers from Vista Print that say "My School Counselor thinks I am a SHINING STAR! School Counseling Week 2012: Helping Students Be Brilliant". I picked up several packs of pencils at Dollar Tree. I have a few simple questions to ask the students such as "What are the three main ways I work with students? (classroom lessons, small group/lunch bunch, and individually), "What are the virtues we have learned about so far this year? (responsibility, respect, stewardship, kindness, honesty, and citizenship), and "What are the two weeks we celebrated with a school-wide poster in the main hallway? (Red Ribbon Week and No Name-Calling Week)."</div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-75735181406554526202012-02-07T21:01:00.004-06:002012-02-08T10:03:21.518-06:00Catholic Schools Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEqTkrRCtPtqJgTYYS_CfQBpF9HhUnvFAUnqqY2C6Wk7MmJ1UeZdNZhBlJ_33ifR64roLg3s_g3QAGSwKmk0whmKHXhsblBFfTrtBDmpFRWxpK4pj9azXtLSzY9pJIvLeRexn5jvYsenV/s1600/0.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706594745291288594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEqTkrRCtPtqJgTYYS_CfQBpF9HhUnvFAUnqqY2C6Wk7MmJ1UeZdNZhBlJ_33ifR64roLg3s_g3QAGSwKmk0whmKHXhsblBFfTrtBDmpFRWxpK4pj9azXtLSzY9pJIvLeRexn5jvYsenV/s200/0.jpeg" /></a> January 29 - February 3 was Catholic Schools Week. The theme this year was Catholic Schools - Faith, Academics, Service. I decorated my door using my silhouette paper cutter to cut out the letters. For each trait, I printed off examples of how school counselors support and promote trait. Faith - virtue education, personal development, self-awareness. Academics - study skills, goal setting, organizational skills, personal success. Service - stewardship, citizenship, career education, community involvement. I am really pleased with how my door turned out.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2nqdB8fsRAiXHV_bOaFHG9DcPCPKxKDUTl7dxdL0_22K6G6z99G0w2NIbajsPSArYnSXn2RnGaYJ_AqIxMa3sws0chl3SNWFhuzl0Er2RGtFAy3lr18EkvCcTKGfgxyl_KCbCTUOskW_/s1600/0.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706594657899074258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2nqdB8fsRAiXHV_bOaFHG9DcPCPKxKDUTl7dxdL0_22K6G6z99G0w2NIbajsPSArYnSXn2RnGaYJ_AqIxMa3sws0chl3SNWFhuzl0Er2RGtFAy3lr18EkvCcTKGfgxyl_KCbCTUOskW_/s200/0.jpeg" /></a>On that Friday, we had an all school assembly with games and activities. The teachers play the 8th graders in a volleyball game and special guest showed up to help - Fredbird, the mascot for the St. Louis Cardinals! It was great to see all of the kids get excited when he walked into the gym. He played volleyball, danced with the Kindergarten students, and threw out t-shirts and prizes to the kids in the stands. It was a lot of fun and I got to have my picture taken with him! What a fun way to end the week!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-23907463549623438862012-02-07T20:38:00.006-06:002012-02-08T09:57:01.870-06:00No Name-Calling WeekThis year for No Name-Calling Week, I was introduced to some new material that fit in very well with our Catholic school identity. I gave the teachers a packet of information and several classroom activities that they could choose from to introduce the topic of no name-calling to their students. The lessons involved discussing the many names that we have for Jesus and what they mean to us. The students then discussed the names that they are sometimes called that hurt their feelings. The teachers then led discussions about the names or qualities that the students felt God had given them. They then decorated a candle with these names (or their actual names) and I created a large wall display.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzaPx9ZADQLBESzCFRmxQKNwu8iEF6L4AMfqNdM7fSKhLoa3lboG2Spswy9BPHIji_ffRoNvygtadq1fFaxsWDEDAlf-eoaDI8I0eLgxEruLuxohYyxPLem05y7g_SFQuvrPG4RQXKZw0/s1600/0.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706593488373025666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzaPx9ZADQLBESzCFRmxQKNwu8iEF6L4AMfqNdM7fSKhLoa3lboG2Spswy9BPHIji_ffRoNvygtadq1fFaxsWDEDAlf-eoaDI8I0eLgxEruLuxohYyxPLem05y7g_SFQuvrPG4RQXKZw0/s200/0.jpeg" /></a><br />One of the Kindergarten teachers did such a great job with this lesson! She first asked her students to think of all of the names they could for Jesus and created a chart. She then talked to them about the importance of names and how calling someone a mean name can hurt their feelings. She talked with her students about the positive names they would want to be called and wrote down each students "inner name" next to their actual name. Some of the examples were "helpful", "loving", "caring", "special", and "joyful". The students then used this to create their candles. It was such a great lesson and the Kindergarten students really got it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3VnNYFfLcGEkPXBg4D689jv8I8NW22ssTF-ptFDizZ3RnMyJIKDMTTor8WzO8l21MNeZoVFqOjHb0DAAnGbucQb3JWWENGuWf3ur18yqdZKix-DA5F3joIOaJiz4IuqhYvd7hy7n-GL5/s1600/0.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706592774975172706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3VnNYFfLcGEkPXBg4D689jv8I8NW22ssTF-ptFDizZ3RnMyJIKDMTTor8WzO8l21MNeZoVFqOjHb0DAAnGbucQb3JWWENGuWf3ur18yqdZKix-DA5F3joIOaJiz4IuqhYvd7hy7n-GL5/s200/0.jpeg" /></a> Here is a picture of our final product. Some of the students wrote their actual names on their candles, which is fine - I would rather have them be called by their actual names than a mean name anyway. This large candle is hung in our main hallway and all of the students pass by it on their way to lunch. It is great to see them stop and look at all of the candles, pointing out their own to their friends, teachers, and family. I am really happy with the way it turned out!Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-34262510903114892062012-02-07T20:31:00.004-06:002012-02-08T09:45:48.133-06:00Honesty<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBIkc6KF4YRNUhrGvC0WwNkouc2vOg3uyncqZ0uAOvV6yIjZgifqOcBzzf8VTcSJdIs5hnV51CnzQu2o-N_k8GCJG5gMu1aNrgAkzy7s7TFtzhFbRI-7aU4Jms-GvwnmfkO6OaKeIYH2z/s1600/0.jpeg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706586996683547682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBIkc6KF4YRNUhrGvC0WwNkouc2vOg3uyncqZ0uAOvV6yIjZgifqOcBzzf8VTcSJdIs5hnV51CnzQu2o-N_k8GCJG5gMu1aNrgAkzy7s7TFtzhFbRI-7aU4Jms-GvwnmfkO6OaKeIYH2z/s200/0.jpeg" /></a>Our virtue for January was Honesty. In 2nd grade, we talked about how hard it is to cover up a lie. I saw this cute idea <a href="http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/2011/09/water-you-covering-up.html">here </a>- "Water" You Covering Up? Fill a large bowl with water and place a quarter at the bottom. Each student is given a penny and tries to cover up the quarter by dropping their penny in the water. My students loved this "experiment". The quarter represents the initial lie and the pennies represent all of the lies told to try to cover up the original lie. We sat in a circle on the floor around the bowl and each student got a turn to try and cover up the quarter. A few students actually did cover up the quarter partially, so I had to remind them that we could still see part of the quarter, so the lie was still there. After everyone had a chance, I asked the students how many more pennies they would have to use to try to cover up the lie completely. We then talked about the only way to get ourselves out of this problem was by telling the truth. If we tell the truth from the start, we don't have to worry about covering anything up. Each student was given a (dry) penny at the end of the lesson as a reminder to be honest.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-19909424340699054592012-02-07T20:05:00.005-06:002012-02-08T17:19:22.970-06:00The Wrinkled Heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdQxOOFQ8JrgzPqByvf4uQ4b2Rj937eazZiqPsvxW_ZT841ZEh_OrjVTduJsVHuX-LA6oqFOnOo4g7urSDb3eaSfh2rDEQQKZMCySNzG4zxBvzebwSxHNvzwKAEnuQXpaae0sJi97CCr0/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdQxOOFQ8JrgzPqByvf4uQ4b2Rj937eazZiqPsvxW_ZT841ZEh_OrjVTduJsVHuX-LA6oqFOnOo4g7urSDb3eaSfh2rDEQQKZMCySNzG4zxBvzebwSxHNvzwKAEnuQXpaae0sJi97CCr0/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706908385768800930" /></a>For the 1st grade lesson on Kindness, we learned about wrinkled hearts. I saw this poem somewhere online (I can't remember where) and thought it was just so cute. I changed the words around a bit to fit with our kindness theme, so our poem read: Before you speak, be kind from the start, because it's hard to mend a wrinkled heart. I brought in two paper hearts, one blank one and one with the poem written on it. We discussed the different ways that people can be unkind and with each example, I added a fold, or wrinkle, to the blank paper heart. When we were finished discussing examples of unkindness, the heart did not resemble a heart anymore and was very creased. In order to unfold it, the students had to come up with ways to resolve the unkindness. With each idea, I unfolded the heart until it was back to its original shape. The heart, however, still showed signs of being wrinkled. We talked about how even apologies cannot take away the wrinkles of unkindness. After our discussion, each student was given a small paper heart with the poem printed on it as a reminder to be kind.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-28203322465197689462012-02-07T19:54:00.003-06:002012-02-07T20:05:18.352-06:00Kindness: Post-It Poem<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUup8DEPnPY-G5ZBcMH5lDFdheZH8x86Jt8fsXJG74NUZl_zGzb1Td5azfwdS2DijdQBt7Nw5REsBlAYCUNTWFSuRFuQs6mHCAMNFnXKHxkCaMxN1sshWnAEMLMaejhG281pAsFhr2_ns/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUup8DEPnPY-G5ZBcMH5lDFdheZH8x86Jt8fsXJG74NUZl_zGzb1Td5azfwdS2DijdQBt7Nw5REsBlAYCUNTWFSuRFuQs6mHCAMNFnXKHxkCaMxN1sshWnAEMLMaejhG281pAsFhr2_ns/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706577849590672786" /></a>For our December virtue of Kindness, the 6th graders created a post-it poem. I saw the idea <a href="http://rundesroom.blogspot.com/2011/11/life-is-verb.html">here</a> and knew that I could use it in classroom guidance. We first discussed the definition of kindness and examples of kind acts. Then we came up with all of the words that we could think of that we associate with kindness. They could be synonyms or phrases that they felt related to kindness. I was planning on coming up with at least one word per student and then assigning a word to each student, but we were running short on time. Each student was given a post-it note and asked to pick one of the words that we came up with. They were able to decorate their post-it and write the word in any way that they wanted. They then stuck their post-its on a large piece of poster paper. I then took the poster and glued the post-it's so that they would stay.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313330031678030814.post-5618807329623308192012-02-07T19:16:00.006-06:002012-02-07T19:55:43.907-06:00Stewardship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUdQZR2Rh0z7omPMejMt50Hcj0ivJHJHbgXgCTLu0g9GiZxQ1c89ie1ghAfYXfKgLqVNdXu1COQ7WCK0MMWGzEQXQSKrj9reH6t9sEnpQyhNk9EuzQMpsU8x27Nxl7O9TNoWL8xVa4Qi8/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUdQZR2Rh0z7omPMejMt50Hcj0ivJHJHbgXgCTLu0g9GiZxQ1c89ie1ghAfYXfKgLqVNdXu1COQ7WCK0MMWGzEQXQSKrj9reH6t9sEnpQyhNk9EuzQMpsU8x27Nxl7O9TNoWL8xVa4Qi8/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706568200506692354" /></a>We learned about Stewardship in November. The focus for grades K, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, the focus was on Time, Talent, and Treasure. Stewardship is a tough subject to teach since it isn't a word that we use often in our vocabulary like Respect, Responsibility and Honesty. But, once time is spent defining the word and giving examples, I have found that the students are very capable of understanding how they can share and give themselves in service to others. The focus for grades 3, 5, and 8 was on career education and exploration. <div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc51gOKhc3EigO0dZ1wtQrhrwLmBS3dlTSQEAyqCP94WcKU1cU5hQsuIjFq4kd3h2XVH8MzpAbDz6dEFrJH_ZcT1zXm3PlSm2-n-gb8HHjpsFbfPcOU41rQvzUuQBVYdPyKSciHAIPKDjM/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706570785264701986" /><div>In Kindergarten, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Nothing-Special-Patrick-McDonnell/dp/0316054410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328664589&sr=8-1">The Gift of Nothing</a> by Patrick McDonnell. In the story, Mooch, the cat, tries to think of a gift to give his friend Earl, the dog. Earl has everything and Mooch isn't sure what to get his friend. In the end, Mooch decides to give Earl "nothing" but his friendship. After reading the book we talked about what "nothings" we had to give others: love, kindness, a smile, asking someone to play, helping a friend in need, etc. After our discussion, the students drew a picture of a "nothing" they plan to give. <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRwjzaR0qRqT_Q7-PzINXMjjKGib89VR3coaGNrlGdUxfcc4Cu9JT70fa4b5Lae4mRX_bE6MAWjV5m-yoeTb5RuZvIHfY6SQRcg2vopxhts3SJLVFf_Iak3RG09hGImBc25nyDrUNP21S/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRwjzaR0qRqT_Q7-PzINXMjjKGib89VR3coaGNrlGdUxfcc4Cu9JT70fa4b5Lae4mRX_bE6MAWjV5m-yoeTb5RuZvIHfY6SQRcg2vopxhts3SJLVFf_Iak3RG09hGImBc25nyDrUNP21S/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706568095303453394" /></a>In 4th grade, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Giving-Tree-40th-Anniversary-Book/dp/0060586753/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328665013&sr=1-1">The Giving Tree</a> by Shel Silverstein. This is one of my all-time favorites. I love Shel Silverstein poems, and aside from "Sick" and "Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too", this is the best! We read the poem and talked about all of the gifts that the tree gave to the boy. In the end, the tree felt that she had nothing left to give, but she was still able to give the boy a place to rest. After reading the poem, we talked about all of the ways that we can give to others, even if we don't think that we have anything left to give. Each student wrote their ideas on a leaf and we decorated our own giving tree. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5hYq87wQOa3xHlJ1jVkFs5JwqWUW3FABWr6Wf5wM3EOMPhAxNvTjURTjbQQerTcJbvh3oSQ_nIMoEh9sX3D5lw9oROye8kH8jtofZQLDhqrdyt1J2ZuQ_fRJF3yznDx8zdtgJnefdMFt/s1600/0.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5hYq87wQOa3xHlJ1jVkFs5JwqWUW3FABWr6Wf5wM3EOMPhAxNvTjURTjbQQerTcJbvh3oSQ_nIMoEh9sX3D5lw9oROye8kH8jtofZQLDhqrdyt1J2ZuQ_fRJF3yznDx8zdtgJnefdMFt/s200/0.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706567944262747474" /></a>In 6th grade, we discussed the definition of Stewardship and examples of how we can share our time, talent, and treasure. We then listened to the song My Own Two Hands by Jack Johnson. The song talks about being able to change the world and make it a better place with our own two hands. We talked about our personal abilities to help other and each student came up with five ideas of how they can show stewardship. The traced their hand, cut it out, and wrote their ideas on each of their fingers. </div></div>Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02464735295869808710noreply@blogger.com1