Hello, My Name is Tabitha. And I am a Pinterest Addict.

www.pinterest.com

I will freely admit that most of my break has been spent staring at the computer screen getting ideas for counseling, for the home, and for many other random things. This site is incredible! I have though, actually completed some of these ideas.. instead of just salivating over them- just in case you were beginning to think I was lazy... 

If you don't know what pinterest is, my oh my, let me fill you in. Pinterest is an online pinboard. It is a place to virtually "pin" and organize ideas, visuals, etc. from all over the internet. When you have a specific topic in mind, pinterest can be more valuable than google! (Yes, I did just say that.) 

Need a GPS? Go Here:

 A Beginner's Guide to Pinterest

At this point, one of my kiddos might say, "So, why don't you marry it?" And you might be saying, "So, What IS the point of you telling me this?"

For those of you who aren't following my board or aren't even on pinterest, I thought I would show you some of the things that I am planning on implementing when break is over. Ideas that will become reality. 

Morning Meeting 

1) Morning Meetings: 

     There are several students who would benefit from regular check-ins with me. Morning Meetings are a quick 15-20 minute check in that happens in a group setting. I plan on seeing these students first thing in the morning on Mondays and Fridays.

Deployment Idea

2) Deployment Group Education 

     I saw this descriptive idea and loved it upon first site. Although the teacher regularly uses it for Veterans Day, I though it would be very nice to use with the kiddos in my deployment groups. Although I spend a lot of time teaching about worrying and coping skills, I think that it is very important for students to recognize what it is that there parent actually does.  

3)  Self-Esteem Lessons 

     I will be teaching Fourth Graders this Spring and think that they need a couple of good lessons on self-esteem mingled with respect and diversity. I saw this adorable lesson at Lesson Plan SOS and just loved it! We talk a lot about positive thoughts and tell kids "stay positive". Of course, they know that that means...but do they know how to do it? I love the idea of modeling this concept to them alongside teaching them why it is so important! I think this could easily proceed having the kids understand why the words we say to each other is just as impressionable. 

Whooooo's Good Lookin'?

4) Goals

Goal Banner

  In small groups, I really want to focus on having the kids make their own goals. I want them to recognize the progress they make and to have a visual reminder of why exactly they are in small group. Not only that, this will be a great reminder to me as well! I really loved this idea of hanging flags along the ceiling to make it fun and cute!
 

5) National School Counselor Week 

     This celebration begins February 6th and goes till the 10th. this year. I really want to use this week as a time to communicate with teachers and administration what my role in the school is. I also want to take precious time to see what their perceptions of the program is and to administer a mid-year survey. I am planning on using the theme: School Counselors CONNECT. I thought using legos to illustrate this idea was not only fun, but memorable. I am super excited about this and cannot wait to implement all the ideas I have! Until then, these visuals have gotten me so inspired!! 

Lego  Cake

Lego Information Bags

How Many Legos? 

I hope that you have found yourself inspired,because ultimately, no matter how you do it. Whether from blogs, comrades, or pinterest, staying inspired and excited about being a school counselor is, to me, essential in being the very best you can be.

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