National School Counseling Week is coming up! Mark your calendars for February 5-9, just in case you haven't already. You may know that I have a love/hate relationship with #NSCW because it seems like we spend all of our time celebrating everyone else instead of the school honoring the amazing work that the counselors do. Life of the counselor, huh? At least we have teacher appreciation week (can I get a shout out for donuts and coffee)!
One of my wonderful colleagues, Ellen McClay, shared her awesome National School Counseling Week plans. She has graciously agreed that I can share all the deets here with you. The character trait for the month at her school is Kindness so she incorporated this trait in all of her activities. Fits nicely don't you think?
One of my wonderful colleagues, Ellen McClay, shared her awesome National School Counseling Week plans. She has graciously agreed that I can share all the deets here with you. The character trait for the month at her school is Kindness so she incorporated this trait in all of her activities. Fits nicely don't you think?
Monday - Orange You Glad?
Orange you glad you go to our school? Celebrate by wearing orange. Tip for Teachers: Consider getting a buddy class to partner with for Spring Semester to participate in buddy reading, writing, or other joint activities.
Tuesday - Hats Off to You
Wear your favorite hat to school. Tip for Teachers: Give each student an opportunity to saw "My Hat's off to ________ because ...." Encourage giving compliments and encourage to one another.
Wednesday - We Love Learning
Wear your favorite school or college shirt. We live in a community with many local colleges so most students will have a team shirt. If not, they can wear their college colors. Tip for Teachers: Share with your students you favorite college experience. Pain the picture of why college is an experience to strive for.
Thursday - We Are All Different
In honor of the Native American proverb "To know the heart and mind of a person, you must walk a mile in his/her moccasins," wear different or crazy socks. Tip for Teachers: Guide your class in discussion of the differences you see. Discuss the concepts of diversity and empathy.
Friday - Warm & Fuzzy Notes
Wear your most comfortable fleece or sweatshirt. Tip for Teachers: Send warm and fuzzy notes to coworkers and help students to make cards to give friends, parents, and teachers to tell them how much they are appreciated. Encourage parents to leave a note for their child on their pillow at home.
Souper Staff
Join the staff in celrbating the unique, diverse offerings that each staff member offers. The counselor will bring in crock pots for staff to bring their favorite soup incrediates to simmer all morning. Encourage staff to enjoy a warm bowl of soup as a symbol of coming together to make something good. Tips for Teachers: Teach your students about the story of Stone Soup and share what the teachers are doing. Students love to hear about the lives of their teachers!
What do you think? I love these ideas because they celebrate the meaning of our work which is what we really care most about anyway. You can see my 5 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate your School Counselor, School Counseling Memes, and how I show the reach of my work with stickers.
