School Counseling Simplified Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Happy December. This is a fun but busy time of year as the semester wraps up and the holidays approach. Even if you are not teaching full lessons or running small groups this month, you will likely still have drop-in students who need support. December is a great time to add a seasonal twist to your counseling activities, and today I am sharing my favorite ideas to help you stay engaged, organized, and prepared. Countdown to Winter Break One of my favorite activities this month is a Countdown to Winter Break inspired by a childhood Advent calendar. This activity includes 20 different SEL tasks your students can complete as they count down to the holiday break. It works well for individual counseling sessions and for students who stop by unexpectedly. The variety of activities keeps students engaged and gives you structured tools to support them during an otherwise unpredictable month. Host a Counseling Holiday Party A Counseling Holiday Party is a fun and meaningful way to wrap up your small groups. Think of it like a celebration or graduation with a seasonal theme. You can schedule an all-day event where students who have participated in counseling throughout the semester come in for games, crafts, and connection. This creates a positive and memorable experience while highlighting the progress they have made. Data Check-Up December is also a helpful time to complete a mid-year data check-up. This allows you to review the students you have served, the lessons you have taught, and the progress that has been made so far. A mid-year check-up helps you advocate for your position, strengthens your end-of-year reporting, and gives you valuable insight as you plan for next semester. You can also display some of this information on a data wall so stakeholders can easily see the impact of your program. Self-Care Tips for the New Year As the semester winds down, it is important to reflect on your well-being. Here are a few simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and supported heading into January: Conduct a time audit to see how you are spending the minutes of your workday. This helps you identify where to add buffers so you feel less rushed and overwhelmed. Outsource tasks when possible. If you have an intern or student ambassadors, allow them to help with responsibilities and lighten your load. Join IMPACT, my school counseling membership program, to access resources, professional development, and ongoing support that help reduce stress and streamline your program.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Countdown to Winter Break Elf-Control Dress an Elf Snowman Goals Blog - How to Plan a Fun Counseling Christmas Party Needs Assessment End of Year Report Data Wall Blog - Favorite December School Counseling Activities  Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today we are taking a behind-the-scenes look at effective data tracking and how it can help you better support students while advocating for the role of the school counselor. Data can feel overwhelming, but when used intentionally, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your counseling program. This episode breaks down simple, practical strategies to help you collect, interpret, and share data with confidence. A Quick Win for Data Tracking One of the easiest ways to begin building a data-driven counseling program is through a five-minute self-assessment. - Create a quick Google Form with a few skill-based or feelings-based questions. You can either interview students and record their responses or have them complete it independently. Make sure to capture their name, their responses, and the date for easy tracking. The Big Takeaway Every counseling session should be purposeful and aligned with a clear objective. Before each session, ask yourself what skill, strategy, or concept you are focusing on. Your data tracking should reflect this objective so that you are gathering meaningful and relevant information. My Favorite Data Tracking Tools Self-Assessments Self-assessments allow students to report on their own experiences, skills, or emotions. Use these during the first and last sessions to monitor growth. Build your questions around the objectives of your session or group. These can be objective questions tied to specific skills or subjective questions tied to feelings. Google Forms is an excellent tool for organizing and reviewing this data quickly. Behavior Surveys Behavior surveys provide valuable insight from teachers and caregivers. Send these forms digitally for easy completion and record keeping. This data helps identify gaps between how students view themselves and how their behavior is observed by people in their daily environments. End-of-Year Reports This is one of the most powerful data tools for communication and advocacy. An end-of-year report summarizes how many students you served, the lessons you taught, and the time spent providing support. These reports help guide decision-making, highlight the effectiveness of your program, and advocate for your role within the school. Data Walls A data wall is a bulletin board that displays key information and outcomes. Place this in a location with high visibility such as the front office, hallway, or multipurpose room. Update it regularly, whether monthly or quarterly, and share only the most relevant results to keep the information clear and impactful. How to Interpret Data to Improve Your Program Data is only useful if it informs next steps. If data shows student improvement, celebrate the progress and consider transitioning students to a lower tier of support. If data indicates limited or no improvement, evaluate the situation. You may need to adjust interventions, refer students out, or move to a different tier of support. Use the information to determine short-term, solution-focused next steps. How to Use Data to Advocate for Your Role When presented clearly and consistently, data shows the impact of your work and communicates the value of your counseling program. Data helps stakeholders understand how many students you serve, what needs are emerging within the school, and how your services contribute to positive outcomes. It is one of your strongest advocacy tools.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what really makes individual counseling sessions effective, engaging, and purposeful. If you've ever felt unsure about what to do in these sessions or overwhelmed by how to track student progress, this episode is packed with practical, ready-to-use strategies. Individual counseling is an important Tier 3 support that allows you to provide targeted, personalized intervention. With the right tools and structure, these sessions can feel manageable and meaningful. Why Individual Counseling Matters Individual counseling is an essential component of a layered support system. These sessions provide space to work one-on-one with students who need more intensive intervention. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify students through referral systems How group counseling can help you determine which students may benefit from individual support Why individual sessions allow for deeper rapport and tailored intervention Quick Wins for Tracking Data Data collection does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. This episode highlights simple tools you can implement immediately, including: A 30-second student rating scale Thumbs-up or thumbs-down check-ins Quick data points that help you make informed decisions and track growth These small, consistent data practices keep you from guessing what students need and allow you to confidently measure progress. How to Engage Students in Individual Counseling Engagement is key for successful sessions. This episode shares a variety of activities, strategies, and tools you can use to keep students motivated and open. Feelings Check-ins Model emotional vocabulary Use the Zones of Regulation Incorporate visuals Rapport-Building Activities Get-to-Know-You Jenga Peak and Pit Genograms Discussion or interview cards Hands-On and Creative Activities Digging Deep activities Personalized social stories Crafts such as coping skills toolboxes Board games Task cards Art projects Modifications for Younger Students Increased hands-on activities Use of play dough Dolls and characters for storytelling Verbal reflections instead of written prompts These strategies help students express themselves, stay engaged, and build meaningful connections. Reflection Tools for Closing Sessions Reflection helps students internalize their learning and practice self-awareness. Inside the episode, we explore: Journaling Reflection sheets Interview-style verbal reflections Open-ended questions that support closure Using Data to Track Student Progress Meaningful data guides your decisions and supports your advocacy efforts. You will learn how to use: Student rating scales Self-assessments Behavior surveys from teachers and caregivers This data helps you determine next steps, identify patterns, strengthen communication with stakeholders, and build year-end reports or data walls that demonstrate the impact of your counseling program. Additional Tips Provide clear examples for students Prepare materials in advance Maintain consistent session structure Balance conversation with activities Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease. Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence. How to Set Up Counseling Groups Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments. Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind. Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling. Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection. Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers. Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games. Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress. How to Lead Engaging Small Groups Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't. Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork. Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster. Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards. End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress. By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today we are going behind the scenes to talk about how to create engaging class lessons that keep students interested and make your counseling program run smoothly all year long. 1. How to Map Out Lessons for the Year Start by looking at your school calendar and noting upcoming dates, themes, and holidays. For example, October is Bullying Prevention Month, which is a great time to plan related lessons. Review your referral data and needs assessment responses to identify key areas of focus. Check what curriculum your school already uses, such as Second Step, and build from there. You can also base lessons around books to make topics more engaging. Planning tip: Repurpose content across multiple grade levels to save time and stay consistent. 2. How to Create Lessons Using a Simple Framework Use this five-step framework for 20–30 minute lessons: Icebreaker (5 minutes): Start with a fun, short activity to grab attention. Lesson (10 minutes): Teach the main concept or skill. Discussion (5 minutes): Have students talk in pairs, groups, or as a class. Reflect/Review: Leave time for students to write, draw, or journal about what they learned. Data Collection: Use quick self-assessments to measure understanding. Planning tip: Repurpose small group or individual activities by slightly modifying them for classroom use. 3. How to Get Creative Make lessons interactive by incorporating elements such as Scoot Games, Escape Rooms, Digital Game Shows, Breakout Groups, or PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations. These activities help reinforce learning and keep students engaged. 4. How to Engage Students with Movement Movement keeps students focused and helps with participation. Add movement to your icebreakers, activities, and discussions with ideas like: Sides of the room Simon Says Stand up and sit down Role play Charades Beach ball toss or jumbo discussion die By intentionally planning, getting creative, and incorporating movement, you can design classroom lessons that are fun, effective, and memorable. Tune in to this episode to hear how I use these strategies step-by-step to make classroom lessons engaging and stress-free!   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout October, we have been exploring practical bullying prevention strategies, and today we are wrapping up the series with a focus on teaching self-advocacy. While this may seem like a more reactive approach, it is an essential skill that helps students navigate challenges with confidence. In this episode, we explore three simple ways to help students learn to advocate for themselves and others: Practice Scripts Provide students with sample scripts they can use in real-life situations. Watch short videos together, then practice through role play in small groups or class lessons. This gives students a chance to apply what they learn and build communication skills in a safe environment. Self-Esteem Affirmations Encourage students to use positive self-talk that supports their confidence. Have them create affirmation cards or write encouraging messages on sticky notes to remind themselves of their strengths and worth. Advocating for Others Teach students to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Traditional bullying prevention lessons can be adapted to show students how to recognize when someone needs help and how to take safe, supportive action. Tune in to learn how you can incorporate self-advocacy into your counseling lessons and empower your students to stand up for themselves and others.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! October is Bullying Prevention Month, and throughout the month I'll be sharing some replays of our best episodes focused on strategies to prevent bullying in schools. In today's episode, we're diving into friendship skills — an essential foundation for creating a kind, connected, and inclusive school culture. I'll be sharing ideas you can use at every level: schoolwide, classroom, small group, and individual. Schoolwide Strategies Buddy Bench (Elementary Level): Transform an existing bench at recess into a "Buddy Bench." When a student feels lonely or doesn't have anyone to play with, they can sit there to signal they're looking for a friend. Other students are encouraged to approach, sit with them, or invite them to join in play. Mix It Up at Lunch Day (Middle School Level): Help reduce lunchroom anxiety by encouraging students to sit somewhere new for a day. This activity helps them meet new peers and break out of their usual social circles. Assigned Recess Groups: Rotate groups of students to play or interact together, fostering connections between kids who might not usually spend time with one another. Classroom Strategies Friendship Lessons: Lead a class discussion or activity around the qualities of a good friend versus the qualities of a not-so-good friend. This sets the tone for healthy peer relationships and respectful communication. Small Group Strategies Friendship Discussions: Talk about what makes a good friend and how good friends act. Friendship Dice Game: Use discussion prompts such as "What do you love about your friends?" or "What annoys you about your friends?" to spark meaningful conversations. Conflict Resolution Practice: Teach students to use "I" statements to express their feelings and resolve friendship conflicts. Scenario Cards: Role-play different social situations to help students problem-solve and practice empathy. Individual Counseling Strategies Scripts and Role Plays: Work one-on-one with students to build their social confidence. The goal is to help them gain the skills they need to transition into small group or class activities successfully. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified. Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, this episode focuses on practical conflict resolution strategies you can use at the schoolwide, classroom, and small group levels. If you have not listened to last week's episode on restorative circles, start there for helpful background on resolution circles and community-based approaches. Today we build on that foundation with tangible tools you can use right away to help students resolve, forgive, and repair relationships. What you will learn in this episode How to use classroom-based activities to teach conflict resolution skills A simple script for I statements that students can use to express feelings and seek solutions Engagement strategies for role play, discussion, and practice Small group activities and curricula that support peer problem solving Steps to take when a student is referred to you after a conflict Classroom strategies  Talk it out circle Use a classroom circle where two students resolve a conflict in front of their peers while the teacher or counselor facilitates a respectful discussion. This model teaches the whole class how to listen, reflect, and offer support. Counselor push-ins Join the classroom for a lesson or mediation session, while the teacher and student exit the classroom to resolve a conflict. I statement lessons Teach a simple I statement script: name the emotion, describe the incident, explain how it made you feel, and suggest a next step toward resolution. Use dry erase boards with fill-in-the-blank templates for practice. Post I statement language on classroom walls and in common areas so students have visible reminders. Role play and scenario practice Break students into small groups and use scenario cards to role play common friendship conflicts. Incorporate charades, fishbowl exercises, or paired practice to make skills stick. Small group ideas Run a conflict resolution group using discussion dice or conversation cards to guide reflection. Include hands-on activities or crafts that reinforce communication skills and empathy. Consider curricula like Kelso's Choices to teach problem-solving options for peer conflicts. When students are referred after a conflict Start by identifying the source of the conflict. Ask why this keeps happening and what the underlying triggers are. Take time to get a full picture before deciding on a plan so you do not cycle through the same issues repeatedly. Use data from observations, teacher input, and student self-report to refine your intervention. Action steps you can take today Teach and practice one I statement template with a class. Try a short talk it out circle during your next classroom visit. Create or print an I statement poster to display in classrooms and common areas.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Conflict Resolution Small Group: Pirates to Peacekeepers Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure Check out the Kelso music video on YouTube: It's Your Choice Baby Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, I will be highlighting some of our best podcast episodes all about bullying prevention strategies. Today, we are diving into practical ways to create a culture of kindness in schools. Promoting kindness is one of the most effective ways to reduce bullying. In this episode, I share strategies that teachers and counselors can use to set a positive tone, build empathy, and encourage collaboration. Morning meetings are a simple yet powerful practice that helps students begin their day with intention. Counselors can shadow teachers and suggest SEL activities, such as discussion cards, to promote empathy and connection. Restorative practices, including proactive circles that create safe spaces where every student feels heard and valued. These circles allow students to practice active listening, handle strong emotions, and respect differences. Resolution circles and talk-it-out circles provide opportunities for repair and forgiveness with counselor support. School-wide kindness cards can be passed out to students to recognize and encourage positive behaviors, building a stronger culture of kindness across the campus. By focusing on these strategies, we can create school environments where kindness thrives and bullying is less likely to take root.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT BULLYING PREVENTION Editable Guidance Lesson Morning Meeting Discussion Cards Feelings Check Bullying Prevention School Wide Activities - Fall and Halloween Activities Bullying Prevention Classroom Guidance Lesson for Elementary School Counseling Ep. 61. Non-Boring Bullying Prevention Month Ideas Ep. 112 Creating a Culture of Kindness Bringing Restorative Practices to Your School By Laura McClure   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we have been diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as tier 1 interventions, and so far we have talked about how to plan, schedule, teach, and manage behaviors during lessons. Today, we are shifting the focus to data and exploring how to measure the success of your classroom counseling lessons. Often, counselors rely on self-assessments or individual assessments during small group or one-on-one sessions, which is a fantastic approach. But did you know you can also track data in your classroom lessons without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I am sharing two simple and practical ways to measure effectiveness. Collecting new data This includes surveying parents and teachers throughout the year to gather feedback on the effectiveness of your lessons.  By asking questions such as which topics have been most helpful or what improvements they have noticed, you can continue to modify and strengthen your lessons.  Surveys can be kept short and simple with just a few questions to ensure people complete them.  You can also share results in newsletters or with your administration to advocate for your role. Instant student feedback  A brief half-sheet with three simple questions at the end of a lesson can provide valuable insights into what students are learning and how they are engaging with the material. How to use this data  The purpose of gathering information is not just to collect it but to use it to improve future lessons and demonstrate the impact of your program. All data is good data because it allows you to revise, reflect, and show the power of school counseling. Your action step for this week is to create a parent feedback survey and send it out. This simple tool can make a big difference in helping you measure effectiveness and advocate for your work.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are handed lessons to deliver, there are plenty of situations where you have to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These insights come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program that equips you with tools and strategies to feel prepared and confident. In today's episode, we are focusing on behavior management during counseling lessons. When I first started, this was one of my biggest struggles. I often had lessons I was excited to teach, but behavior challenges quickly left me feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I discovered that consistency is the key to creating a well-managed classroom. When you are consistent, you build trust with your students. They know what to expect and that you will follow through. Here are a few strategies we will cover in this episode: At the beginning of lessons: Review expectations or rules. You can display them on Google Slides or on an anchor chart. Model each expectation with your students, either as a group or with selected volunteers. When students don't follow expectations: Take a pause rather than pushing through. Stop the lesson, revisit the expectation, and reset. Sometimes you need to go slow in order to go fast. Reinforcing positive behavior: Use behavior-specific praise. Instead of offering tangible rewards, tell students exactly what they are doing right and why it matters. The key is to create expectations that can be applied across every classroom you visit and to consistently reinforce them. Behavior management does not have to feel overwhelming when you have clear, practical strategies in place. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we are diving deep into classroom lessons. I love using them as my tier 1 interventions. While many times we are given lessons to teach, there are also plenty of situations where you are expected to create everything on your own. That is why I am sharing strategies on how to schedule, plan, and teach classroom lessons. These ideas come from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module program designed to help you feel confident and prepared. In today's episode, we are focusing on the teaching piece and specifically on strategies to keep counseling lessons engaging and fun. The more engaged students are, the less likely they are to act out, which makes your time in the classroom much more effective. You will learn how to add movement and interactive activities into your lessons, including: Icebreakers: Sides of the room, Simon Says, Stand up/Sit down Activities: Role play, charades, escape rooms, scoot games Discussions: Beach ball toss, jumbo discussion die These simple strategies can transform the energy in your classroom and keep students focused while learning. Here are three action steps you can take right away: Find an engaging icebreaker for each topic you plan to teach. Decide which engagement activity strategy you want to try. Create a discussion beach ball to spark interactive conversations. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! All throughout September, we're diving into classroom lessons, one of my favorite tier 1 interventions. While some schools provide ready-made lessons, there are many times you'll need to design and plan them yourself. That's why I'm excited to share tips on how to schedule, plan, and teach effective lessons. These strategies come straight from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module resource designed to help you feel confident and prepared. In today's episode, we're continuing the conversation by focusing on planning your counseling lessons—deciding what to teach and how to teach it. This is a sneak peek into Module 2 of my course. Here's what you'll learn: Planning lessons for the year: how to select topics, incorporate seasonal and school-wide themes, and repurpose content across grade levels. Using the calendar: align lessons with holidays, seasons, or events (for example, starting the year with a "Meet the Counselor" lesson, or teaching about kindness and friendship around Valentine's Day). Referencing data and needs: review referrals, attendance data, and input from administrators to identify student challenges and plan preventative lessons. Combining curriculum resources: integrate any curriculum your school provides with your own lessons to fill in gaps. Book-based lessons: choose books with strong themes and build lessons around them, while ensuring teachers have access to reinforce concepts. We'll also talk about offering "as-needed" lessons when extra support is required, such as teaching a cybersafety lesson to a class that needed immediate guidance beyond their regular schedule. And here's a planning tip: Don't reinvent the wheel. You can easily adapt lessons to make them developmentally appropriate across different grade levels. Your action steps: Write down monthly events you'd like to align lessons with Review discipline referrals and student data Prepare your needs assessment Find out if your school provides a curriculum Research books you might want to use in future lessons Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Throughout September, we're diving deep into classroom lessons, one of my favorite Tier 1 interventions. Sometimes we're given lesson plans, but other times we're left to create everything from scratch. That's why this month I'm sharing practical strategies for scheduling, planning, and teaching lessons with confidence. These tips are pulled directly from my Stress-Free Classroom Lessons course, a five-module training designed to help you feel prepared and supported when delivering class lessons. In this episode, I'll walk you through three game-changing scheduling tools that make the process seamless and manageable: 1. Google Sheets Create a simple form that lists your available times. Share it with teachers so they can sign up directly, avoiding endless back-and-forth emails. Teachers take ownership of choosing times, while you stay in control of your availability. Set it up at the beginning of the year so teachers can reserve their slots for months ahead. 2. Calendly Use this free, user-friendly website for scheduling. Teachers can easily reserve lesson times for the entire school year. Add important details like location, duration, and virtual links. Customize hours, set time limits, and color-code events to keep everything organized. 3. Google Calendar Pair with Google Sheets or Calendly for maximum efficiency. Create recurring calendar invites that include lesson details, virtual links, and reminders. Invite teachers directly so lessons appear on their calendars. Color-code lessons, groups, and individual sessions for quick organization at a glance. While it takes time to set up initially, the payoff is a smooth, structured year. Pro Scheduling Tip: Be practical and remember that you're in control. For instance, if Mondays are difficult due to travel or frequent holidays, avoid scheduling lessons on that day. I personally recommend having teachers sign up for the entire year in advance. This approach allows you to balance your time across class lessons, small groups, and individual sessions. At the same time, remain flexible, because your schedule will naturally shift to accommodate your needs and the evolving needs of teachers throughout the school year. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I hope your school year is off to a wonderful start. Today I'm excited to bring you a very special guest, Joyce Harduvel. Joyce is a passionate advocate for youth and the school counselors and social workers that support them. She worked in Chicago Public Schools for seven years where she specialized in evidence-based and trauma-informed behavior intervention for students with chronic challenging behaviors. Joyce is an advocate for proactive professional self care that allows school-based professionals to build that sustainable careers of their dreams so that they can do what is really important: support their students! She now works with school counselors and social workers as a coach and clinical supervisor while pursuing a law degree to further her skills in championing youth. In this episode, Joyce shares her expertise on how to create positive change for students by using data. She breaks down practical steps you can take to make data meaningful and actionable in your counseling practice. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 1. Assessing the Situation Avoid going in with predetermined views. Begin with a holistic assessment that provides a well-rounded perspective of where a student is at. Gather information from multiple sources: families, teachers, and the students themselves. Use observations, records, and assessments to inform your starting point. 2. Developing Goals and Tracking Data Identify a lagging social-emotional skill and create a targeted goal. Explore resources like CASEL, which breaks SEL skills into five domains and offers free research and tools. Start small—choose one specific area to focus on. Establish a baseline using student records (assignments, attendance, GPA, behavior data). Incorporate tracking methods such as antecedent-behavior forms, duration or interval data, mood tracking, or SEL pre/post tests. Refine your goal to ensure it is SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound). Break goals into smaller benchmarks for clarity and progress monitoring. 3. Using Data to Drive Interventions Collect ongoing data through screeners, classroom input, or case notes. Remember—the point of collecting data is to actually use it. If progress isn't happening, adjust your goals and strategies. Use data to guide your interventions, advocate for student needs, and identify trends that may inform Tier 1 or Tier 2 supports. Most importantly, use data to celebrate student growth and successes along the way. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you see data not as a burden, but as a powerful tool to create meaningful, positive change for your students.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT CASEL  Woodcock-Johnson Testing   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube Connect with Joyce: www.joyce-lcsw.com Instagram  More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! I hope your school year is off to a fantastic start. In this episode, I'm sharing four creative, hands-on ways to freshen up your Meet the Counselor lesson. I truly believe that every counselor should include a Meet the Counselor lesson at the beginning of the year. My personal favorite is a Meet the Counselor Game Show. It's competitive, fun, and requires very little prep. Most importantly, it's an excellent advocacy tool. It gives students clarity on who you are, what you do, and how they can access your services. But if you're looking to add something new this year, I've got four simple ideas you can incorporate: Emotions Charades Turn learning into a game by having students act out emotions from a card while their classmates guess. This helps students practice reading facial expressions and body language, while also developing empathy and emotional recognition. Counseling Treasure Hunt Set up a scavenger hunt in your space with counseling-related items like a mandala coloring sheet, fidgets, or SEL books. As students find each object, engage them in discussion about how these items are used in counseling. Mindfulness Moments Introduce mindfulness by leading a guided meditation or creating a mindfulness jar. Both activities provide practical examples of self-regulation strategies that students can use throughout the year. Vision Collages Encourage self-expression by having students create collages that represent their goals, likes, dreams, and hopes. They can cut out images from magazines or design a digital version online. This is a creative way for students to reflect on their identities while you get to know them better. These activities are easy, engaging, and perfect for adding variety to your traditional Meet the Counselor lesson. Not only do they make your role more accessible to students, but they also set the tone for a supportive and engaging school year.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Meet The Counselor Game Show 4 Ways to Spruce Up Your Meet The Counselor Lesson - Blog   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

Welcome back to School Counseling Simplified! As we dive into the back-to-school season, many of us are seeing students who are struggling with separation anxiety and school refusal. In this episode, we're talking about how you can support not only the students experiencing anxiety, but also the teachers in your building and the parents at home. We'll cover a wide range of practical, school-based strategies that you can implement right away. From calming tools and classroom tips to talking points for caregivers, this episode will give you a full toolkit for addressing separation anxiety at the start of the school year. Whether you're working with new kindergarten students, recent transfers, or kids who are just feeling unsure after summer break, these ideas will help you build connections, reduce fear, and create a strong foundation for the year ahead. Tips for Supporting Students School Tours: Offering a separate tour (outside of open house or back-to-school night) can help new or anxious students become familiar with the campus and reduce fear of the unknown. Safe Spaces: Creating a calm-down corner in your counseling office, or encouraging teachers to have one in the classroom, can give students a space to feel grounded. Daily Check-ins: Offer brief check-ins during the first few days or weeks to help students feel supported by a trusted adult. Safety Plans: For students still experiencing significant anxiety after rapport has been built, work together to create a personal safety plan that outlines their support system and calming strategies. Small Groups: Run a separation anxiety small group using CBT-based activities, mindfulness tools, and games to help students feel less alone and more empowered. Tips for Teachers Buddy Systems: Pair students experiencing anxiety with a calm, confident peer to help them feel supported and included. Visual Schedules: Use visual schedules to help students know what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety caused by uncertainty. SEL Integration: Incorporate social-emotional learning into daily routines with a consistent morning meeting or circle time. Read-Alouds: Use books like The Invisible String to open up conversations about separation and connection. Classroom Jobs: Assign meaningful classroom roles to help anxious students feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Transitional Objects: Allow students to bring a comforting object from home (such as a stuffed animal, small toy, or photo) during the first few days. Tips for Parents and Caregivers Validation: Encourage caregivers to acknowledge their child's feelings without minimizing them. A simple "I see this is really hard for you" goes a long way. Consistent Routines: Remind parents of the power of predictability. A steady sleep schedule, breakfast routine, and drop-off ritual can ease anxiety. Practice Separations: Suggest that parents do short practice separations before school starts (e.g., playdates or time at a grandparent's house). Quick Goodbyes: Encourage brief, confident goodbyes at drop-off and reassure the child about who will pick them up. Lingering can unintentionally reinforce anxiety. Positive Modeling: Remind parents that children often take cues from adults. Expressing enthusiasm and trust in the school helps children feel the same. By supporting students, teachers, and families together, you can help reduce separation anxiety and set everyone up for success this school year. This episode offers you a well-rounded approach that's practical, compassionate, and easy to implement.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Separation Anxiety Group  Podcast Episode on Supporting Anxious Students  Books: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst  First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg  A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen    Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! August is here, which means it's officially back-to-school season and time to start planning your class lessons. While small groups and individual sessions are important, those referrals often trickle in later as teachers get to know their students. That's why I love starting the school year with a strong foundation of proactive, Tier 1 class lessons. In this episode, I'm walking you through 9 of my must-have class lessons that are perfect for kicking off the year. These lessons help you see every student and establish a consistent, supportive presence across campus. I'll also share tips for staying organized and avoiding overwhelm by using a curriculum map. (You can grab a free one in the show notes below.) What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why beginning the year with class lessons sets a proactive foundation How Tier 1 lessons help you reach every student while maximizing your time How to avoid overwhelm with curriculum mapping Creative ways to teach each essential lesson using games, stories, and activities 9 Back-to-School Class Lessons to Start the Year: Meet the Counselor Introduce yourself, your role, and how students can access your services. Try using a fun format like a game show (Jeopardy style) or an escape room with missions. Listening Skills Teach students what it really means to be an active listener. Activities like "Simon Says" are engaging and effective for younger students. Following Directions Reinforce routines and classroom expectations early on. Simple games like "Simon Says" can double for both listening and direction-following practice. Responsibility Foster independence and ownership among students. Use engaging stories, songs, or self-reflection activities to make it stick. Size of the Problem + Self-Regulation Teach students to assess and regulate their reactions. Introduce tools like Zones of Regulation to build a shared school-wide language. Self-Control Help students manage impulses and reactions. Use a social story like My Mouth is a Volcano or try a self-control escape room activity. Friendship Guide students in what it means to be a good friend and how to build healthy connections. Role-play or use storytelling to bring these concepts to life. Conflict Resolution Teach tools for resolving disagreements peacefully and respectfully. Programs like Kelso's Choice are a great way to introduce these concepts. Bullying Prevention Set expectations for kindness and respect from the beginning. Share clear definitions and strategies to prevent and report bullying. By starting the year with these lessons, you'll not only establish your presence as a school counselor but also build a foundation for a successful and supportive school year.   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Curriculum Map Freebie Blog - 9 Must-Have Counseling Lessons MTC Game Show  MTC Escape Room  Listening Skills Lesson Following Directions Lesson Responsibility Lesson - Primary Responsibility Lesson - Elementary Self-Regulation Lesson SOTP Activity Pack Self-Control Lesson - Primary Self-Control Lesson - Elementary Mission: Self-Control Friendship Lesson Mission: Tattling Vs Reporting Bullying Prevention Lesson Guidance Lessons Super Bundle Kelso's Choice My Mouth is a Volcano Book   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to an inspiring guest: Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S. Dr. Collier is a therapist, educator, and author, known for her powerful work in prevention education and brain development. She is the author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide and the Know Your Neuro children's book series. The Know Your Neuro prevention model was selected for the Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Dr. Collier received the Torch Bearer Award from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups, and was voted Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association. In this episode, Dr. Collier dives deep into: Risky behaviors to watch for in elementary students How early intervention impacts brain development The effects of screen time and technology on the brain The case for phone-free and watch-free schools Why it's never too early to talk to kids about feelings, empathy, and healthy coping She shares sobering insights, like how 50% of anxiety disorders are diagnosed by age 6, and how exposure to drugs, alcohol, and even pornography can start as early as elementary school. But the good news? The brain can change! We can equip kids with tools early, long before they reach their "peak" development years. The key lies in prevention, consistent brain-based education, and empowering parents and counselors with the right strategies. Key Takeaways for School Counselors: Feelings education is critical: Teach students to name and express emotions to avoid avoidant coping strategies. Social experience matters: Lack of play and exposure can lead to higher anxiety. Early empathy-building can prevent bullying down the road. Prevention strategies must begin in early childhood and evolve as students grow. Teach executive functioning through brain-based praise and risk education. Use tools from www.knowyourneuro.org to implement evidence-based practices. Pro tip from Dr. Collier: Encourage parents to have six 10-minute brain conversations per year with their kids—it's a simple but powerful way to build awareness. Birth to age 3 is foundational—more kids are sitting with screens than moving their bodies, which affects motor skill development. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this essential work in your school and community!   Resources Mentioned:   Join IMPACT   Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube Connect with Crystal: www.knowyourneuro.org  www.drcrystalcollier.com More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!    

School is right around the corner, and I want to help you feel confident and prepared as you head back! I'm offering a free live training all about how to use a Meet the Counselor lesson to introduce yourself to your students and advocate for your role as a school counselor. You'll get a free copy of my favorite lesson and a PD certificate for attending! This training is TODAY to make sure to use the link below in resources and save your seat! In today's episode of School Counseling Simplified, I wanted to take a break from our usual content to let you hear directly from the amazing counselors inside the IMPACT membership. We've been talking about the Summer Summit and IMPACT over the last few episodes, and now you get to hear real experiences from real members. Here's what some of them had to say about being part of IMPACT: Madelyn, a K–8 counselor, loves the ready-to-use resources, the opportunity to collaborate with other counselors in the community, and the empowering monthly PD. She's saved so much time! Jennifer, a school social worker, finds the data tools especially helpful for gathering feedback from both students and adults. Lacy appreciates the small group lessons and that the plans are already aligned with ASCA standards. She feels more prepared and loves being able to print and use the resources with ease. Kelly is a one-counselor team across multiple buildings. She says IMPACT helps her get things done faster by cutting down on indirect hours and increasing time spent with students. Marybeth has saved so much time with the low-prep, research-based lessons that her students find fun and engaging. Angie says IMPACT has helped her grow tremendously by offering structured support, practical tools, and a strong sense of community through monthly PD and a network of nearly 1,000 school counselors. Lydia relies on the ASCA-aligned resources for quick support—especially on her most challenging days. Jamie loves that IMPACT has freed up the time she used to spend creating lessons from scratch. Now she can focus more on direct services for her students. Kailey, a first-year counselor, says IMPACT has helped her make a meaningful difference in her students' lives from day one. Ready to feel supported and confident this school year? With school creeping up now is the perfect time to check out all the hype around IMPACT and see if it's a great fit for you at: 👉 stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/impact   Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT LIVE Free Training Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!