My Many Colored Days

Reality has sunk in, and Christmas break is over...BOO!  Just like most of you, I have spent this week getting back into my school routine.  Over the break I spent time thinking about what I wanted to share next.  I realized that I have not mentioned or suggested any books, and I use bibliotherapy often.  One book I use consistently is My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss.  This book targets a younger reader, but it can be used with older students as well.  Students of all ages can have a difficult time talking about their emotions and identifying feelings or triggers of feelings.  The simple words and vivid colors used in this book allow students to connect with emotions in an imaginative way. 

 My Many Colored Days is also a great book to use in a group setting.  After reading the book, the students color in a puzzle according to how each piece would make them feel.  The color key in the puzzle coordinates with the colors in the book.  At the following group session the students would compare their puzzles and notice the similarities and differences of how like situations could cause different feelings.  They also notice that one puzzle piece could be filled with multiple colors.   For example, they might feel sad and mad at the same time.  What a great way to start a group discussion!

The printable puzzle "Emotions Can be Puzzling" shown in the picture above is included in The Feelings Hub packet available in my TpT store.  I will have this download on sale in my store until January 16th.

Christmas in the Counselor's Office

'Tis the season!  The students are excited, so why not incorporate the holidays into the classroom or counselor's office?  I just posted a Christmas and New Year packet on TpT.  The packet covers reflecting on this year and making goals for the upcoming year.  In addition, there is a printable to compare naughty vs. nice behavior.  The Holiday Interest Inventory and Making a List page will allow for a lot of discussion while getting to know your students even better.  The content provides a great opportunity for building relationships, which is always super important.

Click on the picture above and you will be able to preview a few pages in my TpT store.

Chains ~ Linking Decisions

Isn't it so wonderful to work with people that share their ideas?  I am lucky enough to work with Alicia (right), who is allowing me to share her idea in this post.  Alicia is my fellow counseling partner.

Alicia has students write down decisions they make on strips of paper starting with their initial decision...the one that created the problem.  This makes the first link of their decision chain.  From that link, decisions and/or consequences are written down to create additional links.  As the students are making their chain, they have a visual and literally connect how one decision leads to the next.  Once the chain is complete, the students are able to reflect by choosing the link they would go back and do differently.  The link they pick is cut with scissors, which causes the rest of the chain to drop to the floor.  This demonstrates all the events and consequences that would not happen with a better initial decision.

I have used the chain activity several times, and I love it!  The students do too!  Making the chain allows students to reflect and become active in the conversation.