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Book Review: Spoonful of Sweetness

01/19/2014

9 Comments

 
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Elementary School Counseling.org is another stop on the Spoonful of Sweetness book tour! I was lucky enough to get an early viewing of this adorable book and speak with the author, Maria Dismondy, about it.

Spoonful of Sweetness is a book designed for children ages Birth-3 years. As Maria explains, "It is my effort to incorporate early intervention, encouraging parents to teach simple character traits in the book from the very start of their child's life. It is my hope that if we can start young, children will be equip with important social and friendship skills to use when they enter school."

I believe this book does just that.
As school counselors, we work with families of our school-age students, but often, there are younger siblings who tag along at problem-solving meetings, conferences, and school events. Parents see us a resource, so it makes sense to have other, non elementary-specific ideas in our back pockets.

This book is a wonderful reading suggestion for a family struggling with challenging behaviors. If they recognize the issues their older child is having in school, they may be panicking, hoping to prevent similar problems for their younger children.

Other Ideas for Elementary School Counselors:

*Read the book with kindergarten-1st Grade students in a small group or classroom setting. Explain that babies learn important manners when they are younger, just like we are learning now. Then, brainstorm what "big kids" need to practice, writing their ideas on the board. Finally, students get to pick their favorite from the list and make their own book page. This way, the class has their own, age-appropriate version of Spoonful of Sweetness for their class library.

*In an individual, small group, or classroom setting, reflect with older students (5th-6th) about how they've changed since kindergarten. What is their classroom environment like now compared to then? Do they act differently? Reflect on the manners they see from various age groups at school and the role that the oldest students play. Use Spoonful of Sweetness as an extra resource to remember and discuss early childhood. Finally, have students create posters in small groups (or individually) that highlight the manners they feel are important for their age group and/or school as a whole.
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How Would You Use Spoonful of Sweetness?

Write your idea(s) in the comment section of this post! You will be entered to win a free, autographed copy of Spoonful of Sweetness. Deadline: January 31, 2014.
9 Comments
 

School Counseling Job Market Linky Party

03/13/2013

25 Comments

 
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I've received a LOT of emails about how to prepare for a school counseling interview. This process is definitely nerve-racking, especially when open positions may be few and far between. This linky party will connect you with tips to get you through that interview - hopefully with a new job!
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When I interviewed, I brought sample lesson plans in a binder, organized by grade level. This showed my interviewing committee that I have experience with all grade levels and have resources at my disposal. Since you are typically on your own as a school counselor, your committee will be searching for individuals who are independent, creative, and intrinsically motivated. Show that side of yourself! However, you must also demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. I know that sounds like conflicting advice, but school counselors wear many hats.

I also brought data (refer to my annual report). My future principal was impressed by this and frankly, I think it may be the big reason I was hired. Administrators want their employees to show their effectiveness and be thoughtful about how they spend their time. Through my annual report (I created this using my internship data), I demonstrated my scope as a school counselor. Whatever information you have about the effectiveness of your services will help you stand out from the crowd. Seriously! 
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1. Unique ideas that have proven to be effective, either from your internship or previous school(s).
2. Your passion for school counseling. However, you don't want to come off as a starry-eyed newbie. This is not an easy job, so your committee needs to know that you love school counseling even on the most exhausting and trying of days. You need to be ready to walk the halls with a smile on your face, even when you feel like things are falling apart. Students, staff, and parents come to school counselors for help and, unfortunately, sometimes that can leave you feeling drained. Show the interviewing committee that you know school counseling is tough, but you're prepared.
3. Your personality. Smile, be warm and inviting. As a school counselor, you are expected to be approachable, so control your nerves and try your best to relax. Also, be yourself. If you're faking it, it will show.
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Every school counseling position is different and every district is different. It would help to do some research prior to your interview to get a better idea of what they are looking for. That being said, you will probably have questions about:

1. Academic support structures. For my position, I need to know about RtI, 504 Plans, IEPs, DIBELS, progress monitoring, interventions, etc. This is what comes up in meetings and as a facilitator, I need to understand my school's process. Also, these are services that my students receive, so how can I support them if I have little to no understanding of their academic environment? Parents sometimes call me for information, as well, so I have to know the protocol.
2. Handling conflict. They want to know that you can manage the stress and pressure of the job, while still maintaining positive working relationships with students, staff, and parents. What makes you great to work with?
3. Managing negative student behaviors. Have you ever worked with students with violent behaviors? Do you know how to address significant behavior concerns? Your committee is looking for someone who can jump right in and help if a child is in crisis.
4. Experience. What skills do you have? Hopefully, you know how to run individual, small group,  and classroom-based counseling sessions. Talk about that. Also, did you run a particularly effective school-wide program? The school may be looking to shake things up and your experience may be the key to doing so.
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Want to participate?

Create a blog post titled "School Counseling Job Market Linky Party"
Place the Linky Party logo (above) in your post.
Answer the questions. You may copy and paste my headers if you'd like.
Submit your blog post link (below). Be sure to link to the actual post.

Don't have a blog?

No problem! Just add your thoughts to the comment section.

Giveaway

One random participant will receive a free set of school counseling notepads (left), perfect for a new OR veteran school counselor. Courtesy of Counselors Corner.

25 Comments
 

Coffee Mug Giveaway: Winner Announced!

08/04/2012

0 Comments

 

And the winner is...

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Congratulations!

Kelli- I have emailed you the award details.
Add Comment
 

Coffee Mug Giveaway!

07/31/2012

4 Comments

 
As the 2012-2013 school year approaches, I'm beginning to think about the early mornings and late evenings I'll spend working. Even though I love my job, I think we can all agree that school counselors get tired. So, why not prepare for the new school year by entering Elementary School Counseling.org's "Coffee Mug Giveaway!"
To Enter:
1. "Like" Elementary School Counseling.org on Facebook
2. Follow Elementary School Counseling.org on Twitter
3. Complete the form below
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Giveaway Ends:
August 3, 2012 (11:59 PM EST)

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1 winner will choose which mug they prefer ($20 value).
4 Comments
 
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    My name is Marissa Rex and I am an elementary school counselor from Ohio. I hope you enjoy my site!

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