Social Emotional Learning
Change Happens: Teaching Elementary Students How to Adapt With Confidence
Change is a natural and unavoidable part of life—and for elementary students, change happens more often than adults realize. New classrooms, shifting friendships, family changes, and growing responsibilities can feel overwhelming without guidance. Elementary school counselors play a critical role in helping students (and often parents!) understand that change is not something to fear, but…
Read MoreGrowing Hopeful Minds: How to Teach Optimism and Resilience
Optimism is a powerful life skill that helps children face challenges with confidence and persistence. For elementary school counselors, teaching optimism is not about encouraging constant positivity—it is about helping students believe that challenges can be managed. What Is Optimism? Optimism is the ability to expect positive outcomes while recognizing that challenges and setbacks are…
Read MoreAnger Has a Message: Learning to Listen
Why is it that some kids just seem angry all the time? And what is the best way to handle the emotion of anger? It is first important to understand what anger is and why as humans we may have developed it. One theory is that anger is one of the basic six emotions that…
Read MoreAnger: Let It Go or Problem Solve?
In a previous post, I discussed anger and how it interacts with the brain. If kids are not tuned in to anger, its cause, and their choices, then anger can come out sideways. This is what happens when kids “flip their lid” or allow the reptilian brain to take charge over the more modern brain.…
Read MoreBox Breathing for Kids: A Stress-Relief Strategy Every Elementary School Counselor Should Use
Box breathing—also known as square breathing—is a simple, structured deep breathing technique designed to calm the nervous system and improve emotional regulation. It involves four equal steps: Inhale for 4 counts → Hold for 4 counts → Exhale for 4 counts → Hold for 4 counts Repeat this pattern for 4–6 cycles to help the…
Read MoreHow to Help Students Set Goals They’ll Actually Want to Achieve
Helping kids learn to set goals can be a skill that serves them well in every area of life. However, it can also be a frustrating and discouraging experience for them! Even adults have great difficulty setting and following through on goals. Goal setting is a cornerstone of student success, but not all goals are…
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