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Counselor Life

Difficulties of Virtual Counseling Lessons

Random Acts of Kindness

20 Free Closure Activities

Broken Crayon Cookies

Walk in a Counselor’s Shoes, Counselor Introduction Lesson

Calm Down Spin the Wheel Activity

Dangerous Dozen – 12 apps every parent should be aware of

Eight Things Happy Counselors Do to Stay Sane

My Safety Patrol Story

Emotions Wall

Kindness Letters/Staff Morale Boosters

Career Countdown

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I love activities with a magical twist. This one i

I love activities with a magical twist. This one is super easy. All you need are three simple items: paper, a white crayon, and some markers.

Here's how it works:
1️⃣ Write it Out: Ask children to think about something they wish you knew about them. Have them write it on the sheet using the white crayon. The message stays hidden for now—like a tiny treasure!

2️⃣ Reveal the Magic: Take markers and color over the secret message. You'll be amazed as the hidden words magically reveal themselves!

3️⃣ Discover & Discuss: Once the words are revealed, take a moment to discuss what was written. Use this time to gain a deeper understanding and build connections with your children.

This activity not only brings seasonal fun but also opens a door for meaningful conversations.

Expressing those hidden thoughts can build emotional intelligence and mutual respect.

So go ahead, try it out, and don't forget to tag me to share how it went!

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach children

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to teach children how their choices impact the world around them? My Simmer or Ignite Decision-Making Game is perfect for building critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills—all while keeping kids engaged and excited to learn! 🙌

✨ Here’s why you’ll love it:

🌟 Kids sort scenario cards to decide if their actions will “Simmer” the situation or “Ignite” it!
🧠 Encourages thoughtful discussions and builds real-world decision-making skills.
🎲 Includes 60 situation cards, 60 response cards, a game board, and blank cards for customization!

💬 This game works wonders in:
✔️ SEL classroom lessons
✔️ Counseling groups
✔️ Small group activities
✔️ Even at home for family bonding time!

Empower kids to understand the impact of their choices in a fun and relatable way!

🧡 Ready to simmer situations instead of igniting them?

🚦 Comment 'simmer,' and I'll DM you the link to learn more!

#SimmerOrIgnite #SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning #KidsGames #TeachingTools #ClassroomFun #DecisionMakingSkills #InteractiveLearning #MrsBellTheCraftyCounselor

I know how hard it can be to squeeze career explor

I know how hard it can be to squeeze career exploration into an already packed curriculum. Between reading, math, and all the other responsibilities, it’s easy to let career discussions slip.

But introducing kids to career options early on can make a BIG difference!

Here’s why:

🌟 Why Career Exploration Matters for Kids
✅ Expands horizons: Helps kids dream big and see possibilities for their future.
✅ Connects learning to life: Shows how what they learn in school applies to real-world careers.
✅ Builds self-awareness: Encourages kids to reflect on their own strengths and interests.
✅ Fosters motivation: Gives kids something to work toward, sparking curiosity and drive.
✅ Introduces inclusivity: Highlights diverse career paths and role models.

🏫 5 Easy Ways to Work Careers Into Your Curriculum
🎥 Morning announcements: Feature a “career of the day” with fun facts!
📚 Classroom countdown: Dedicate a few minutes each week to a different career.
🎨 Art projects: Have students draw or write about their dream job.
📅 Career day prep: Use activities to get kids excited and engaged before career day.
🔍 School news: Collaborate with your media team to spotlight careers!

When we take the time to introduce kids to the wide world of work, we’re helping them build confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

And I’ve created a tool to make it easier for you!

📩 Comment "career" below, and I’ll DM you the link to learn more about my Top Careers of 2025 Packet – packed with fun, ready-to-go activities that your students will love.

Let’s inspire the next generation together! 💡

https://bit.ly/48TUM0E?utm_source=ig_business&utm_medium=Mrs.+Bell+The+Crafty+Counselor&utm_campaign=publer

#CareerExploration #ElementaryCareers #TeachersOfInstagram #SELinTheClassroom

Need a quick (and FREE) way to grab kids' attentio

Need a quick (and FREE) way to grab kids' attention and bring energy back to the classroom? Check out these 45 Catchy Callbacks! 🎉

These fun phrases are perfect for gaining focus, creating a routine, and building a sense of connection—all while having a blast. From “You: Hocus Pocus – Them: Let’s Get Focused!” to “You: Peanut Butter – Them: Jelly Time!” these callbacks are packed with personality and sure to keep kids engaged!

These call-and-response phrases are:
📣 Easy to implement
📣 Great for transitions
📣 Perfect for boosting classroom energy
📣 Effective for building classroom community

👉 Comment 'call back,' and I'll DM you the link to grab this free list and add some fun to your classroom routines!

Who’s ready to make learning even more lively? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

#CatchyCallbacks #ClassroomManagement #SEL #EngagingClassrooms #MrsBellTheCraftyCounselor #BackToSchool #FocusAndFun #ElementaryCounseling #ClassroomIdeas

I’m a sucker for seasonal activities 🍂—ther

I’m a sucker for seasonal activities 🍂—there’s something about the colors, the themes, and the joy they bring to learning that I just can’t resist! Using seasonal activities isn’t only fun; it also creates a unique opportunity for students to connect with what they’re learning in memorable ways.

Seasonal themes make lessons engaging, offer a hands-on approach, and even help reinforce the time of year, making connections that stick!

🦃 Why Seasonal Activities are a Win:
1️⃣ Boosts student engagement and excitement
2️⃣ Adds context to lessons, making abstract concepts more relatable
3️⃣ Encourages hands-on learning through themes that spark curiosity
4️⃣ Allows students to practice social-emotional skills in a playful way

This fall season, I’m using my Troubled Turkey activities to bring the turkey and fall theme into my lessons on emotional regulation. Students help a “troubled turkey” choose calming strategy feathers to complete his tail, making it a fun, visual way to reinforce anger management and coping skills.

These Thanksgiving-themed activities are a great way to bring fall festivities into social-emotional learning! 🍁

Comment 'TURKEY' if you want me to DM you the link to learn more!

In my counseling program, interactive notebooks ar

In my counseling program, interactive notebooks are one of my favorite tools. They’re dynamic, hands-on, and incredibly effective for making social-emotional learning skills stick with students.

From self-regulation to friendship skills, these notebooks turn abstract concepts into tangible activities that students can refer back to and build on throughout the year.

Here’s why I believe interactive notebooks are an essential tool in any counseling or SEL-focused program:

📘 Engaging and Hands-On – Interactive notebooks give students a chance to cut, color, sort, and organize, keeping them actively involved and interested in each lesson.

📝 Encourages Reflection – Students can look back on their entries to see how their skills and understanding have grown, fostering self-reflection and personal growth.

🎨 Builds Ownership of Learning – With each entry, students take ownership of their progress. They get to personalize their notebooks, making them feel like these lessons are theirs.

💭 Supports Memory Retention – When students actively participate in creating their resources, they’re more likely to remember and use these skills in real-life situations.

💖 Provides a Safe Space for Expression – Interactive notebooks allow students to express their feelings, ideas, and reflections privately. This can be especially valuable for shy or reserved kids.

I’m passionate about using interactive notebooks because they make such a huge difference in my students’ engagement and understanding. If you’re looking for a way to make SEL lessons more impactful, I highly recommend giving them a try! They are perfect for small group, classroom, or homeschool program use.

✨ Want to learn more? Comment “BOOK” below, and I’ll DM you the link to my bundle of interactive notebooks so you can see all the possibilities for your own program!

🛣️ Take a tour around "Types of Lies Town" an

🛣️ Take a tour around "Types of Lies Town" and explore the six types of lies! 🛣️

🎲 From Half Truths to Exaggerations and White Lies, this interactive activity helps students learn the differences in a fun, hands-on way. Perfect for teaching honesty and self-awareness!

💡 Each stop on the map offers scenarios and discussion prompts that get kids thinking about honesty and its impact. They’ll discover practical ways to make better choices with activities designed for small group counseling or individual sessions.

✨ Ready to bring "Types of Lies Town" to your counseling office, home, or classroom?

Comment "lies" and I'll DM you the link to check it out!

I'm so excited to share this 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 down

I'm so excited to share this 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 download! These Breathing Bracelets are designed to help kids practice calming strategies in a fun and interactive way.

Here's how it works:
1️⃣ Click the link to download and then print the breathing bracelet template.
2️⃣ Have kids cut and glue their favorite calming strategies onto the bracelet.
3️⃣ Cut out the bracelet and wear it as a reminder of calming strategies that can be used throughout the day.
4️⃣ Use the circles on the outside of the bracelet to guide breathing. Kids can trace it with their fingers, slowly breathing in as they move up one side and out as they move down the other.

This simple tool can be a game-changer in helping children learn the art of emotional regulation and mindfulness. Plus, it's a creative activity that adds a dash of fun to their day!

Grab your 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 Breathing Bracelet now by commenting 'bracelet', and I'll DM you the link! ✨🧘‍♂️🧘‍♀️✨

https://bit.ly/4atPh8N

🍂 November is here, offering a fresh opportunit

🍂 November is here, offering a fresh opportunity to reflect on our progress and refocus on goals that create a supportive environment for our children. As we step into this season of gratitude, let’s remember simple ways to make a positive impact.

✅ November School Counselor Checklist:

🦃 Seasonal ActivitiesPlan activities that are both seasonal and engaging! November is a great time to teach about gratitude, but you can also introduce my Controlling Anger Activity—a fun, Thanksgiving-themed way to build coping skills. Swipe to check it out, or comment ‘Turkey’ and I’ll DM you the link!

🍴 Food Drive or Community ServiceEncourage students to give back by organizing a food drive or community service project.

📊 Report Card ReflectionsWith first-quarter grades in, take time to discuss academic goals with students who may need extra support before middle school.

👨‍👩‍👦 4. Family Engagement
Plan events or send out newsletters to involve families more deeply in the educational process.

🍂 5. Mindfulness & Stress Management
As the holidays approach, introduce mindfulness techniques to help students manage stress.

💬 6. Peer Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Strengthen your school's climate by training student leaders in peer mediation techniques.

Our role as school counselors is dynamic and tailored to our students' evolving needs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all you should be doing, or saying that you should do everything on this list; its just meant to be a spark of inspiration or starting point if you aren’t sure where to begin this month.

What would you add to this list? Let me know what you’re working on this November in the comments below! 👇

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